Help launch the
next big thing in golfertainment.
Here's why Pickle Golf's going to fly:
1. The unprecedented growth in golf, plus a move away from traditional golf courses.
Golf is changing dramatically. The National Golf Foundation reports that there are now 26.6 million active golfers in the U.S. That’s up from 24 million in 2018.
But more importantly, there’s also a rapidly growing population of people who are excited about the game, but they’re not playing 18 holes at the typical country club.
Approximately 18 million people don’t play traditional golf, but participate occasionally on indoor simulators or at off-course facilities such as Top Golf.
In addition, there are millions of families that play putt-putt every year that would be likely to make the jump up to PickleGolf, given the opportunity. That makes total close to 50 million TAM for Pickle Golf.
2. Rising popularity of “golfertainment”.
TopGolf started it all in 2001 by turning the boring, grinding driving range experience into date night party time.
The “swing and swill” model has proven very profitable in markets throughout the world. At the end of 2024 TopGolf had 80 locations, with aggressive plans to open 10 more per year.
With more than $15 million average gross sales per location, TopGolf remains one of the highest performing AUV entertainment concepts in the U.S.
Top Golf’s success has triggered a host of spin offs, mostly in the putt-putt space…
PopStroke is the most famous example.
Partly owned by Tiger Woods and TaylorMade, PopStroke has opened 17 locations around the country and attracts far more visitors than the typical putt-putt course. PopStroke cites revenues of more than $10 million per location, and is now valued at $650 million.
Another competitor, Puttshack, was started by three of the original founders of Top Golf and has raised $250 million in funding since 2019. The 20 PuttShack locations are elaborate, high-tech versions of putt-putt with a major influence from video gaming. Food and beverage sales in these businesses typically account for 50% of revenues.
3. The explosive growth of PickleBall.
The original inventor of PickleBall didn’t set out to poach players away from tennis, but that’s what’s happened. In 2024 the number of Pickleball monthly participants surpassed tennis for the first time.
PickleBall is the world’s fastest growing sport. There are now 20 million people playing, and it’s not just the geriatric crowd…. Young people, age 24-34 now make up the largest segment of pickleballers.
PickleBall has made racquet sports more accessible, more fun, and more popular to a broader audience. PickleGolf is doing the same thing for golf. A faster, easier, more inviting version of the game is an undeniably appealing idea.
4. The success of “Eatertainment” in the restaurant business.
According to Restaurant Business News, today’s diners are looking for more than just food. That’s why generic bar and grill chains like Applebees and TGI Fridays are shuttering locations and filing for bankruptcy.
People want immersive, multi-sensory experiences, preferably with some kind of exciting activity for the entire family that’s Instagram worthy. Even bowling alleys are reinventing themselves as eatertainment venues.
Chicken & Pickle is another good example, combining pickleball with elevated dining in a friendly, back-yard atmosphere. The CEO of Chicken & Pickle often says… “We want to become the TopGolf of pickleball.”
Land Requirements
Depending on the size of the restaurant operation and the desired scope of the golf course, a PickleGolf venue can be built on a site as small as 2 acres or as large as 15 acres.
For comparison, PopStroke’s Nashville location is built on 5.4 acres. (Most PopStroke locations are built on leased lands.)
TopGolf driving ranges require more land… at least 15 acres.
The conceptual design for the first PickleBall course is on a modest, 5 acre lot.
Here are some famous pitch & putt courses for comparison…
The Cradle at Pinehurst was built on 10 acres… 780 yards, par 27
The Hay, designed by Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach, is 670 yards on 8 acres.
With Pickle Golf, you get to play full shots in the same amount of space.
9 Holes, par 34, 470 yards with three Par-3s, one Par 5 and five Par 4s. It’s just like the real thing, only scaled down.
For a full prospectus on the business opportunity in Pickle Golf, contact us here.
