Back Nine Golf Franchise for Sale in St Albans, VIC, 3021

The Back Nine was founded by Wil Bangerter and two friends, driven by a genuine passion for golf. Wil, a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur, discovered his love for the sport as an adult, but busy schedules and unpredictable weather made regular play difficult. The concept emerged from a simple need: create an indoor, simulator-powered venue where golfers could play world-class courses anytime. What began as a way to cover costs quickly evolved into a profitable business model as memberships grew. Whilst still working full-time, Wil and his small team built The Back Nine brand systematically. As the network expanded past 25 locations, private equity interest validated the business model's strength. After securing new investment whilst retaining majority ownership, Wil left his legal career to commit fully to the company's growth.

Mission and Core Purpose

The Back Nine's mission centres on creating a dynamic golf community where golfers and franchisees don't just succeed on and off the course—they live and breathe the game. The company is dedicated to providing opportunities for players of all levels, from seasoned professionals refining their craft to newcomers discovering the sport. The brand positions itself as more than an indoor golf facility—it represents a commitment to elevating the game, forging lasting relationships, and redefining participation in golf. The company's tagline, "Where Golf Never Sleeps", reflects its positioning as the place where passion for golf continues beyond the traditional course.

Business Philosophy and Approach

The Back Nine operates on a clear principle: the company does not aim to replace traditional golf courses. Instead, it offers a climate-controlled, year-round venue where players can sharpen their skills with precision technology and experience world-famous courses that might otherwise be out of reach. The business model is designed as a semi-passive operation, requiring no staff, with facilities running on automated booking software and minimal owner involvement. Franchisees can maintain their existing careers, with main duties limited to cleaning on busy days and local marketing. The company is powered by Full Swing simulators—the chosen technology of Tiger Woods—and positions itself as Full Swing's largest commercial retail partner worldwide. Facilities offer 24/7 access to world-class technology in modern, welcoming environments designed for golfers of all levels.

Core Values and Growth Trajectory

The Back Nine operates according to five core values: Show Integrity, Be Kind, Be Resilient, Take Ownership, and Live for Golf. These values emphasise transparency, respect, perseverance, accountability, and genuine passion for the sport. The company has experienced rapid expansion, opening its first franchise in early 2025 and quickly growing to over 300 franchises sold and nearly 100 locations open across the U.S. The brand has achieved an 80% franchisee satisfaction index and is now expanding internationally into Australia, the UK, and Canada, with plans to launch 100+ franchises in Australia over the next decade. The company's voice is distinctly Australian: sporty, approachable, competitive, and community-driven, reflecting its commitment to making golf more accessible, social, and enjoyable.

Back Nine Golf provides dedicated support throughout the entire franchisee journey, from pre-lease site selection through to ongoing operations. Franchisees are assigned an Onboarding Success Manager (OSM) who serves as their dedicated partner through the entire process. Support is delivered through coordinated partnerships, including collaboration with Total Fitouts for construction management and Full Swing for technology installation.

Pre-Opening Support and Training

Before signing a lease, franchisees receive support with site analysis, vendor introductions, and coordination with trusted partners. During the construction and build-out phase, the team provides coordinated project management, oversight of permits, contractor alignment, signage, and simulator installation. Franchisees also receive business-side coaching on pricing, membership strategy, and marketing preparation.

Marketing and membership launch support includes training and tools to kick off founding memberships before opening and build early momentum. In the final pre-opening phase, Back Nine ensures security systems are activated, technology is set up, and Full Swing simulators are fully installed and tested. Franchisees operate in a soft-launch phase for a few weeks to gain confidence before hosting a high-energy launch party. Comprehensive systems training is provided to ensure franchisees feel confident running their facility.

Post-Opening and Ongoing Support

For the first 12 months post-launch, the Onboarding Success Manager continues to schedule regular check-ins, coaching, and provide resources to help franchisees grow memberships, reach revenue benchmarks, and feel confident in operations.

Ongoing franchise network support includes regular check-ins and training refreshers, access to the franchise portal, CRM, and reporting tools, marketing resources and national campaigns, annual conventions and training opportunities, and a growing network of franchisees to share best practices. Franchisees benefit from ongoing technical support and system updates through the partnership with Full Swing, as well as access to significant volume discounts as Full Swing's largest commercial retail partner worldwide.

The Back Nine franchise operates as a semi-passive business model, designed to allow franchisees to maintain their current careers whilst running the facility. The business requires no staff, with operations managed through automated booking software and minimal owner involvement. The main duties centre on cleaning during busy periods and driving local marketing efforts.

Morning and Midday Activities

Franchisees begin their day by checking booking reports online, reviewing membership activity, and managing payments or updates through the custom software platform. This administrative oversight ensures smooth operations without requiring physical presence at the facility during all operating hours.

Afternoon and Evening Focus

During afternoon and evening periods, franchisees visit the facility to ensure cleanliness, reset bays as needed, and maintain a welcoming environment for members and guests. This hands-on involvement ensures the space meets brand standards and provides an exceptional customer experience, particularly during peak usage times.

Weekly and Ongoing Priorities

On a weekly basis, franchisees focus on driving local marketing and community engagement, building relationships with members, creating promotional offers, and ensuring golfers in the area recognise the facility as their preferred venue. Ongoing responsibilities include monitoring performance metrics, maintaining regular communication with The Back Nine support team, and planning for long-term growth. The 24/7 access model means the facility operates continuously, with franchisees managing operations flexibly around their existing commitments.

Personal Attributes and Mindset

Back Nine Golf seeks franchisees who embody the brand's core values and demonstrate a genuine passion for golf. A love of golf is essential – whether you're a scratch golfer or simply enthusiastic about the lifestyle, your passion for the game must be at the heart of your motivation. The brand values individuals who are passionate, driven, and community-focused, viewing franchising not merely as a business opportunity but as a chance to build relationships and contribute to the golf community.

Franchisees should demonstrate resilience, integrity, and kindness in their approach to business. The ability to face challenges head-on, lead with transparency, and treat every person with respect and humanity are foundational attributes. An entrepreneurial mindset is crucial, along with the motivation to take ownership, scale operations, and contribute to the brand's growing national presence.

Leadership and Operational Skills

Strong leadership and customer service skills are essential requirements. Franchisees must know how to lead a team, deliver exceptional experiences, and maintain high standards that keep customers returning. The role demands individuals who thrive on building relationships and community, believing in the power of connection and excited to create a welcoming space for both golf enthusiasts and newcomers.

Franchisees must be ready to be hands-on and actively involved in daily operations, from staff leadership to customer engagement. However, the business model is designed as a semi-passive investment, requiring no full-time staff and operating with automated booking software and minimal owner involvement. Main duties include cleaning on busy days and local marketing, allowing franchisees to retain their current careers whilst building the business.

Experience and Background

No golf industry experience is required, though a passion for the sport is highly recommended. The brand welcomes individuals from diverse professional backgrounds who share the mission to make golf more accessible, social, and enjoyable. Franchisees are encouraged to be community leaders, engaging locally and setting an example through their involvement.

Legal and Financial Requirements

Franchisees must be Australian citizens. The total investment ranges from $400,000 to $700,000, depending on the specific site. This investment covers facility fit-out, equipment, signage, training, and working capital. Ongoing fees include royalties, an annual convention fee, and an administration fee. The franchise term is 5 years, with multi-unit franchising encouraged for strong operators.