Golf Lounge 18
Golf Lounge 18 is a privately held indoor golf entertainment franchise founded in 2018 that operates TrackMan-powered simulator facilities with 450+ playable courses. It serves recreational golfers, families, juniors, and corporate groups across 11+ locations in CT, MA, and NY, expanding via franchise to Austin, TX.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersBraintree, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Golf Lounge 18 does
Golf Lounge 18 is a privately held indoor golf entertainment franchise founded in 2018 and headquartered in Braintree, Massachusetts, founded and led by CEO Ajit Padda. The company operates premium indoor golf simulator facilities featuring TrackMan 4 Dual Radar Technology — tracking 40+ swing parameters per shot with live graphic overlays — and provides access to over 450 world-famous golf courses rendered for simulator play. The core product is hourly rental of TrackMan-powered simulator bays in a venue that pairs the simulator experience with a full bar, restaurant, and HDTV-equipped lounge environment, positioning the offering as social entertainment rather than pure athletic practice.
The company monetizes through a diversified revenue stack: usage-based hourly bay rentals ($40-$70 per hour depending on time of day and location), tiered subscription memberships (Elite $649/mo, Early Bird $499/mo, After School Junior $399/mo, Corporate $1,599/mo), seasonal passes usable across locations, food and beverage, PGA/LPGA-led lessons and clinics (including dedicated Junior Academy and Ladies Instruction programs), event hosting for corporate outings and private parties, and gift card sales via its own e-commerce channel. Distribution is omnichannel: customers book online or via iOS/Android mobile apps, with physical locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York (11 confirmed locations as of late 2025, with a 14th location in Austin, Texas announced for 2025 via franchise partners Samuel Manaway and Tom Adair).
The go-to-market is a hybrid direct-to-consumer retail model supplemented by a franchise licensing program launched in 2024, with a per-location investment range of $406K-$1.2M. Customer segments span individual recreational golfers (primary), families, corporate groups, junior golfers (ages 7-16), and women's golf enthusiasts. The technology stack is built on third-party TrackMan hardware and software rather than proprietary systems, which limits defensibility but accelerates time-to-market and ensures credibility through TrackMan's professional tour adoption.
Golf Lounge 18 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Golf Lounge 18
- Legal name
- Golf Lounge 18
- Website
- https://golflounge18.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Golf Lounge 18 is a privately held indoor golf entertainment franchise founded in 2018 that operates TrackMan-powered simulator facilities with 450+ playable courses. It serves recreational golfers, families, juniors, and corporate groups across 11+ locations in CT, MA, and NY, expanding via franchise to Austin, TX.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Golf Lounge 18 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Indoor Golf Entertainment
- NAICS
- Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Golf Simulators, Nets & Practice Equipment Retail (CRAMAGAI), Mini Golf & Attractions Centers (Mini Golf, Go-Karts, Laser Tag Complexes) (THAJAEAK)
Keywords
Where Golf Lounge 18 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Braintree
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices12 records
Markets served
Golf Lounge 18 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Hourly Bay Rentals: Per-hour rental of Trackman simulator bays, with pricing varying by time of day (early bird, off-peak, peak). Rates range from $40-$70 per hour per bay, allowing groups of up to 5 players to split the cost.
- Membership Subscriptions: Monthly and annual membership tiers (Elite, Early Bird, After School Junior, Corporate) providing unlimited play hours, discounts on food/drinks, events, and additional bays. Monthly Elite membership at $649/month.
- Season Pass: Seasonal pass providing covered hours of play that can be used at all locations, with ability to bring friends.
- Food and Beverage: Full bar and restaurant amenities at each location, serving food and drinks before, during, or after golf sessions.
- Golf Lessons: PGA/LPGA certified instruction including private lessons, group clinics, ladies instruction, and junior academy programs.
- Events and Parties: Corporate outings, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and social events with catering available for groups of 20+.
