Indoor Golf Boom Continues: Franchises Expand, Local Venues Launch, and Social Spaces Take Center Stage
Quick Answer
The indoor golf industry is experiencing rapid expansion across the United States, with major franchise brands opening new locations alongside family-owned local venues. Recent developments include franchise expansions from established brands like Golf Lounge 18, GolfCave, and The Back Nine, as well as fresh local concepts combining golf simulators with bar and restaurant experiences. The trend emphasizes year-round accessibility, social atmosphere, and advanced simulator technology, with venues ranging from private members-only clubs to casual hangout spots where golf takes a backseat to community gathering.[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]
Table of Contents
- Franchise and Investment Spotlight
- Local Indoor Golf Venues Golfers Will Actually Use
- Social Clubs, Breweries and “Hangout First, Golf Second” Concepts
- Family Entertainment and Multi-Sport Spaces
- Technology and Member Amenities
- FAQ for Everyday Golfers
- Sources
Franchise and Investment Spotlight
Golf Lounge 18 Hits Major Expansion Milestone
Golf Lounge 18, the indoor golf entertainment brand utilizing Trackman simulators, continues its aggressive growth strategy with locations spreading across the Northeast and now pushing into new markets. The franchise operates venues equipped with full bars and kitchens, offering over 450 courses worldwide on their simulator systems. Pricing runs $45 per hour during off-peak times (Monday through Thursday) and $60 per hour on weekends, with each bay accommodating up to five players.[1]
A Golf Lounge 18 location is listed in Westwood, Massachusetts (near Dedham), continuing the brand’s Northeast footprint. The company emphasizes its mission to “help grow the game of golf” through accessible indoor entertainment experiences.[1]
GolfCave Doubles Down on New Jersey Market
GolfCave Fair Lawn represents a significant milestone as the second location opened by Jake Phillips, the brand’s first franchisee. Phillips opened his initial location, GolfCave Randolph, in January 2024, and the Fair Lawn venue launched on November 28, 2025, bringing the private indoor golf concept to Bergen County.[8]
“Super excited to be opening my second GolfCave franchise and to bring this incredible experience to Bergen County. Fair Lawn is such a vibrant community, and GolfCave truly adds something special—whether you’re a serious player or a total beginner. I can’t wait for people to see what makes the Cave so different.”
— Jake Phillips, GolfCave Franchisee[8]
GolfCave Fair Lawn features private, tech-driven “Caves” equipped with TrackMan, marketed as the world’s most accurate golf simulator. Each Cave includes a spacious private room with lounge seating, refrigerators, TVs, and BYOB-friendly comfort. The facility offers 24/7 member access through the exclusive CaveKey system, with easy online booking. The venue is located at 18-01 Pollitt Drive, Fair Lawn, NJ, with the entrance at the rear of the building.[8]
“Jake set the standard as our first franchisee, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him expand into his second location. Fair Lawn is a perfect fit for the brand, and we’re thrilled to bring the Cave experience to Bergen County.”
— Russel Wechsler, GolfCave President[8]
The Back Nine Simulator Centers Multiply in Florida
The Back Nine Golf is expanding its footprint in St. Johns County, Florida, with a second location in the works. The 2,099-square-foot space is at 190 Registry Blvd., Suite 110, in St. Augustine, about 2.5 miles east of the World Commerce Center in The Shoppes of Tocoi Creek near the entrance to the King & Bear community. St. Johns County issued a build-out permit on December 2, 2025, for the center at a project cost of $250,000, with Jacksonville-based Osterer Construction Co. Inc. as the contractor. The franchise plans to open by March 2026.[10]
The Back Nine’s first St. Johns County location opened November 13, 2025, at 10620 U.S. 1, Suite 308, in the Shoppes of Valley Ridge in Ponte Vedra, south of Race Track Road. That build-out permit was also $250,000, with the same contractor. The franchise offers memberships that include 24-hour access, entry into leagues and tournaments across locations, and the ability to invite guests. Memberships are not mandatory, but online booking is required before play. The simulators feature courses including St. Andrews in Scotland, Pebble Beach in California, and Black Desert in Utah.[10]
The Back Nine operates more than 250 locations across 29 states. In addition to St. Johns County, the company shows a location in Jacksonville Beach at 4056 Third St. S. and one coming soon to 1626 University Blvd. W. in Jacksonville. The company was founded by attorney Wil Bangerter in January 2021 in St. George, Utah, and began franchising in 2022.[10]
Local Indoor Golf Venues Golfers Will Actually Use
Net Par Brings Indiana Family’s Vision to North Carolina Coast
Kurt Terry and his family have turned decades of annual vacations in Brunswick County, North Carolina, into a business venture. After marrying his wife Amanda 17 years ago, Kurt introduced the area to her and her family, including her son and daughter Garret and Courtland Wood. The family collectively decided that annual visits weren’t enough, and purchased a Net Par indoor golf facility franchise opening in Shallotte. Garret and Courtland have moved to Calabash to operate it.[7]
Net Par will be a 3,300-square-foot indoor golf facility and bar/restaurant featuring Trackman simulator technology in four hitting bays with a putting green. The bar will feature several TVs showing sports, and there will be a 700-square-foot outdoor patio with tables and seating. The building that will house it is under construction and they anticipate opening in late January or early February 2026.[7]
“I like to think of it as we’re more than just a golf facility, we’re really just a year-round social spot for golfers of all skill levels and people who really don’t even golf at all, they just want something to do or somewhere to hang out.”
