Jun 30, 2024 8 min read

20 Profitable Golf Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

Learn how to start a golf business, how to launch a small golf brand, and what small business golf ideas bring the highest profit margin.

Golf is much more than just a sport; it's a thriving industry in its own right, full of business opportunities. So if you're an investor interested in the golf industry in 2024, you won't be disappointed with its wide range of money-making possibilities. From traditional golf courses to tech-driven startups, you can choose and carve out your own niche in the golf market in 2024. That's why in this article, we have compiled a list of the 20 most profitable golf business ideas you can start right now.

1. Owning a Golf Course

This is a classic but very profitable business investment. The most lucrative golf courses around the world make millions from memberships, green fees, hosting events and tournaments. This business idea requires a large initial investment – but it pays off handsomely if your golf course is well managed.

Here's a detailed guide on how to start a golf course from scratch.

2. Mini Golf Course

One of the best ways to get into the golf business with a lower investment is to start a miniature golf business. Miniature golf courses appeal to families and casual golfers, ensuring steady traffic. With the right location and creative course design, the profit margin of a miniature golf business can be amazing. Adding a glow-in-the-dark theme or augmented reality elements would help attract more visitors.

Read this guide to learn more about opening your brand new miniature golf course.

3. Golf Equipment Retail Store

Starting a retail golf equipment store can be a reliable and profitable business. Your business should be focused on providing quality clubs, balls, apparel and accessories. If you decide to offer your clients custom fitting, it may become your gimmick that will make you stand out from other suppliers and help you attract more serious golfers.

Check out the collection of products offered by American Golf, one of the largest Europe golf retailers.

If you're curious about what other sports offer small business opportunities, this article is for you:

4. Golf Cart Rental and Sales

The demand for golf carts extends beyond the golf course. It ranges from residential communities and event venues to many other markets that take advantage of golf cart rentals and sales. Knowing how to run a golf cart business means finding reliable suppliers and maintaining your fleet for longevity. Offering customizations can help increase your sales.

Here is a 2024 article with insight on costs, stumbling blocks and tips for starting a golf cart rental business.

5. Golf Simulator Business

Golf simulators are becoming increasingly popular as they allow enthusiasts to play in any weather and practice their swing all year round. If you want to start a golf simulator business, consider investing in quality technology first and then in a good indoor location. You can also offer an hourly rental or membership revenue stream or leagues on the simulator.

Watch this video for more details:

6. Golf Coaching and Training

Professional golf instruction and training services are always in demand. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a licensed instructor, one-on-one lessons can pay big dividends. Design specialized training sessions that help teach others, from beginners to more experienced golfers, and expand your reach to more potential customers through online means.

See how existing golf online courses structure their lessons at CoachTube.

7. Golf Apparel Brand

Comfortable, stylish, high-quality clothing is something that never goes out of style. And for golfers, wearing the right apparel is half the fun of the entire golf experience. You can start an online golf apparel store, establish your brand, and make your way from beginner customer to pro player.

Here's a video with tips on launching your clothes business online:

8. Golf Course Management

If you don't want to start a new golf course from scratch, but love the idea of running one, you can offer golf course management services. Most course owners are constantly looking for expert management to keep their operations running smoothly and profitable. Your small business can cover daily operations, marketing and even event planning.

Here's what a golf course maintenance business entails.

9. Golf Travel Agency

Golf travel is another niche with huge potential. A golf travel agency would be involved in arranging trips to top golf destinations and offering packages that include tee times, accommodations and transportation. You can partner with the best golf resorts and courses to make yourself more attractive to avid golfers.

See an example of how it's done here.

10. Golf Tournament Organization

Organize golf tournaments to meet the needs of the golfing community, and make money in the process. You can specialize in corporate outings for team-building or in amateur tournaments — all of them has many opportunities to generate a revenue stream through entry fees paid by participants, sponsorships and merchandise sales.

Watch the broadcast of the last year's masters tournament final round as an example of what you're will be doing.

11. Golf Course Design and Construction

If you're a landscape architect who enjoys playing golf, what you can do to combine your two passions is start a golf course design and construction business. The idea is to create innovative course layouts that add difficulty and enjoyment to the game. Over time, you can work with developers and municipalities to bring new golf courses to life.

Check this website for insights on golf course architecture and designers decisions.

12. Golf YouTube Channel

There is a huge demand for golf-related reviews, tutorials, podcasts and digests in the YouTube video format. You can build your personal brand and make a name for yourself in the online golf community by consistently publishing golf-related content.

Here's a relevant video about a realistic day in the life of a golf content creator:

13. Golf Merchandise Online Store

Opening an online golf merchandise store can be your company's way to the global market. By selling clubs, balls, golf apparel and footwear, golf car equipment and other accessories under your brand, you can build a trusted customer base and make a name for yourself in the marketplace. Drive traffic to your site through search engine optimization techniques and digital marketing.

Consider using the dropshipping business model to reduce upfront inventory costs.

14. Golf Tech Startups

Innovative technology solutions continue to revolutionize the golf industry. From GPS tracking devices to performance analysis software, golf tech startups seem to be some of the most sought after. Analyze the market to understand what it lacks, and then develop a product that improves the golfer's experience. Raising funds and partnering with courses will be key to accelerating your growth.

Read this review of the best golf GPS apps to get a better understanding of what's happening on the market.

15. Golf Content Creation

If you're interested in writing, video production, podcasting, or photography, you can turn golf content creation into a money-making business. Create a blog, YouTube channel or podcast focused on golf tips, course reviews and the latest industry news, and monetize it with ads, sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

Check out one of the most popular golf content creators on YouTube, Peter Finch.

For more inspiration through short-form content, here's a list of 20 TikTok accounts to follow if you're starting or already running your own business:

16. Golf Club Repair Service

A golf club is a golfer's main and most important tool - so having golf club repair services is essential for the entire golf community. You can offer your offline services of regripping golf clubs, replacing shafts, and making other custom adjustments. What you need for this business idea is technical skills and an understanding of the mechanics of a club. By providing fast and reliable work, you can build a loyal customer base.

See what services the Golfworks offers.

17. Golf Course Real Estate

Specializing in golf course real estate means buying, selling and developing real estate on or near golf courses. This specialty can be very lucrative, as many buyers seem to be willing to pay a premium for homes on golf course lots with some scenery.

Here you can find tips and professional advice on becoming a real estate agent:

18. Golf Franchise

Investing in a golf franchise may be a safer way to enter the market than creating a brand new product on your own. In most cases, top golf franchise profits are driven by established brands with proven business models. Franchises like Topgolf offer entertainment-focused golf experiences that help draw large crowds.

Read this article with pro tips on exploring golf franchise opportunities.

19. Golf Mobile App Development

Create an app that will help golfers with scoring, course navigation, tee time reservations, or even simple social networking. A well-designed app will generate revenue through subscriptions, advertising, and in-app purchases.

Here's a straightforward guide to building an app in 2024:

20. Golf Club Membership Sales

Selling memberships to exclusive golf clubs is a very lucrative business. This includes marketing and selling memberships to some of the most exclusive, high-end golf courses with ultra-luxurious facilities and highly prestigious events. Building relationships with high net worth golfers and corporate clients is the key to success here.

Here's a helpful instruction on how to increase your sales in this niche.

The golf industry in 2024 offers some very lucrative business opportunities for entrepreneurs: from traditional ventures like owning a golf course to new tech startups. There is a place for everyone. If you're a golf enthusiast or have just chosen the golf market for your startup, these 20 business ideas can inspire you and help you build a thriving golf business in 2024.