how to open a miniature golf course

by Prof. Freeman Blanda 9 min read

Start a miniature golf course by following these 9 steps:

  1. Plan your business. A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns.
  2. Form a legal entity. The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.
  3. Register for taxes. You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
  4. Open a business bank account & credit card. Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection. ...
  5. Set up business accounting. Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business.
  6. Obtain necessary permits and licenses. Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
  7. Get business insurance. Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully.
  8. Define your brand. Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public.
  9. Create your business website. After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

Full Answer

How to build a homemade mini golf course?

Jan 27, 2021 · Start a miniature golf course by following these 10 steps: Plan your Miniature Golf Course; Form your Miniature Golf Course into a Legal Entity; Register your Miniature Golf Course for Taxes; Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card; Set up Accounting for your Miniature Golf Course; Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Miniature Golf Course

How do you make a mini golf course?

Dec 31, 2021 · A pub called Swingers recently opened in London and features a miniature golf course inside an underground World War II bunker. “It was all a naive idea at first, something I did with my friends for fun” said Steve Fox, who raised more than $53,000 on Kickstarter for Urban Putt, a restaurant/miniature golf course in downtown San Francisco.

How to make a miniature golf course in your backyard?

What It Takes to Start a Mini Golf Course Successfully? 1. Understand the Industry; 2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies; 3. Decide What Niche to Concentrate On; 4. Know the Major Competitors in the Industry; 5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch. 6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face; 7.

How much land is required to build a golf course?

Nov 30, 2021 · It is generally estimated that an 18-hole miniature golf course uses between 20,000 and 22,000 square feet of space. You are affected by the need to fill the vacant area with “something”, whether it is landscape, ground cover, concrete, …

How profitable is miniature golf?

A Very Profitable Business A figure exceeding 130 million people of all age groups are playing miniature golf every year, with an excess of $1 billion in industry revenues annually.

Is mini golf a good investment?

In business terms, mini golf courses are cheap to run, with very few staff required and low equipment costs. Mini golf courses are profitable because they: attract all age groups. are cheap to run – low staffing needs of 1 or 2 people.Sep 27, 2018

How much does it cost to build a mini golf course in your backyard?

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Miniature Golf Course? The average cost of developing an 18-hole course is $150,000 to $250,000. Hix points out that the most important variable is land price, which varies greatly from state to state. The land needed for a course can be found in just three-quarters of an acre.Dec 4, 2021

How do you build a mini golf course?

0:034:28How to Build a Miniature Golf Course | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSquare we're going to clamp it in this miter. Box right here and you're going to run the saw rightMoreSquare we're going to clamp it in this miter. Box right here and you're going to run the saw right into the slot. Let me line up the line with the slot.

Why do people build miniature golf courses?

With two 18-hole mini golf courses, it is the key to boost returning business and profitability for your facility. Not only do two golf courses produce more challenges and choices for golf lovers, they provide the space to welcome bigger crowds on weekends and summer evenings.

What industry is mini golf in?

A Fun Family Entertainment Business More than 130 million people play miniature golf every year with an excess of $1 billion annually in industry revenues. From children to senior citizens, miniature golf appeals to players of all ages.

How do I mini golf in my backyard?

1:483:09Turn Your Backyard Into A Mini Golf Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt over here and I've been surprised how many holes we can fit over there and the shape and theMoreIt over here and I've been surprised how many holes we can fit over there and the shape and the beauty. And it's just the coloring it brings into the backyard it's been so. Fun.

How do you build a golf course in your backyard?

3:4610:03I built a backyard golf course for under $100! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put it all together have some foam balls you know hitting mat because the yards a little muddyMoreAnd put it all together have some foam balls you know hitting mat because the yards a little muddy right now but there is some grass some good spots.

What is the difference between crazy golf and mini golf?

In crazy golf, these are found on the playing surface, and players have to putt their ball through or over them. In adventure golf, the features are often next to the holes, with players instead having to negotiate humps, bumps and big slopes. Minigolf is the umbrella term for the sport as a whole.

What are the costs involved in opening a miniature golf course?