— Courtland Wood, General Manager and Marketing Director[7]
Net Par’s franchise menu generally features flatbread pizzas; handheld sandwiches such as Italian Beef, Classic Italian and Turkey Pesto; and shareables such as chips and dip, pretzels, pulled pork nachos, skillet meatballs and chicken satay skewers. Courtland anticipates having live music on the patio.[7]
Net Par will be open to the public and will offer corporate memberships and multiple levels of individual and group memberships, as well as multiple leagues including those for women, couples and juniors. The cost of a bay is expected to be approximately $60 per hour on weekdays and $80 per hour on weekends, though pricing hasn’t been entirely determined. Courtland recommends up to six players per bay.[7]
Kurt has been a recreational golfer since his youth, and his hometown of Chesterton, Indiana, which is near Chicago, has a Net Par, which gave him the idea of bringing one to the north Strand. Courtland has an advertising and marketing background and will be the general manager and marketing director, while Garret has an IT background and will handle technology issues as the assistant manager.[7]
Net Par will be in one of four units in a brand new building at 4636 East Coast Lane in Shallotte. The family first looked at existing buildings to lease, but the best option ended up being a new building being erected by Sun Coast Partners, which is customizing the unit to Net Par’s specifications and needs.[7]
Swing Speed Opens With Physical Therapy Focus in Rhode Island
Swing Speed just opened in Narragansett, Rhode Island, at 883 Boston Neck Road, marking the second new indoor golf facility to open in the state in recent weeks. The facility is owned by Mike Calcagni, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and is TPI Certified.[5]
Swing Speed is using TrackMan 4 technology which consists of more than 250 courses and 20 “actionable data points.” Range pricing is $55 per hour, while members get 20% off, cutting the price to $44 per hour.[5]
The facility also consists of a gym with Keiser’s “air” resistance. According to Swing Speed’s website, “Keiser’s resistance is perfectly consistent, no matter how fast or slow you move, giving you precise control over every exercise. Its compact, lightweight design makes it ideal for focused golf training, and adjustments in 1/10 lb. increments ensure your workout is always tailored to your needs.”[5]
Swing Speed notes that they are in the process of developing Youth Jr. Golf Programs, leagues, member only events, supervised practice and more. Swing Speed joins places like newly opened Bristol Sim Golf, Inside Links, Golf365RI, Newport Indoor Golf, V-Golf, Shanks and two X-Golf locations as part of Rhode Island’s indoor golf community.[5]
Social Clubs, Breweries and “Hangout First, Golf Second” Concepts
Intown Golf Club Brings Members-Only Model to Houston
Houston now hosts Texas’ first indoor, members-only golf club. Located roughly a mile north of The Galleria mall and officially open as of early December 2025, Intown Golf Club offers the usual dining, locker room and other amenities of a traditional golf club. The main difference? The Intown Golf Club replaces a traditional outdoor golf course with eight golf-simulator bays, all of which are indoor.[2]
Intown Golf Club CEO Michael Williamson says he’s long targeted Houston as a home for his company’s next expansion location. According to Williamson, “Our data shows Houston is home to more golfers than any other city in America.” He told Houston Business Journal’s Jeff Jeffrey that Houston “is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, has more Fortune 500 companies than anywhere outside of New York. We want to bring something that is different from traditional clubs and is more accessible, urban and inclusive, which is built around a model that fosters a diverse membership.”[2]
Houston’s Intown location is the first Intown Golf Club in Texas. It’s the sixth nationwide, joining locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbus, Philadelphia and Nashville. A club in Raleigh is set to open in 2026, and per Williamson, an Intown Golf Club could soon come to Dallas or Austin.[2]
The indoor amenities at the Houston edition of the Intown Golf Club are impressive. The simulators are a small portion of the services provided for golf lovers. Others include bag storage, club fitting from an Intown professional plus a member’s-only merchandise shop. Rounds on the simulator also include available food service—prepared by James Beard Award-winning chef Zeb Stevenson—and there’s an additional “grand dining room” with a 12-seat bar. Williamson also notes he’s “thrilled” by a large, adjoining outdoor patio, and he adds Houston’s Intown Golf Club is the only Intown Golf Club with a nine-hole putting green.[2]
Country Club Social Opens in Illinois With Family-First Philosophy
Four friends have melded minds and passions to open Country Club Social in New Lenox, Illinois. Kate and Tony Koch, with friends Heather and Tom Wallerstedt, opened their family-friendly business featuring golf and multi-sport simulators, ping pong, interactive darts, and food and drink. The women admit it was a concept inspired largely by their husbands and their time-consuming hobby.[6]
“Every wife that’s married to a husband that golfs, this is a happy medium. They won’t be gone eight hours on a Sunday.”
