Indoor golf simulator biz set to open next month

A George, Utah-based golf simulator company is set to launch its first Queen City location next month.

Local franchisees and friends Garrett Griffith and Drake Johnson plan to open the first local venue for Back Nine Golf at 3000 E. Cherry St., near dog daycare and boarding facility Bark Yard. Griffith’s wife, Emily, who also is involved with the local franchise, said they are aiming for an Aug. 10 opening.

The roughly 3,000-square-foot indoor golf facility will provide four simulators using Full Swing technology that allows golfers to play courses from around the world while providing detailed swing and ball-flight analytics. The venue offers memberships, but one will not be required to book time for a golf simulator. According to the website, the location provides 24/7 access to members, camps and clinics, tournaments and various events such as corporate gatherings and birthday parties for players of all skill levels, including interactive games for children.

“We’re all really into golf. Those two may be more talented than me, but I do enjoy it,” Emily said of her husband and Johnson. “This just seemed like a really great opportunity.”

Emily said she is an attorney with the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave PC and is helping get the business off the ground, while her husband recently exited his job at Capital Paving & Construction LLC to fully focus on Back Nine Golf.

“It’s basically like a gym for golf,” Garrett said, noting he and Johnson, who are first-time business owners, previously visited a Back Nine Golf in Rolla – the nearest location to Springfield – before deciding to open one of their own. “It’s the most realistic golf simulator I’ve ever played.”

Emily said they hired Kern Construction 417 LLC as general contractor to build out the 16-foot bays.

“When you’re in there, it kind of feels like you’re playing simulator golf in a movie theater,” she said. “For me, this is how I learned how to golf was in a simulator because I’m not going to go to a range in front of 50 people and learn how to hit the ball.”

The Griffiths said Back Nine Golf is a good environment for beginners wanting to get better at the sport as well as seasoned players wanting to improve aspects of their game.

“You’ve got a driving range but other than that there’s not a lot of options to work on the same shot over and over again,” she said.

Garrett said Back Nine Golf has over 200 locations open, mostly in the U.S., and roughly 300 in development.

The franchisees signed a 10-year lease with a five-year renewal for an undisclosed rate with Excel Investments LP. They declined to disclose their startup costs, and officials with Back Nine Golf didn’t respond to a request for the franchise fee and investment range required for franchisees by deadline.

While no refreshments are served at the facility, Garrett said outside food and drink will be allowed. The business will be monitored 24/7, he said, adding he plans to be on-site as much as possible.

“It’s a great place to learn and a great place to get better,” he said. “I’m addicted to golf and I’d golf every day if I could.”

According to the website, annual memberships range $2,689-$4,788 if paid up front, although monthly options also are available. Online discounts also are currently being provided, and simulator play is $60 per hour for nonmembers, Garrett said.

“Anybody who wants to come in, we’re going to give you a free hour,” he said. “Check it out, see if you like it.”

Garrett said Back Nine Golf’s simulators offer access to more than 250 courses, including world famous locations such as Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, Pebble Beach Golf Links in California and St. Andrews in Scotland.

The franchisees are considering a second Queen City location, but Garrett said no definitive plans are in motion yet.

“We’re going to get this one going and get it stable, and then probably work on getting the second one going,” he said.