Floating Green Golf Challenge Business Plan

Business Concept & Vision

• Concept: Launch a floating green golf challenge where players attempt to make a hole-in-one on a floating green. Each successful attempt wins a $10,000 prize, creating an exciting, high-stakes attraction.
• Unique Selling Point: Combines golf with a lottery-like thrill, enhanced by a unique floating setup. Viral potential from players sharing their experience online amplifies marketing reach.
• Vision: Create a memorable golf experience that becomes a must-visit attraction in key U.S. tourist destinations, eventually scaling nationwide.

2. Market Analysis

• Target Audience: Primarily casual golfers, tourists, event attendees, and thrill-seekers. Demographics include ages 18-55, likely traveling in groups, or attending events.
• Competitors: While similar to attractions like Top Golf, this concept is simpler and focused on the unique, high-stakes hole-in-one challenge.
• Market Need: Offers a fresh, social media-friendly experience that’s accessible, inexpensive, and thrilling, tapping into consumer demand for unique, Instagrammable activities.

3. Revenue Model

• Pricing Strategy:
  • Charge ~$20 for 20 balls per player.
  • Estimated foot traffic and volume can yield 300,000+ balls hit per year, projecting top-line revenue around $650,000.
• Payouts & Profit Margins:
  • Payout: $10,000 prize every two weeks, totaling approximately $240,000 annually.
  • Net Profit: After payouts and operational expenses, the projected annual profit is around $200,000-$300,000, based on current assumptions.
• Additional Revenue Streams: Upsell branded merchandise like golf balls, hats, or shirts with “Hole-in-One Champion” labels. Organize sponsored events or corporate challenges to draw larger crowds.

4. Setup & Requirements

• Equipment & Infrastructure:
  • Set up includes a sturdy wooden kiosk, floating tee, golf balls, and basic club rentals.
  • Use a durable, high-visibility floating green that’s both easy to see and safe.
• Location: Waterfront spaces or lake-access sites, ideally close to tourist-heavy areas.
• Permits & Legal Requirements: Ensure compliance with local laws on waterfront use and safety. Lease or obtain permits for lake access and any necessary insurance.

5. Marketing Strategy

• Social Media & Content Marketing:
  • Post regular videos and images of player attempts, especially close calls and hole-in-one moments, on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
  • Use compelling hashtags like #GolfChallenge, #FloatingGreen, and #HoleInOne to create viral potential and reach broader audiences.
  • Create “fire-breathing testimonials” from winners and customers to build credibility and excitement (see the copywriting guide).
• Email & Cold Outreach:
  • Build an email list from customer sign-ups for future offers and referral discounts.
  • Implement personalized cold emails to reach out to local influencers, tourism boards, and travel websites for collaboration (see cold emailing guide).
  • Suggested Cold Email Script:
    • Subject: “[Influencer’s First Name], A Unique Golf Challenge You Can’t Miss!”
    • Email Body: Personalize with a compliment, explain the experience, and propose a collaboration. Mention potential for viral content and invite them for a free play session.

6. Lead Generation & Partnerships

• Scraping Techniques:
  • Use tools from the scraping guide to gather contact info for local hotels, travel agencies, golf clubs, and influencers.
  • Focus on gathering high-quality, targeted leads who might be interested in co-marketing or referring clients.
• Collaborations:
  • Partner with local hotels, event organizers, and tourism businesses to promote the attraction.
  • Offer group packages or create “Bring a Friend” discount days to encourage repeat visits.

7. Sales Channels

• On-site Sales: Direct sales from the kiosk, with payment options including credit card and mobile payments.
• Online Bookings: Set up a simple booking website for group reservations or special events, integrating a booking widget with social media pages.
• Affiliate Marketing: Create a referral program for local businesses and influencers who refer customers, with perks or commissions for each referral.

8. Operations Plan

• Staffing: Employ 1-2 attendants per location to handle setup, customer service, and cleanup.
• Operational Hours: Operate during peak times—afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays—to capitalize on foot traffic.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the floating green, balls, and kiosk to ensure smooth operation. Implement a restocking system for golf balls and club rentals.

9. Financial Projections

• Startup Costs:
  • Estimated $10,000 for the kiosk, floating green, and initial equipment.
  • Legal and administrative expenses for permits and lake access.
• Monthly Expenses:
  • Employee wages, prize payouts, rent, and overhead.
• Annual Profit Projections: With an estimated revenue of $650,000, expect an annual profit of $200,000-$300,000, factoring in prize payouts and operational costs.

10. Expansion & Scaling

• Franchise or Replication Model: Standardize the setup and branding to create a repeatable franchise model.
• City-by-City Expansion: Begin with high-traffic tourist spots, then expand to secondary markets where golf or unique attractions are popular.
• Upselling Opportunities: Offer unique branded merchandise and memberships for recurring players, allowing for upsells and customer loyalty.

