how to open a golf range facility

• Location. If you’re building a new range, location is an important factor. ...
• Safety. Make sure your safety precautions are in place before opening your range. At the very least you’ll need barriers between each tee to prevent shanks from striking neighboring players.
• Handling Cash and Dispensing Balls. Choose how you’ll handle cash and whether you’ll accept credit and debit cards. ...
• Operating Schedule. Choose the hours and days of operation. This will be based in part on the times when your customers are likely to play.
• Add Special Features. Many driving ranges offer much more than just a field surrounded by tees and covered in cheap, striped golf balls.

Full Answer

Where do you put a range on a golf course?

Ranges should be near the clubhouse for golfer convenience and visual control, near the first (and, if possible, the 10th) tee and consistent with general traffic flow. To distribute use evenly, the main access point should be centered rather than at one end, which tends to concentrate use on the near side.

How much does it cost to open an indoor driving range?

Opening an indoor driving range in a metropolitan area can cost you millions on the property alone, while one removed from the city can be a fraction of the cost. What Type of Driving Range Are You Opening?

What do I need to know before opening a driving range?

Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your driving range will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO. Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully.

How much space do you need for a golf practice range?

Space requirements make adding a practice range to an older course tricky. Modern driving ranges use 15 to 17 acres, compared to 10 to 12 acres a decade ago. Increased distance suggests driving ranges should be longer than 300 yards. For divot recovery, tees should be 45 to 60 yards deep.

How do you build a golf range?

0:3111:02How to Build a Driving Range for Golf from Scratch... ⛳️ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou build a driving range from scratch. And it's very similar to a golf swing. First of all itMoreYou build a driving range from scratch. And it's very similar to a golf swing. First of all it starts with intention. And that's visualization. So i had an idea in my mind of how it would look.

How do you set up an indoor golf range?

2:4611:46DIY Indoor Driving Range - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe mats that we use are just driving range mats these are actually ridiculously expensive they'reMoreThe mats that we use are just driving range mats these are actually ridiculously expensive they're so expensive because they're made for outdoor use with the UV light hitting them all the time.

How do you build an outdoor driving range?

2:378:18I BUILT A BACKYARD GOLF DRIVING RANGE FOR £180!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOptions but anyway first thing first is measure the pipe work get it cut to size. The company that IMoreOptions but anyway first thing first is measure the pipe work get it cut to size. The company that I use which I'll throw it for you now again they will literally cut every size do you require.

How can I practice irons at the range?

Here are some of the recommendations laid out in the book, which you can work on the next time you're on the range.Play simulated holes. ... Play shots to different targets with random clubs. ... Use one ball. ... Same club, different targets. ... Same target, different clubs. ... Same club, different ball flights. ... Use your routine.More items...•

Is owning a golf simulator profitable?

To return to the original question, yes, indoor golf simulators are profitable and can make almost a million dollars of profit a year.

How do you set up a golf practice station?

1:113:34Golf Practice Station (Simple And Effective Setup For Better Golf)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then the plane stick goes back about two feet two and a half feet behind the ball on the targetMoreAnd then the plane stick goes back about two feet two and a half feet behind the ball on the target line about four inches outside of the target. Line.

Are golf ranges profitable?

How much profit can a driving range make? An indoor facility with full-service restaurant and rental space in a high-traffic urban environment can see a net profit of up to $2.9 million a year. However, if you have a low-tech field in the country, you could see an income as low as $40,000 a year.

Can you practice golf in backyard?

As long as you have a backyard, basement, or available area that you can take a full swing, there are numerous ways to practice your golf swing around the house. Muscle memory is important for any sport. This includes golf as well.

How do you build a golf simulator enclosure?

0:006:17How to Assemble a Carl's Place DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll required frame tubing. A black enclosure. Cover impact screen with flaps. Six inch ball bungees.MoreAll required frame tubing. A black enclosure. Cover impact screen with flaps. Six inch ball bungees. And a weighted bag attachment for the bottom of your. Screen.

How many golf balls do pros hit a day?

500 ballsHow Many Range Balls Do Pros Hit A Day. On average, professional golfers hit around 500 balls per day when they're not playing a tournament. The majority of these balls are hit either around the green or on the course, while only 50-100 would be hit at the driving range.

How many golf balls should you hit at the range?

How many balls should I hit at the golf range? Unless you're a tour pro or a serious amateur practicing 15+ hour a week, I would suggest 50-100 balls maximum. If you follow the steps in this article 50-60 balls will take you close to an hour to hit.

How many balls should I hit before a round of golf?

Hitting balls before you play is a warm up. Nothing more, nothing less. It's an opportunity to get loose, reaffirm a feel and prepare both physically and mentally for the round. I prefer three to five balls with a wedge, short-iron, mid-iron, hybrid and driver.

