Five Iron Golf

America’s Best Franchises (ABF) Brand Insight —

Five Iron Golf sits at the premium end of the fast-growing golf-entertainment category — an experiential, hospitality-driven concept rather than a simple simulator rental. It pairs tour-level Trackman technology with a full food-and-beverage program, leagues, and social space, creating multiple revenue streams under one roof. Backed by Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Callaway Golf, it’s a high-capital, urban-experiential play aimed at serious investors and multi-unit operators, not first-time owners.

At a Glance

• Liquid Capital Required: $500,000–$1,500,000 (readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets — not from borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income)
• Ownership Model: Executive owner / investor (multi-unit potential)
• Location Type: Urban/suburban retail venue
• Time Commitment: Full-time or actively managed
• Experience Required: None required

Founded in 2017, Five Iron Golf launched with a single New York City location and grew into a premier indoor golf and entertainment brand, now with venues across multiple U.S. states and several countries. It began franchising in 2023, opening the concept to owners outside its core company markets.

Five Iron combines tour-level Trackman simulators, high-speed swing cameras, and professional instruction with full-service bars, chef-driven food, and social amenities. Backed by Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Callaway Golf, the brand positions itself as an operator-first company delivering a polished, hospitality-led guest experience.

Why Own a Five Iron Golf Franchise?

• Multiple revenue streams — simulator play, instruction, leagues, events, and a full food-and-beverage program — under one roof.
• All-season, indoor play insulates the business from weather and seasonality that limit traditional golf.
• Backing from Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Callaway Golf lends credibility and operational depth.
• Broad appeal draws serious golfers, casual players, corporate events, and social crowds alike.
• Tour-level Trackman technology and a hospitality-first model differentiate it from basic simulator concepts.

Why This Opportunity, Why Now

ABF Market Analysis —

Golf entertainment is one of the fastest-growing segments in experiential leisure, driven by demand for social, tech-forward venues that make the game accessible year-round. Indoor concepts perform especially well in dense urban markets and climates with limited outdoor golf seasons, where affluent professionals want play, practice, and socializing in one place. The combination of simulator revenue and a strong food-and-beverage program creates a diversified, repeat-visit business model rather than a single-stream operation.

ABF Timing Insight —

Five Iron enters franchising with an established company footprint, institutional backing, and a proven urban-experiential playbook — while large parts of the country remain open territory. For a well-capitalized investor or hospitality operator, that combination offers first-mover positioning in a high-growth category before the best metropolitan markets are claimed. This is a substantial, high-capital commitment, so candidates should weigh the investment scale against the multi-stream, destination-venue upside.

Training & Support

• Site and development: site selection assistance, market analysis, and end-to-end construction and development support to secure and build the right location.
• Training programs: structured training to prepare franchisees and staff to operate efficiently from opening day.
• Operational guidance: ongoing support from launch and beyond, with proven operational playbooks and enterprise systems.
• Food & beverage: an established F&B program plus supplier relationships to run the hospitality side well.
• Marketing and development: marketing expertise, brand presence, and business-development and partnership support.

Franchise Owners That Thrive

• Well-capitalized investors and hospitality operators.
• Those drawn to experiential, social entertainment concepts.
• Owners who will actively oversee a multi-stream venue.
• Multi-unit-minded entrepreneurs seeking urban markets.
• People who value a premium, brand-driven concept.

Who Is Not A Good Fit

• Candidates without the liquid capital to fund a seven-figure venue.
• Anyone seeking a low-cost or home-based business.
• Owners wanting a fully passive investment with no oversight.
• Those uncomfortable running a hospitality and food-and-beverage operation.
• People unwilling to hire and manage a sizable venue staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need golf or hospitality experience?

A. No experience is required. Five Iron provides training, operational playbooks, and ongoing support, and owners hire qualified staff to run day-to-day operations. A business or hospitality background is helpful given the scale of the venue.

Q. How much does it cost to open?

A. The franchise fee is $50,000, with a total estimated investment ranging from $1,963,550 to $3,927,100 depending largely on real estate and market. A liquidity requirement in the $500,000 to $1,500,000 range applies. Confirm current figures during your qualification review.

Q. Who backs Five Iron Golf?

A. Five Iron is backed by Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Callaway Golf, which support the brand’s operational depth, hospitality expertise, and growth.

Q. What makes the model different from a simulator rental?

A. Five Iron is a full experiential venue — tour-level Trackman simulators and instruction combined with a full-service bar, chef-driven food, leagues, and social amenities — creating multiple revenue streams and repeat visits rather than one-off bookings.

Q. Can I own multiple locations?

A. Yes. The model is built for multi-unit growth, and significant territory remains available across metropolitan and upscale suburban markets.

Next Steps

If you are a well-capitalized investor drawn to a premium, all-season golf-entertainment venue with multiple revenue streams, institutional backing, and multi-unit potential, Five Iron Golf is worth a direct conversation. Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Five Iron Golf.

This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.