Beau Ely spent more than two decades in the automotive industry, managing independent dealerships with his family. Despite a successful career, he wanted something more fulfilling. One consistent passion remained: golf.
After years of using indoor simulators left him frustrated due to inaccurate readings and dated technology, Ely took it to himself to improve that experience. The idea became Golf & Tap, now one of the most popular indoor golf bars in Colorado.
Located in Denver, Golf & Tap combines GOLFZON TwoVision simulators with a modern, social layout and a self-pour beer tap wall. Whether you’re playing competitively, practicing your swing or planning a group event, the space caters to all.
Here’s how Ely launched Golf & Tap and his advice for new golf business owners. You can watch the full customer spotlight interview and read the Q&A below. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
About the Founder: From Cars to Golf Simulators
I’m Beau Ely, founder of Golf & Tap in Denver.
I spent over 22 years in the car business, co-owning independent dealerships with my family. Eventually, I lost my passion for it and began thinking about what I truly wanted to do next and golf was something I’ve always enjoyed.
Over time, I’d played on a number of indoor golf simulators, but the experience never felt quite right. The technology was inconsistent, the ball data wasn’t reliable and overall, it didn’t feel authentic. That’s when I decided to look into creating a better solution.
Why GOLFZON Was the Right Choice
After visiting multiple facilities and testing different systems, GOLFZON stood out as the clear leader.
The realism was unmatched. You’re playing off fairway, rough, and bunker surfaces — not just a flat mat. And the putting actually works. That matters because most indoor golf simulators fall short on short-game accuracy.
The GOLFZON app was another major factor. You can watch your swing back on video, track your numbers and make changes each session. It’s like having a virtual coach.
Designing a Social Indoor Golf Experience
We have four TwoVision simulators in an open, modern space.
Unlike facilities where each bay is sectioned off, we opted for an open floor plan. That encourages social interaction — whether you’re playing with friends or meeting new people.
We also use a self-pour tap system for beverages. Guests check in, get an ID band and pour their own drinks at their own pace. It’s convenient and keeps the experience flexible.
For food, we’ve partnered with local restaurants like Mo’s Bagels and The Alley. Guests can order directly from their bay using a QR code and food is delivered right to them.
Golf & Tap’s Target Customers
We see a wide range of guests — serious golfers, beginners, families and corporate groups.
Our customer base includes women’s leagues, senior players, and kids just getting into the game. Some come here because outdoor tee times aren’t available, while others are looking for a reliable, year-round option to stay sharp.
One of our main goals was to create an inclusive space, and we’ve seen that reflected in the diversity of players who walk through our doors.
Business Performance Since Launch
We opened in January, and honestly the response blew me away. We were profitable immediately this year, averaging over one hundred thousand dollars in our first four months.
That early momentum helped carry us through the slower summer months and allowed us to build a strong repeat customer base.
We now host league nights on Mondays and Wednesdays and regularly book corporate events, parties, and private sessions. About 80% of our traffic comes from returning guests, which speaks to the strength of our community and the consistency of the experience.
Our location also plays a big role. We’re right off I-25 and Colorado Boulevard — one of the busiest corridors in the state. Roughly 80,000 cars pass by every day, and the area continues to grow.
Ready to start your indoor golf business? Explore our Customer Resource Center or contact our team to learn how we can help you launch your own indoor golf simulator facility with the best golf simulator technology.