What are the costs involved in opening a driving range?

This depends wildly on location. Opening an indoor local in a metropolitan area can cost millions on the property alone, while one removed from the...

What are the ongoing expenses for a driving range?

Property maintenance is key for an outdoor facility. Such maintenance includes mowing the range, maintaining grass, and keeping tee areas clean. Fo...

Who is the target market?

Your customers will include golf lovers of all ages and skill-levels. Students and young professionals will use your facility to improve their golf...

How much can you charge customers?

The more services you offer, the more you can charge for a bucket of balls. Most ranges offer 50-80 balls for $5-$8. Monthly memberships go for $50...

How much profit can a driving range make?

An indoor facility with full-service restaurant and rental space in a high-traffic urban environment can see a net profit of up to $2.9 million a y...

How can you make your business more profitable?

Provide more services for each customer, such as snack foods that require minimal preparation and reserved parking for members. Monthly memberships...

Is this Business Right For You?

Ideal driving range owners are those interested in golf and experienced in customer service. Great customer service is a vital part of your busines...

What happens during a typical day at a driving range?

Your own list of daily duties can depend on whether you open an indoor or outdoor facility with or without food services, but the average day of a...

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful driving range?

Successful owners will have excellent business skills and they will be able to adjust their marketing plan to meet the needs and demands of their l...

What is the growth potential for a driving range?

The location of your driving range will determine how much business you can generate. While property values in rural areas lower your initial inves...

How to promote a driving range?

You can partner with local gyms, batting cages, sports bars, and other businesses with to promote the existence of your new driving range. Cross-promotion will get feet in the door, then it is up to you to keep them coming back. Mid-week discounts help to drive sales during off-periods.

How does the location of a driving range affect business?

While property values in rural areas lower your initial investment, urban settings bring in more customers. The increased number of customers may open up opportunities to offer golfing lessons, sell more golfing equipment, or expand your snack-shack into a larger restaurant.

What is a driving range?

A driving range offers golfers of all skill levels a place to practice their swing by allowing them to practice many repetitions of their swing without having to travel the length of a golf course. Driving ranges can be located indoors or outdoors, and most ranges also offer the retail sale of golf equipment and a snack bar or restaurant.

How to increase business in golf?

A clean, well-lit range with extended operating hours will keep them coming back. Heated tee areas can increase your business during the colder months.

How much does it cost to open an indoor golf simulator?

This depends wildly on location. Opening an indoor local in a metropolitan area can cost millions on the property alone, while one removed from the city can be a fraction of the cost. Regardless of your geographic location, simple, outdoor ranges will be most cost efficient. High-tech, indoor golf simulators can cost six figures per simulator unit, so these types of ranges are best suited for those who have already made a large amount of money in the business already. Go low-tech with no amenities, and the entire range can be set up for around $100,000.

Do driving ranges have release of liability?

To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, driving range businesses should have their clients sign a release of liability. Here is an example of one such form.

Do you need a license to operate a driving range?

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a driving range. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

How long to offer memberships for golf course?

However, I would avoid offering memberships for at least six months to a year after opening. It is very hard to anticipate the true value of a membership until you have a few months under your belt. The people that I have talked with who have offered memberships from day one, regret it! It is much better to gauge how much people are using your facility before you offer them any type of long-term discounts. Get through a full season of business before offering memberships and you will be able to charge a lot more for them. There is a fair amount of sticker shock when a customer is new to the idea of indoor golf and you are asking them to throw down $1000 for a membership. They really have no idea how much they are going to use your facility, by year two a $1000 or $1500 membership looks like a great value for that customer. Be patient and offer memberships after you have built up a loyal customer base.

How to pick a golf simulator?

First, you want a system that is easy to use and understand. An intuitive , user friendly interface will cut down on the amount of time you will need to spend teaching people on how to use the simulator.

What keeps golfers coming back?

Golfers enjoy many aspects of golf, but the element that always keeps them coming back is the entertainment value. Fortunately, this aspect can be delivered very effectively with a quality indoor golf center. Picking the right golf simulators and accessories can greatly impact the customer’s experience.

How much does a golfer pay for food?

This is where your food and beverage sales are essential. Each golfer paid (for example) $20 for a round of golf, but while they’re sitting around you can hit them for another $20-$40 in food and drinks. Offer your customers snacks, appetizers, drinks and entrees which are easy to eat but not messy.

What to do if you are near a busy business park?

If you are located near a busy business park, offer a 3-hole lunch special. Most golfers have to take time off of work to play a full round outdoors, offer an after work special. Use these opportunities to increase the appeal of your indoor golf business.

Is a golf center open to the public?

Indoor golf centers are typically open to the public. Because of this, you will get golfers of all skill levels in your facility. The way that you present the theme of your golf facility can greatly influence the type of customer you attract.