- Gift Cards: Digital gift cards sold for use at any location for programs including play, lessons, and food.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Off-peak hourly bay rate |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Early bird rate at Westchester |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Peak hourly bay rate |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Peak rate (general) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Elite Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | Early Bird Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | After School Junior Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | Corporate Membership |
| Subscription | One time/ perpetual license | Junior Academy - 4 Week Clinic |
| Subscription | One time/ perpetual license | Junior Academy - 6 Week Clinic |
| Subscription | One time/ perpetual license | Ladies Instructional Clinic |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Golf Lounge 18 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Golf Lounge 18 operates indoor golf entertainment venues centered on hourly rental of Trackman 4 Dual Radar simulator bays running 450+ digitally rendered courses. Offerings are layered with on-site professional and junior golf instruction, ladies' programs, multi-format leagues, private events and parties, and a full-service restaurant and bar, with additional revenue from memberships, the Season Fun Pass, and gift cards. The brand is also structured as a franchise program sold to independent operators.
Product overview
Golf Lounge 18 is an entertainment-based premium indoor golfing facility offering a unified experience centered on TrackMan 4-powered golf simulators. The core product consists of indoor golf simulator bays where customers play on over 450 world-famous courses. This core is complemented by instruction programs (GL18 Academy with PGA/LPGA lessons, Junior Golf & Athletic Development Academy, Ladies Instruction), membership tiers (Elite, Early Bird, After School Junior, Corporate), seasonal passes, food and beverage service, and event hosting capabilities. The company operates 11+ locations across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, with a franchise program enabling expansion to new markets like Austin, Texas.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GL18 Academy: Golf instruction program with PGA Certified Golf Instructors offering lessons for players of all skill levels.
- GL18's TM Golf Academy
- Junior Golf & Athletic Development Academy
- Season Pass
Products and services
- Indoor Golf Simulator Bay Rentals Hourly rental of Trackman 4 Dual Radar indoor golf simulator bays running 450+ digitally rendered world-famous courses, available to individual golfers and small groups of up to four players. Targeted at recreational and serious golfers seeking year-round, weather-independent practice and play.
- GL18 Adult Academy Multi-level instructional program for adult golfers delivered on Golf Lounge 18's indoor simulator bays, combining professional coaching with Trackman swing data. Targeted at adult beginners through advanced players.
- Junior Golf & Athletic Development Academy Year-round instructional program for junior golfers that combines golf fundamentals with broader athletic development, delivered on indoor simulator bays and supported by junior summer camps. Targeted at children and teens enrolled by parents.
- Ladies Instruction Program Golf instruction program designed for adult women, covering fundamentals, skill development, and progression in an indoor, non-intimidating setting. Targeted at women golfers and beginners.
- Golf Leagues Organized, recurring league-format play held on the indoor simulator bays, including dedicated women-only league offerings. Targeted at golfers seeking scheduled competitive and social play.
- Private Events and Parties Private booking of simulator bays and venue space for birthdays, corporate events, team-building, and client entertainment, supported by in-house food and beverage service. Targeted at individuals, groups, and corporate buyers.
- Food & Beverage Service Full-service restaurant and bar offering available to bay renters, event guests, and walk-in customers at Golf Lounge 18 venues. Targeted at on-site patrons of the simulator bays and event spaces.
- Memberships Tiered recurring membership subscriptions (including Player and Ace tier examples) that bundle discounted simulator bay time, academy access, and other venue benefits. Targeted at frequent golfers and repeat customers.
- Season Fun Pass Seasonal, time-limited prepaid pass that grants holders access to simulator play and related venue benefits for the duration of a season. Targeted at casual and recreational golfers seeking prepaid access.
- Gift Cards Purchasable prepaid gift cards redeemable for bay rentals, lessons, events, food and beverage at Golf Lounge 18 venues. Targeted at gift buyers and new-customer acquisition.
- Franchise Opportunities Franchise offering program that licenses the Golf Lounge 18 brand, operating model, and indoor golf entertainment concept to prospective franchisees for the operation of new locations. Targeted at franchise entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators.
Quantifiable outcome
- Play 18 holes in 1.5 hours for a twosome, 3 hours for a foursome
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Golf Lounge 18
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Golf Lounge 18 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Golf Lounge 18 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Golf Lounge 18 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Foresight Sports: Foresight Sports is a launch monitor and simulator technology provider used by coaches and golf facilities. Comparable as a Trackman alternative in the indoor simulator stack, shaping the competitive landscape for venue operators like GL18.
