How Avid Caddie Golf Lounge Built a Profitable Indoor Golf Business with Commercial Golf Simulators
The indoor golf industry continues to grow as golfers seek year-round practice, entertainment, and competition. For entrepreneurs considering a commercial golf simulator business, Avid Caddie Golf Lounge provides a compelling example of how a membership-based indoor golf facility can achieve profitability while creating a community-focused golf experience. Powered by realistic golf simulator technology, the Denver-area facility demonstrates how modern commercial golf simulators can attract both avid golfers and beginners alike.
From PGA Professional to Indoor Golf Business Owner
Tom Bene is a PGA professional, who worked as a head golf professional for over a decade in the always sunny Southern California. Being in the golf industry for so long, he never expected to dip his toes in the indoor golf world. He didn’t think it was going to make such headway.
A few years later, Bene and his brother, Kevin, considered starting a business and that’s when his mind began to shift.
Why Realistic Golf Simulator Technology Matters
“We started checking out all the different brands around,” Tom Bene said.
And to be honest with you, the GOLFZON ones blew our minds. We played probably 10, 15 different ones. And these were by far and away more realistic than I ever expected them to be at. So from there, it was a no-brainer for us.
As a PGA professional who’s worked at a club for so long, he knew the importance of an indoor golf simulator that covered all facets of the game.
“The biggest one for me was the putting and chipping side to it,” he said.
I always felt like when you played on simulators that it was kind of lackluster when it came to putting and chipping. It didn’t feel like the real thing. But as soon as we got on these and played them for the first time, I could at least tell that it was accurate and it felt realistic when we’re playing on it.
Building a Membership-Based Golf Simulator Lounge
Once the decision was made, the Benes wanted to start a business that felt like an indoor golf club. And the opening of Avid Caddie Golf Lounge in February of 2024.
Sitting just south of the Denver city lines, Avid Caddie is a members-only facility open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day. Membership starts as low as $99 per month which includes several hours per month and there are no additional guest fees.
Members can bring in outside food and drinks as they please. The facility isn’t manned by a staff at all times.
“We want it to feel like it’s a place of your own and we want people to treat it like it’s a place of their own,” Tom Bene said.
Creating a Year-Round Golf Experience in Denver
Konner Malcolm was another skeptic of indoor golf. Hailing from Texas where he worked as a club pro in Dallas, he enjoyed green-grass golf frequently. But after his first visit to Avid Caddie after moving to Denver, he immediately signed up for a membership.
“I love competing so being able to compete with friends in here, no matter what the weather’s like outside is great,” Malcolm said,
We’ve been in here playing in the middle of a snowstorm. And then the other thing for me is like bringing clients in. At first, some of them have been hesitant to come in and they’re unsure of indoor golf like I was but then they come in and they love it. It’s just a lot of fun.
How Commercial Golf Simulators Help Drive Customer Retention
With GOLFZON providing many opportunities like the GOLFZON Tour with $300,000 purse, monthly challenges and more, Avid Caddie is the perfect hangout place for a pro like Malcolm but also for beginner golfers too.
Reaching Profitability with an Indoor Golf Facility
More than two years into business, Avid Caddie reached profitability in less than a year. With fickle weather common in Denver, indoor golf provides more ways for people to access golf. Avid Caddie is just the appropriate place in the Denver area.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs Considering a Commercial Golf Simulator Business
“It’s been a good start for us,” Tom Bene said, “We look forward to the next couple of years and keeping on growing with it.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Golf Simulators
Q: What is a commercial golf simulator?
A: A commercial golf simulator is a professional-grade indoor golf system designed for businesses such as golf simulator lounges, entertainment venues, golf courses, academies, and indoor golf facilities.
Q: Can an indoor golf business be profitable?
A: Yes. Many indoor golf businesses generate revenue through memberships, hourly rentals, leagues, tournaments, lessons, food and beverage sales, and corporate events. Avid Caddie reached profitability in less than a year.
Q: Why are realistic golf simulators important?
A: Realistic simulator technology helps golfers trust shot data, enjoy accurate putting and chipping, and return more frequently for practice and entertainment.
Q: What types of businesses use commercial golf simulators?
A: Commercial golf simulators are commonly used by indoor golf centers, golf courses, country clubs, teaching academies, sports bars, entertainment venues, and dedicated golf simulator lounges.
Q: Why is indoor golf growing?
A: Indoor golf allows players to practice and compete regardless of weather conditions, making golf more accessible year-round while providing business owners with recurring revenue opportunities.