The costs of opening a mini-golf business vary, but typically run up $500,000. One professional group estimates that it will cost between $15,000 t...

What are the ongoing expenses for a miniature golf course?

The good news is that after the initial expenses to open a course, the ongoing expenses are relatively minor. Some of the costs will vary by busine...

Who is the target market?

In general, your best clients will be families. This is because the parents will help to control the behavior of children (which will not be true o...

How much can you charge customers?

The exact cost may vary by region, but it is typical to charge customers about $5 to $7 to play 18 holes. This pricing makes your business a very c...

How much profit can a miniature golf course make?

The exact amount of profit your business makes greatly depends on the region as well as what the local entertainment competition is. However, the r...

How can you make your business more profitable?

In order to maximize profitability, be sure to have an advertising presence in logical areas for potential customers, including schools, churches,...

Is this Business Right For You?

This job is definitely for someone who is enthusiastic about mini-golf. This helps you to not only enjoy your job but to facilitate minor repairs a...

What happens during a typical day at a miniature golf course?

The daily activities for a mini-golf business are pretty simple. You will be talking to customers, taking their payment, providing them with equipm...

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful miniature golf course?

Prior experience working at a mini-golf business or other type of recreational center can be helpful to in starting this business. Similarly, being...

What is the growth potential for a miniature golf course?

The exact growth potential of a mini-golf business varies by area. Nationally, businesses that focus purely on mini-golf have experienced a decline...

Why is it important to choose a location for a mini golf course?

The location you intend to choose for your mini golf course is very important as this could make the difference between the growth and failure of the business. This is why it is advised that you conduct a thorough research regarding the business before starting it so that you do not end up running a business that will drain your resources.

Why is it important to have a mini golf course?

Having strategies in place that will boost publicity for your mini golf course is very important, this is because not only will you be creating awareness for your business but you will also be able to convert most of the awareness to revenue for your business.

Why is it important to have insurance when running a business?

Having insurance policies when running a business in the United States is mandatory because with an Insurance Policy, the entrepreneur does not have to worry about paying for issues when they crop up. While it is best to have insurance, just buying any kind of insurance might result to you wasting money on policies that will not benefit your business.

What is the best decision to make when starting a business?

While each option has its pros and cons, it is usually best to choose the one that aligns with your corporate goals and objectives.

How many mini golf courses are there in the US?

There are more than 1,300 miniature golf courses in the United States of America; this represents a slight increase because as at 1997, the Economic Census counted 1,041 mini golf courses in existence that was owned by private entities.

When did mini golf start?

The mini golf course business began to take shape in the 1950s and boomed until the 90s when its popularity began to slow down due to technology being built for home use as most customers especially kids now prefer to engage in interactive pastimes.

What is mini golf?

The mini golf business is one that is in the entertainment industry and can be run by just anyone who has the resources and business acumen. If you however choose to take professional courses in management, marketing or accounting to boost your business experience, then you can do so. 12.

Is a Miniature Golf Course A Profitable Business?

For the last few years, mini-golf ventures are observing financial setbacks mainly because of the economic downturn and also for the growth of alternate entertainment businesses.

1. Understand the Local Market

The first step before jumping into the miniature golf business is to collect detailed information regarding the local demography and demand for such entertainment activity.

2. Create a Business Plan

Creating an in-depth and detailed business plan is an essential part of building a successful miniature business. Some of the key areas your mini-golf course business plan must include are the following:

3. Name Your Business

Selecting a catchy business name for your mini golf business is extremely important for long term success. There are various aspects you need to consider before finalizing your business name.

4. Register Your Mini Golf Business

If you want to start and run a hassle-free legally complaint miniature golf course business, it is most essential to register your company. Every state and country offers a different type of legal company formation structures.

5. Licenses & Permits for Miniature Golf Course Business

There are certain licenses and permits you need to obtain to run a mini-golf course business. The legal requirements depend from state to state and country to country.

6. Select a Proper Location

The key to success for a mini-golf course business is finding a good location. The place must be easily accessible and people can reach it easily.

What Our Owners Say?

