Thinking about starting a mini-golf franchise? Follow these key steps to build a successful and profitable business.
Before breaking ground, understand that mini golf isn’t just fun—it’s a high-revenue business. With low overhead, reusable inventory, and minimal staffing needs, a well-designed mini golf course can be a steady source of income.
Know that Having a Mini Golf Franchise is a Business
The mini golf industry generates over $1 billion annually. It attracts more than 130 million players each year. Adding a mini golf course to an existing business can boost revenue by 20%–50%. Ready to get started? Harris Miniature Golf has built over 1,000 courses nationwide—we are here to guide you through every stage.
Site Selection for Your Mini Golf Course
The next step in your mini golf franchise journey is choosing the right location, which typically requires at least 10,000 square feet. An 18-hole course usually needs 15,000–20,000 square feet, plus space for parking and a clubhouse. A strategic location—standalone or an addition to an existing business—can significantly impact profitability.
Planning the Course Layout
Once you’ve secured a site, the next step is creating a topographical layout. This provides a clear view of the land’s natural contours. A thorough plan can help designers maximize space and create a visually appealing, engaging course.
Designing Your Mini Golf Course
This is where creativity takes center stage. Mini golf courses range from beautifully landscaped gardens to exciting themed experiences. Visit our headquarters in Scranton, PA, to see our designs firsthand.
A well-designed course should be visually striking, easy to maintain, and engaging for players of all ages. Our design team will work closely with you to develop a feature-rich layout that fits your budget and vision.
Securing Financing
Every successful business starts with solid financial planning. Strong credit, local lending institutions, and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are great funding options. In some cases, lease agreements can also be a viable route.
We provide detailed designs and full-color renderings to enhance your presentations for financing applications. This support helps you move forward with confidence.
Permits and Approvals
Zoning and permitting are necessary before starting construction. Research your local requirements. Work with a local engineering firm for site drawings to help secure approvals if required.
When you partner with us, you’ll receive a full-color rendering, lighting plan, and detailed drawings to ease the approval process. If any modifications are needed, our CAD system allows for quick adjustments.
Pre-Construction
The pre-construction process for a mini golf course begins with a key planning meeting. This meeting keeps everyone on track with their role and responsibilities. It also provides an opportunity to review all aspects of the project. Bringing the team together facilitates a smooth construction process.
Construction of the Mini Golf Course
The best mini golf course designers and developers keep you actively involved throughout construction. We meet with clients regularly to match expectations at every stage.
Additionally, we encourage site visits and direct communication with our crew. This lets you provide input along the way. Your feedback is always valued; our ultimate goal is your complete satisfaction.
Staffing and Operating Your Mini Golf Franchise
Hiring the best staff will set your mini golf course business up for success. Set up your website and social media channels, and create a marketing plan and budget for your course launch and ongoing promotion. Also, make sure to set up your operational budget and payroll system.
Our team will help transition you from the construction phase into operations. We’ll even provide you with an initial supply of clubs and floating balls to help you get started. Additionally, Harris Miniature Golf provides every client with a Maintenance & Operations Manual. This guide includes step-by-step instructions for maintaining the course during the season and winterizing it afterward.
Grand Opening & Marketing
Now it’s time to celebrate! Plan an engaging grand opening with strategic advertising and community outreach. A well-executed launch event can generate buzz and attract your first wave of customers.
We provide every client with our Marketing & Promotion Guide, with insights from over 100 course owners. These strategies help you maximize your reach and grow your business from day one.
Let’s Build Something Amazing
Starting a mini golf franchise is a rewarding investment. We’re here to help you every step of the way. From site selection to design, construction, and marketing, we bring decades of experience to your project.
Feel free to contact us today for more information or to get started!
