Leisure and sports business X-Golf plans to open 100 venues across Australia within five years.

“Interest in virtual sports and simulators is exploding. People have identified the indoor entertainment trend is on the up,” says newly appointed head of development at X-Golf, Ben Hatten.

The experienced franchisor is impressed by the dynamic nature of the business, and the franchise-focused ethos at X-Golf, an indoor golf simulator venue.

“Franchise partners are at the core. This is not about rapid growth but strong organic growth with the right procedures in place,” he tells Inside Franchise Business.

X-Golf simulates a game of golf, provides coaching tips, and allows players to enjoy the challenge of courses from around the world and to join leagues.

“You’ve got people who love golf, but this isn’t solely about golf it’s sport, leisure and entertainment. It’s not for the golf purist. You can play indoors and have some fun with friends,” Ben says.

This is a destination business that is not impacted by weather, and can be played in one hour. 

As a franchise venture, each venue hosts six simulators, includes a bar serving drinks and food, has low costs of goods and requires minimal staffing, explains Ben,

Right now the business is powering in Queensland and Western Australia, with record numbers being achieved.

“WA is doing record weekly numbers, Cairns is doing really well, and we’re opening up in Toowoomba, North Lakes and Townsville.”

Next in the expansion plan is South Australia with development of Sydney and Melbourne scheduled once lockdowns ease.

The quality of franchisee candidates is very high, Ben says, and they are predominantly coming with a business or corporate background.

“X-Golf can be run as an owner-operator or as an investor model and we’ll manage it on your behalf,” he says.

There’s growth within the franchisee network too: of the 13 franchises in the business, four are about to take on second sites.