"The people at Harris were efficient, effective and flexible. I was on site every day during construction and the guys were always asking me for my input. They would take what I suggested and make it happen. They were on time and on budget, which was an absolute delight! Best of all, I’ve made a ton of money in the miniature golf business."

The Harris Guarantee

At Harris, we always provide our clients with the full extent of our talents. We believe in the little things that will make all the difference between a job well done and a job remarkably done. The courses we build not only meet, but surpass customers’ expectations. We complete our projects on budget and on time.

Jump-Start Your Existing Business

Turn your restaurant, driving range, amusement park, ice cream stand, or other businesses into a money generating machine with a miniature golf course by Harris. Countless of our clients announced that generated earnings by their new miniature golf courses far exceed any other sales.

What to consider before building a mini golf course?

Another important factor to consider before building a mini golf course business is how much you can charge for tickets. This can determine how many people you attract, what kind of people, as well as how quickly you recoup your costs and make a profit.

How to determine the size of a mini golf course?

The size of your mini golf course (the number of holes) is important for several reasons. It will partially determine how: 1 much money you will need to invest upfront 2 much you can charge for tickets 3 likely you are to entice repeat customers.

What is the motto of a mini golf course?

The old real estate motto, ‘Location, location, location!’ also applies to building a mini golf course business. Choosing the right location can be a huge factor in determining your success.

What does it mean to know your market?

Knowing your market means understanding who your average customer is: their interests, needs, desires, etc. This may mean conducting market research, or simply thinking about how to attract your target market.

Is miniature golf a seasonal business?

In many areas, miniature golf is a seasonal business. Many contractors won’t have construction crews available during the peak spring and early summer construction seasons. Every day waiting for a construction crew is another day you aren’t making money.

Is mini golf a regulation golf course?

Mini golf courses that are fun, challenging and interesting keep customers coming back and attract more customers through word of mouth. While mini golf is not regulation golf in miniature, Harris courses incorporate undulating and banked greens, water, sand traps, rough turf and other features that make regulation golf fun and challenging.

Can you build a miniature golf course?

Here are some things to consider: Building a miniature golf course is part construction project and part art form. Just because a contractor can pour concrete doesn’t mean he can build a miniature golf course.

How many holes are there in a mini golf course?

Traditional mini-golf courses usually consist of one 18- hole course. However, having two 18-hole courses can be key to gaining repeat business and driving profits up. Having 2-18 hole courses give customers more variety and reduce crowding and lines, which is good for keeping customers around.

When is mini golf season?

Mini-golf typically has an on season during the warmer spring and summer months and an offseason during the fall and winter. Zooming in even further, mini-golf attendance shows clear peaks and valleys during each individual week, typically being higher during evenings and weekends and slower during weekdays.

What is flat course?

A flat course is a boring course, some dips and dives add to the experience. Elevation changes can dramatically alter costs. Themes and structures. Depending on how extravagant you want your course to be, building structures to match the theme may cost the most of your building budget. Lighting.

How many people play mini golf?

It is estimated that every year over 130 million people play mini-golf, generating a total annual revenue of over $1 billion for course owners. Mini-golf is a lucrative business because it has great potential for growth ...

Is it cheap to run a mini golf course?

Despite the rather high startup costs, maintaining a mini-golf course is relatively cheap. The main thing that will cost you (besides employees) is the maintenance and upkeep of the course itself. The larger and more extravagant your course, the more it will take for upkeep.

Is mini golf profitable?

Operating a mini-golf business is an extremely fun and very profitable enterprise. Compared to a traditional golf-course, mini-golf offers cheaper startup and operation costs, as well as more consistent and varied clientele. One of the greatest challenges of running a traditional golf course is its management.

Is mini golf recession proof?

The reason why is that mini-golf is virtually recession proof.

What is an Articles of Organization?

The Articles of Organization, also known as a Certificate of Formation or a Certificate of Organization in some states, is the document you will file to officially register an LLC with the state.

What is an EIN number?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a number that is used by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify and tax businesses. It is essentially a Social Security number for a business.

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