— Kate Koch, Co-owner[6]
Country Club Social, located at 2465 E. Joliet Hwy., features three large simulator bays that can accommodate 8–10 people each. “We stuck with three, so we could make them as big as possible,” said Koch. “That was important for a family feel.”[6]
The space features plush, rich leather couches and a bar—a hint of country club luxury tucked into a suburban strip mall. Customers will be able to kick back and order food remotely from nearby North & Maple, just down the sidewalk in the same strip mall. “North & Maple has been wonderful,” Wallerstedt said. “All customers will have to do is scan the QR code, order, and runners will bring the food down.”[6]
The drink menu is streamlined and focused on simplicity. “We wanted it to focus on efficiency,” Koch said. “Drinks are cans and bottles, few cocktails—2-3 signature drinks, to make sure the quality is consistent across the board.” They’ll also feature Prime buckets for kids’ birthdays, and adult cocktails will be golf-themed. They also selected an organic, single-serve wine option. “We’re really focusing on quality of products,” Koch said. “We really found our niche with the wine, as well.”[6]
Heather and Tom Wallerstedt lived in Mokena before moving to New Lenox; Tony and Kate Koch live in Manhattan. Wallerstedt is a physical therapy assistant; Koch is an assistant superintendent in Lemont District 113A. Tony Koch and Tom Wallerstedt have worked together as pipefitters for 20 years. “Everyone has their own talents that they brought in,” Wallerstedt said, “so it truly has been a teamwork approach.”[6]
The owners planned a Friday, December 19, 2025 grand opening, and are accepting reservations for holiday parties, corporate events, and birthday parties. Monthly memberships are available for $40. Members save $10 every time they golf, and $5 off every time they play darts. There are no initiation fees, no contracts, and members can cancel at any time.[6]
“Reaching this final stretch is a mix of relief, excitement, and gratitude. We’re built on big dreams and bigger support from this community, now it’s time to bring the fun to life.”
— Kate Koch, Co-owner[6]
Family Entertainment and Multi-Sport Spaces
Swingers Brings “Crazy Golf” Concept to Boston
Swingers, the global “crazy golf and carnival” brand, is opening its first location in New England. The 21,000-square-foot venue, located at 777 Boylston Street, will span two levels overlooking Back Bay’s streets and is set to open in early 2026.[4]
The venue will feature two beautifully designed crazy golf courses, multiple cocktail bars, semi-private event spaces, and “Carnival,” a Belle Époque-inspired arcade filled with arcade games, nostalgic charm, flashing lights, and the chance to win prizes. Guests will be able to test their skills on retro games such as Roll-A-Ball, Skee-Ball, and Down the Clown, all while listening to soundtracks.[4]
“Opening in Boston marks an exciting new chapter for Swingers. The city’s vibrant energy and love of great food, drink and entertainment make it the perfect home for our unique blend of competitive fun and premium hospitality. We can’t wait to bring something truly different to Boston’s social scene.”
