How to Start a Driving Range Business 1-2-3
At first glance, you may think that running a driving range may be simple. Nevertheless, to start a
driving range business, there are a few factors you want to consider before you begin.
Operating a basic driving range is pretty straight-forward, but attracting customers is the challenging part
- especially if you have competition.
Driving Range Location:
Of course, location is important. Having a central and convenient location is a great way to bring in
customers during the lunch hour or after work. Golfers may drive 45 minutes to play a four hour golf game,
though not routinely for driving range practice.
Attracting Golfers:
One way to attract patrons is by advertising additional services. This of course depends on your business
location, your clients and the local competition. Adding extra conveniences for yout clientele can make a
difference in how many customers you bring in. For instance, golf instruction, a snack bar or cafe, a
comfortable bar with large screen TVs, extra greens for chipping and putting practice or pro shop with golf
products.
Providing upgraded landscaping, surroundings or amenities can also turn visitors into repeat customers. This
doesn't mean you have to be a big spender, but having decent balls, manicured greens, good targets, other
features like club washers, etc., can increase visitor attendance and attract golf lovers from neighboring
cities.
Generally, your decision will be impacted by finances and land space available, so you want to start by
putting together a golf driving range business plan and looking at land to buy or lease and then develop into
your driving range. When looking at land for your driving range, keep in mind wind direction and sun location.
It's not ideal for golfers to have the sun shining into their eyes as they are standing at the tee.
Golf Driving Range
Business Plan
Business plan template for a driving range, complete with 40 spreadsheets, over 60 forms and documents,
financial templates, 10+ business audio files, 3 video tutorials plus 1 year free website
hosting.
Driving Range Design and Layout:
When looking for land, a space that is at least 400 yards long and wide enough to fit the number of hitting
bays you will build. Don't forget space for parking and other amenities that you want to include at your range.
Check with the city on zoning restrictions for the land to make sure that it can be developed into a driving
range.
You can check with commercial real estate offices in your area to find land that is available. You can also
use online resources like BizBuySell of BusinessesForSale.com for buying existing driving range businesses.
Get Complete Driving Range Instructions:
Scott Brown has put together a complete step-by-step guide on how to start your own golf driving range
business. By getting advice from an expert in driving ranges, you can save yourself a lot of time and
money:
rated by entrepreneurs
How to choose the best
location for your driving range, plus layout and design advice
Tips on financing your business.
Bookkeeping, budgeting and "how-to's" for the administrative side of running a driving range
- Information on the licenses and permits needed to operate your range. Tips on daily management and
operation of your business, plus information on supplies & equipment you'll need
- How to get new customers, including how to put together a marketing plan
How to Start a Golf Driving Range
Golf Driving Range Suppliers
Driving Range Business Resources:
See also How to Become a Golf
Instructor