Location Selection & Launch Strategy

1. Ideal Launch Locations

• Tourist Hotspots:
  • Examples: Orlando, FL (near Disney or Universal Studios); San Diego, CA (near Mission Bay or beach areas); Austin, TX (Lady Bird Lake); or Las Vegas, NV (Lake Las Vegas).
  • Reasoning: High foot traffic, tourism-driven economy, and lots of people looking for unique experiences.
• Popular Urban Waterfronts:
  • Examples: Boston, MA (Charles River); Seattle, WA (Lake Union); Chicago, IL (Lake Michigan piers).
  • Reasoning: Urban locations attract a mix of locals and tourists; prominent waterfronts or piers make a great setting for unique activities.
• Golf-Friendly Regions:
  • Examples: Scottsdale, AZ; Palm Springs, CA; Myrtle Beach, SC.
  • Reasoning: Golf is already part of the culture, so a unique spin on it (a floating green challenge) will likely appeal to locals and tourists alike.
• College Towns with Outdoor Recreation:
  • Examples: Madison, WI (Lake Mendota); Gainesville, FL; Chapel Hill, NC.
  • Reasoning: College students and younger crowds are often drawn to novel, low-cost activities.

2. Criteria for Location Selection

• Foot Traffic: Ensure the site attracts high daily visitors, especially on weekends.
• Scenic Backdrop: Sites with scenic or iconic views enhance the appeal and make for great social media content.
• Accessibility: Locations should be easy to reach with nearby parking or public transportation options.
• Permits & Regulations: Research local regulations on water usage, safety requirements, and noise restrictions.

Negotiating Leases & Permissions

1. Identifying Stakeholders:
   • City/County Authorities: Many waterfronts are owned or regulated by city or county governments. Approach the city council or parks and recreation department to discuss rental or leasing options.
   • Private Owners: If targeting a private marina or waterfront business, locate the property owner or management company to negotiate terms directly.
   • Tourist or Event Spaces: Approach tourist boards or private event space owners in high-traffic areas, as they might offer flexible terms if the attraction aligns with their vision.
2. Negotiation Tips:
   • Revenue Sharing: Offer a revenue share (e.g., 10-15% of ticket sales) to make the deal appealing for high-traffic locations without requiring a high fixed rent.
   • Short-Term Lease with Option to Extend: Negotiate an initial short-term lease (3-6 months) to test the business model, with an option to extend if the attraction performs well.
   • Event-Based Rentals: For tourist areas or city-owned properties, propose an event-based rental, allowing you to set up only on weekends or during peak seasons. This minimizes upfront costs and tests viability before committing long-term.
   • Highlight Community Benefit: Emphasize how your attraction will bring more foot traffic to the area and offer an exciting, unique experience that could positively impact nearby businesses.
   • Insurance & Liability: Some waterfronts might be wary of liability. Offer to cover insurance (e.g., public liability insurance) and outline safety measures you’ll implement to reassure them.

Sourcing or Building the Floating Green Setup

1. Options for Building or Buying a Floating Green
   • Buying a Floating Green:
     • Sources: Check companies like Southwest Greens or Turf Avenue, which offer custom floating golf green solutions.
     • Costs: Pre-made floating greens can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on size, materials, and customization.
     • Features to Consider: Look for options with durable, high-quality synthetic turf, UV protection, and anti-slip backing. Ensure the floating green is stable enough to handle water currents or wind.
   • Building Your Own:
     • Materials Needed:
       • Platform: Marine-grade foam or pontoons as a base for buoyancy.
       • Synthetic Turf: Choose high-quality, outdoor-rated synthetic turf to create the putting surface.
       • Anchor System: Attach anchors to keep the green from drifting. Use adjustable chains or rope systems to reposition it as needed.
     • DIY Assembly Tips:
       • Attach synthetic turf securely to a floating platform made of marine-grade foam or wood planks.
       • Install small flags and cup holders to mimic real putting greens.
       • Cost Estimate: DIY costs might be lower than buying pre-made (around $3,000-$5,000) but will depend on material quality and time invested.
2. Anchoring and Safety Considerations:
   • Anchors: Use heavy-duty anchors to secure the floating green, ensuring it doesn’t drift in strong winds or currents.
   • Safety Precautions:
     • Place signage warning players about water safety, and provide a clear safety zone around the floating green.
     • Ensure compliance with local water safety regulations, including life rings or flotation devices if required.

Implementation Tips

• Site Survey: Once a site is chosen, do a thorough survey to understand water depth, currents, and accessibility. Adjust the floating green’s anchoring and placement accordingly.
• Setup and Breakdown: For event-based setups, make sure the floating green can be quickly installed and removed. Create a clear protocol for both setup and breakdown to streamline the process.
• Scalability: As the business grows, replicate the process for additional floating greens at other popular locations, potentially franchising or licensing the model to local entrepreneurs.