Once reserved for collared shirts and country clubs, golf is undergoing a rapid transformation. Recent statistics from the National Golf Foundation reveal that for the first time, off-course golfers in the United States (15.5 million in 2022) have outnumbered those who exclusively play on traditional greens (13.2 million). But it isn’t only where golf is being played that’s changing, it’s who is participating.
The demographic for off-course players is noticeably younger and more diverse, attracting a wide range of college students and twenty-somethings, compared to traditional on-course golfers’ average age of 46. More impressively, this off-course community boasts a 40% female participation rate, a sharp increase from the 28% seen on-course, and a 40% non-white representation, nearly doubling the 22% present in traditional golf settings.
Five Iron Golf is more than just a golf venue – it’s a thriving community that
brings people together through the game of golf.
These numbers signify a shift in the perception of the traditionally white male-dominated sport, which coupled with a COVID-boom and the release of Netflix’s Full Swing, has seen a record-breaking spike in popularity.
Few companies have been as instrumental in pioneering this “Modern Golf Movement” as Five Iron Golf.
From its humble beginnings in Midtown Manhattan in 2017, the company has seen explosive growth within the last six years, expanding to 18 domestic locations across 11 major U.S. cities. An additional five locations are scheduled to open by the end of this year, reinforcing Five Iron’s status as the vanguard of indoor golf.
The company is now entering its next growth phase, offering franchise opportunities for single-unit and multi-unit development, expanding its footprint to an even wider audience. Five Iron Golf is organizing its first discovery days in June and October, inviting prospective franchisees to tour existing operations and attend presentations by department heads and senior leadership.
Once operations kick-off, franchisees will benefit from comprehensive support across all aspects of the business—development advisory, operational guidelines, marketing expertise, and partnership support.
According to CEO and Founder of Five Iron Golf, Jared Solomon, this decision to pivot to a franchise model is deeply rooted in data, having successfully implemented it at its first international location in Singapore and an upcoming launch in Delhi, India which is set to open this summer.
“Moving forward, our evolution to a franchise model for all locations will serve as an accelerant for additional growth, so we can keep pace with increased consumer demand,” said Solomon. “We’re excited to attract franchisees who, like our corporate team, are passionate operators who love the game of golf and are eager to increase its approachability, enjoyability, and accessibility.”
Much of Five Iron’s rapid success can be attributed to its empowering mantra, “play the way you want,” which resonates equally with serious golfers and novices alike.
Seamlessly blending world-class technology, exceptional amenities, and diverse programming, each of the 5I venues houses state-of-the-art simulators featuring TrackMan Golf technology, the latest club offerings, and an array of programming options to cater to all levels of golfers.
Beyond the greens, all Five Iron venues offer the ambiance of a contemporary sports bar, featuring an array of high-end food and drinks, striking art displays, multiple TVs, and lively music.
The aim is clear: to make golf as approachable as a game of bowling on a Friday night, fostering an environment where friends can eat, drink, play, and savor a night out, irrespective of their golfing skills.
It’s this unconventional approach to the game that caught the eye of the executives at Callaway Golf, who later invested in Five Iron as a strategic partner.
“We think of what we do in this space as simply being golf,” said Solomon. “Now, we have a whole generation of people growing up with a completely different understanding of what golf is, with traditional golf being just one of the pieces that make up the game.”
And this is only the beginning. Five Iron is primed and ready for further expansion, with more international franchises, menu enhancements, and enticing late-night specials already in the pipeline. An additional three U.S. Five Iron venues are slated to welcome new golfers by this summer, with 3 more cities and 26 total locations by 2024.
At its core, Five Iron Golf is more than just a golf venue – it’s a thriving community that brings people together through the game of golf. It’s a place where anyone can play the way they want, no matter their experience or skill level. There’s no question the future of the sport is here, and it’s more accessible, social, and enjoyable than ever before.