- AboutGolf: AboutGolf is a simulator and performance technology provider serving indoor golf facilities, ranges, and instruction studios. Comparable as a vendor/peer ecosystem participant whose technology choice shapes GL18-like venues' experiences.
- Full Swing Golf: Full Swing is a leading indoor golf simulator manufacturer used by pros and consumers. While not a venue operator, it competes with Trackman as a potential technology backbone and shapes the indoor golf experience standard.
Direct peers
- GolfTec: GolfTec operates a national network of golf instruction centers leveraging swing-measurement technology and certified coaches. Overlaps with GL18 Academy's PGA/LPGA lesson offering and data-driven coaching (Tracy AI equivalent at GL18).
- X-Golf America: X-Golf America operates a franchise network of indoor golf simulator entertainment venues with F&B, leagues, and lessons — directly mirroring GL18's model, technology stack (simulator-based), and target customer. Direct franchise competitor in the indoor golf category.
- Five Iron Golf: Five Iron Golf operates a multi-location indoor golf simulator venue business combining simulator play, lessons, F&B, and leagues — a direct competitor to GL18 in the urban indoor golf entertainment category.
Emerging players
- Playground Golf Club: Playground Golf Club is a multi-unit indoor golf entertainment venue with F&B, lessons, and events. Comparable as a smaller regional indoor golf chain targeting similar corporate, social, and family entertainment occasions.
- Puttshack: Puttshack is a tech-enabled mini-golf entertainment venue combining golf with F&B and group events. Comparable as a non-traditional indoor golf entertainment concept competing for similar corporate outings, parties, and family leisure occasions.
Broad incumbents
- Topgolf: Topgolf is the largest tech-enabled golf entertainment venue operator, combining simulator-style ball-tracking with full bars, restaurants, and event spaces. While larger and outdoors-focused, it competes for the same consumer occasions (group entertainment, corporate outings, casual play) as Golf Lounge 18.
- Drive Shack: Drive Shack owns and operates Puttery and the Drive Shack venue brand, offering tech-enabled golf entertainment and dining venues. Comparable as a publicly-traded golf entertainment operator with a multi-unit venue strategy.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Golf Lounge 18 social profiles
Digital presenceGolf Lounge 18 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Golf Lounge 18 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Golf Lounge 18 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Golf Lounge 18 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Golf Lounge 18
What does Golf Lounge 18 do?
Golf Lounge 18 operates indoor golf entertainment venues centered on hourly rental of Trackman 4 Dual Radar simulator bays running 450+ digitally rendered courses. Offerings are layered with on-site professional and junior golf instruction, ladies' programs, multi-format leagues, private events and parties, and a full-service restaurant and bar, with additional revenue from memberships, the Season Fun Pass, and gift cards. The brand is also structured as a franchise program sold to independent operators.
Is Golf Lounge 18 a public or private company?
Golf Lounge 18 is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Golf Lounge 18 founded?
Golf Lounge 18 was founded in 2018. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Golf Lounge 18 based?
Golf Lounge 18 is headquartered in Braintree, United States, in the North America region.
How does Golf Lounge 18 make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Hourly Bay Rentals are the primary driver. The others are membership Subscriptions, season Pass, food and Beverage, golf Lessons, events and Parties and gift Cards.
Who are Golf Lounge 18's main competitors?
Others on record are Foresight Sports, AboutGolf and Full Swing Golf. Direct peers are GolfTec, X-Golf America and Five Iron Golf. Emerging players are Playground Golf Club and Puttshack. Broad incumbents are Topgolf and Drive Shack.
Does Golf Lounge 18 have an API?
No public API is recorded for Golf Lounge 18.
What industry is Golf Lounge 18 in?
Golf Lounge 18's product category is Indoor Golf Entertainment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAEAD, Golf Courses & Golf Facilities, with a secondary code of CRAMAGAI, Golf Simulators, Nets & Practice Equipment Retail. Its NAICS code is 71391 and its SIC code is 7997.