Is it a good idea to add a golf pro to your facility?

Adding a golf professional to your facility can be a good idea, but not a must. Golf professionals can add a great deal of attention and value to your facility, but they can also take a lot away from your bottom line. Be careful of how you bring a golf pro into your facility.

How much does it cost to build a driving range?

The initial investment for a driving range will generally start around $100,000. The largest expense is the purchase and development of the land, but machinery purchase costs are also significant. If a business owner can purchase or rent an existing driving range, they can save money over the cost of developing a range from scratch and face startup costs closer to $50,000 or less.

Why do golfers use driving ranges?

Driving ranges save golfers from having to walk courses or rent golf carts, acting as a designated practice facility . Many golfers will spend a few hours at a driving range, where they rent buckets of balls to hit.

How does GPS affect golf course maintenance?

The United States Golf Association reports that multiple trends affect golf course and driving range maintenance today. Courses in the Western part of the country are increasingly facing water shortages, causing them to replace turf with less maintenance-intense low-water grasses. GPS-guided sprayers allow courses to deliver precise treatments, saving both time and chemicals with every course treatment. Because many courses are now operating with fewer employees than they previously had, courses use riding mowers to mow greens and tees to save on labor.

What is a driving range?

Driving ranges give golfers a chance to practice their swing without playing an entire game of golf. These ranges typically have markers designating different differences, allowing golfers to monitor their progress.

What skills do you need to operate a driving range?

Mechanical and technical skills. Driving ranges rely on lots of equipment, including mowers and computers, to operate on a daily basis. A business owner who can perform some troubleshooting and maintenance on this equipment can save money over hiring professional technicians.

How to market driving ranges?

Driving ranges need to continuously market to bring in new customers. Common marketing techniques include social media marketing, online advertising, print advertising, and radio advertising. Establishing loyalty programs and referral rewards can also help to drive attendance and bring in new customers. Marketing costs will depend on the type and volume of marketing activity that’s performed.

When will golf driving ranges grow?

IBIS World predicts that the industry will continue to grow, though more slowly, from 2020 to 2025. Americans are predicted to increasingly participate in sports during that time, and golf driving ranges should see increased customer attendance.

How long has indoor golf been around?

The idea of an indoor golf business in nothing new, they have been around for the better part of 25 years. Some businesses succeed…most fail. But just like any other industry, it has gone through its growing pains but now it’s ready for a revolution and a rebirth in popularly and here is why.

What is turn based golf?

This is turn-based play, creating a true head-to-head competition between simulator golfers, connecting golfers from around the world and bridging the gap between the real and virtual experience.

Why are golf courses declining?

In recent years, golf courses and country clubs have experienced declining memberships and fewer participants as course fees and equipment costs climb, and free time becomes scarcer. They are unable to offer what the consumers are demanding, the ultimate high-end golf experience that fits their budget and hectic time schedules. Now hard-core players, weekend warriors, kids and even individuals that have never swung a club have the opportunity to learn, train and experience the best golf has to offer.

Is E6 Connect a good golf software?

Simple Yet Effective Innovation. Yes, software is the reason for golfers to come and keep coming into your facility. Within E6 Connect, golfers have the ability to create a profile and save data to their profile, accessible from any computer or device.

Is indoor golf a simulation?

Most of the successful in door golf facilities are not based around playing simulated golf, playing golf is just something you do while you’re there. The most successful facilities are normally the ones who offer decent food and an excellent beverage menu, while providing a comfortable social setting.

Can you track golf results?

Owners can track and share results for leagues, tournaments and events, online with a click of a button. Leagues, tournaments and contests are the simplest way to get that coveted return customer. They provide a reason for the golfer to come back, check their score and position, and spend more time (and money) to get to the top of the leaderboard.

Is E6Connect good for golf?

There is still great value in expanding your product offerings, whether it’s the “best beer special in town” or offering professional club fitting, each indoor golf facility is different and what ultimately makes them successful varies greatly. With E6Connect, great strides have been taken to improve the golf software and increase customer satisfaction, appeal to broader demographics, and expand your marketing, all to help increase revenue and make your life as an owner a little bit easier.

Executive Summary

Emerald Driving Range (Emerald, EDR) is a new enterprise that provides state-of-the-art facilities that accommodate golfers of all levels. A first-class driving range with slots for 50 golfers along with two chipping greens and two putting greens will be available. EDR will focus on providing practice opportunities for golfers of all abilities.

1.1 Mission

Emerald Driving Range is dedicated to providing a practice facility that is committed to serving golfers, both advanced and novice. It is our purpose to manage a facility that will help golfers of all levels develop their game.

What is a driving range?

A driving range is an area where golfers can practice their golf swing. It can also be a recreational activity itself for amateur golfers for when a full game is not available. Many golf courses have a driving range attached and they are also found as stand-alone facilities, especially in urban areas.

