Five Iron Golf Launches Licensing Model for Businesses
The new program allows operators to install indoor simulator experiences at existing locations.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Five Iron Golf has introduced a new licensing program called Five Iron Lounge, which allows external businesses to incorporate its indoor golf simulator technology into their properties. BrewDog plans to implement the concept at its Las Vegas brewery, marking the first site for the expansion model.
Why it matters
The licensing model provides a pathway for the company to enter new markets where its traditional full-size facility footprint is not feasible. This move allows operators to add entertainment amenities that drive guest traffic by leveraging established brand infrastructure and technology.
Five Iron Golf, which operates over 100 locations worldwide, reported 26.8% sales growth and a 35.7% increase in unit count in 2025. Each Five Iron Studio, the standard footprint for the new program, includes three to five simulators.
The players
Five Iron Golf
An indoor golf entertainment company founded in 2017 that currently operates more than 100 locations globally.
BrewDog
A multinational brewery and pub chain that plans to install the first licensed Five Iron Lounge at its Las Vegas brewery.
The details
The program provides licensees with a comprehensive package including simulator hardware, furniture, branding, artwork, and staff training. The golf experience uses Trackman technology, which records ball-flight data as customers hit real balls into a digital screen. By outsourcing the brand experience, businesses can integrate the simulator setup into existing floor plans without requiring a full-scale corporate location.
Timeline
Five Iron Golf was founded in 2017.
The company reported 26.8% sales growth and 35.7% unit count growth in 2025.
The Five Iron Lounge program was announced on October 15, 2026.
Market Landscape
The licensing move aligns with the broader experiential retail trend where hospitality venues integrate high-tech activities to drive guest engagement. It marks a shift from the company's previous reliance on corporate-owned, full-size facilities to a decentralized growth model.
Operators considering similar partnerships should assess whether their physical space can accommodate the three to five simulator footprint required by the studio model. Evaluate how high-fidelity technology installations shift your facility's maintenance and staffing requirements before committing to a licensing agreement.
The takeaway
The program offers an alternative growth strategy by leveraging established consumer brands like BrewDog to reach new audiences. Operators should track how the inclusion of high-tech simulators impacts their average check size and customer retention rates relative to traditional floor space usage.
Further reading
For more on local development trends, visit Las Vegas Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
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Would you prefer to visit restaurants or bars that offer interactive games like golf simulators?