— Jeremy Simmonds, Co-Founder and CEO of Competitive Socialising[4]
Technology and Member Amenities
TrackMan Dominates Simulator Choices
Across the various new openings, TrackMan technology continues to be the dominant choice for simulator systems. Golf Lounge 18 utilizes Trackman 4 Technology trusted by hundreds of pros and features over 450 courses worldwide. Swing Speed is using TrackMan 4 technology consisting of more than 250 courses and 20 “actionable data points.” GolfCave Fair Lawn features TrackMan, marketed as the world’s most accurate golf simulator. Net Par’s Shallotte location will feature Trackman simulator technology in four hitting bays.[1,5,7,8]
Country Clubs Explore Indoor Golf as Future Amenity
While not exclusively an indoor golf story, Bent Pine Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, provides a glimpse into how traditional country clubs are considering indoor golf facilities as part of their future expansion plans. Beyond unveiling a multimillion-dollar clubhouse renovation and a new, high-tech irrigation system for its renowned Tom Lee golf course, the club is in the early planning stages for further upgrades and expansion that could bring a resort-style swimming pool, lawn games, pickleball and an indoor golf practice facility later in the decade.[3]
The club sits on 148 acres purchased by John’s Island golfers in the 1970s, and besides the acreage occupied by the clubhouse and golf course, the club owns an adjacent 109 acres that give it plenty of room to expand. The club has hired two land planning companies to provide advice about the best locations for possible new club facilities. Focus groups are meeting to give club leaders a clearer sense of what kind of future the members want for the club. The goal is to maintain the club’s historic elite level of golf while also creating a more full-featured country club to attract younger members.[3]
FAQ for Everyday Golfers
How much does it typically cost to rent a simulator bay?
Pricing varies by location and day of the week. Golf Lounge 18 charges $45 per hour during off-peak times (Monday through Thursday) and $60 per hour on weekends, with each bay accommodating up to five players. Net Par’s Shallotte location expects to charge approximately $60 per hour on weekdays and $80 per hour on weekends. Swing Speed in Narragansett charges $55 per hour for non-members and $44 per hour for members. The key benefit is that pricing is typically per bay, not per person, so splitting the cost among friends makes it affordable.[1,5,7]
Do I need to be a member to use these facilities?
Most facilities offer both walk-in access and membership options. GolfCave operates on a members-only model with 24/7 access through their CaveKey system. Intown Golf Club in Houston is also members-only. However, facilities like Golf Lounge 18, Net Par, Swing Speed, and Country Club Social welcome both members and non-members. The Back Nine offers memberships that include 24-hour access and entry into leagues, but memberships are not mandatory—online booking is required before play.[2,7,8,10]
What simulator technology should I expect?
TrackMan is the most commonly featured simulator technology across new indoor golf venues. TrackMan 4 technology is trusted by hundreds of pros and features over 250-450 courses worldwide depending on the venue, along with detailed data tracking for swing analysis. These systems track club delivery, ball flight, and swing mechanics, providing actionable insights whether you’re fine-tuning your short game, improving driving accuracy, or rebuilding fundamentals.[1,5,7,8]
Are these venues good for families and beginners?
Yes, many of the new concepts emphasize family-friendly atmospheres and welcome golfers of all skill levels. Country Club Social in New Lenox was designed with families in mind, featuring large bays that accommodate 8-10 people. Net Par describes itself as “a year-round social spot for golfers of all skill levels and people who really don’t even golf at all.” GolfCave’s Jake Phillips notes the experience is designed “whether you’re a serious player or a total beginner.” Most venues provide rental clubs for various ages and skill levels.[6,7,8]
Can these facilities host private events?
Absolutely. Most indoor golf venues actively promote private event hosting for birthday parties, corporate outings, team-building events, bachelor parties, and holiday gatherings. Country Club Social is accepting reservations for holiday parties, corporate events, and birthday parties, with gift cards available for purchase. Golf Lounge 18 markets its facilities as perfect for hosting personal and corporate events with catering available. Net Par will offer booking options for corporate memberships and private events with customizable packages.[1,6,7]
Sources
- Patch.com – “Golf Lounge 18 – Westwood, MA Patch.” Link
- Houston Chronicle – “Houston now home to Texas’ first indoor, members-only golf club.” Link
- Vero News – “Sparkling upgrades, expansion are name of the game at Bent Pine.” Link
- Boston 25 News – “‘Swingers’ mini-golf bar set to open first New England location in early 2026.” Link
- GolfNewsRI – “Swing Speed Opens in Narragansett.” Link
- Patch.com – “‘Built On Big Dreams’: Friends Bring Indoor Golf, Sports Simulators To New Lenox At ‘Country Club Social’.” Link
- On The Green Magazine – “How an Indiana family is bringing indoor golf to the north end of the Grand Strand.” Link
- PR Web – “GolfCave Major Milestone: First Franchisee Opens His Second Location, Fair Lawn, NJ.” Link
- Not applicable – Source not used for this article.
- Jax Daily Record – “St. Augustine The Back Nine Golf issued build-out permit.” Link