How many locations does Topgolf have?

TopGolf is another golf franchise in the United States that have a driving range. One part driving range, two parts entertainment center, this hybrid concept has 22 locations in the United States.

What is Bigshots Golf?

BigShots Golf is a cutting-edge golf and entertainment company powered by BigShots Golf proprietary technology, with an inviting social atmosphere that appeals to avid golfers and recreational players alike . The BigShots Golf driving ranges and golf courses are fun, entertaining, and also a place to master a skill.

What is links golf?

Links Golf Café is the world’s first “eatertainment” franchise that combines the fun, social, and practical aspects of advanced indoor golf and internet technologies with a golf-themed, deliciously satisfying and made-to-order menu based on the latest innovations in fast-casual dining, all wrapped in a warm, inviting and uniquely modern décor.

What is a golf simulator?

A golf simulator allows golf to be played on a graphically or photographically simulated driving range or golf course, usually in an indoor setting. Many of these simulated driving ranges also offer franchise. Mentioned here are some of the popular golf driving ranges that offer franchise in the United states.

What is motion golf?

Motion Golf is another golf simulation company that offers franchise in the United States. The company has evolved the game of golf to offer its customers real time knowledge to help them improve their game. The motion capture process is simple and non-invasive, as the system is totally optical and tetherless.

How does golf affect the mind?

Golf is one sporting activity that impacts both the body and the mind. Golfing improves physical , mental and cognitive skills of the player regardless of if he or she were an adult or a child. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of committed golfers, as well as beginning golfers and those who are interested in taking up ...

How much does it cost to open a driving range?

If you get this done, the whole set up can cost you around $100,000.

What is driving range?

A driving range is referred to as an area where golfers can practice their golf swing. It can also be a recreational activity in itself for amateur golfers or something that can be used when enough time for a full game is not available.

How much does a golf simulator cost?

High-tech, indoor golf simulators can cost six figures per simulator unit, so these types of ranges are best suited for those who have already made a large amount of money in the business already.

What maintenance is required for a 20 capacity driving range?

Such maintenance includes mowing the range, maintaining grass, and keeping tee areas clean. For an indoor facility there are more daily cleaning, payroll, and simulator repair/replacement issues to take into consideration. Your variable costs would generally look like this for a 20 capacity driving range;

How much does it cost to fix a golf ball dispenser?

Your golf ball dispensers are also part of your fixed cost and that should cost you around $5,000 too. Your token dispenser comes next at about $3,000 .

How much money do indoor restaurants make?

An indoor facility with full-service restaurant and rental space in a high-traffic urban environment can see a net profit of up to $2.9 million a year. However, if you have a low-tech field in the country, you could see an income as low as $40,000 a year.

How much does a day to day operation cost?

The day to day operation costs will include the salary you pay to your staff, and you can put that at around $30 per day. Depending on your set up, you may have to pay more. You should also factor in your maintenance costs and this can range from property tax, machinery, grass seed, water, flag sticks, etc.

Where should a golf range be?

Ranges should be near the clubhouse for golfer convenience and visual control, near the first (and, if possible, the 10th) tee and consistent with general traffic flow. To distribute use evenly, the main access point should be centered rather than at one end, which tends to concentrate use on the near side.

How many acres are there for driving ranges?

Space requirements make adding a practice range to an older course tricky. Modern driving ranges use 15 to 17 acres, compared to 10 to 12 acres a decade ago. Increased distance suggests driving ranges should be longer than 300 yards. For divot recovery, tees should be 45 to 60 yards deep. If tees are at both ends, total range length should exceed 400 yards. For years, the standard was 300 yards.

What is the role of the executive director of the regional golf chapter?

As its representative and spokesman, the executive director shall educate the regional golf community about the chapter’s mission statement and liaison effectively (including making guest speaking appearances and providing guest written articles) with regional entities such as sister golf organizations, government and public service organizations, nonpolitical environmental groups, vendors, valued corporate leaders, charitable organizations and youth groups – among others.

What are the characteristics of a golf executive director?

As the representative of the chapter and its members, the executive director shall have a neat appearance in person and dress, demonstrate an enthusiastic approach to his/her work, be familiar with the private golf club environment, be an efficient public speaker and publication writer, and play golf with an approved USGA handicap.

What are some things that are important to a golfer?

Creature comfort is important. Details such as portable shades, fans and mist systems in summer and enclosed covered hitting areas for winter are popular. Refreshment stands stocked with water and sunscreen, chairs, bag stands, club cleaners, in-ground trash receptacles and a visible clock to ease fears of not being on the first tee on time all add character and function.

Why are good practice facilities necessary?

Good practice facilities are necessary to attract play.

Where should short game practice areas be located?

A short-game practice area should be located near the main range , and also should simulate the on-course experience: