Back Nine Golf (St. George, UT) has grown from a startup into a nationwide franchise network offering automated 24-hour indoor golf facilities, combining simulator technology with a low-staff operating model and international expansion.
St. George, Utah — July 31, 2026
In the dead of night, in hundreds of silent buildings across 44 states, the perfect swing is being mastered—yet there isn't a single employee in sight. What began as a law student's secret late-night practice sessions in a lonely warehouse has evolved into a high-tech empire where doors unlock only with a digital whisper from a smartphone. This is Back Nine Golf, a 24/7 sanctuary where the game "never sleeps" and elite technology meets a completely automated future. It is a global phenomenon currently unfolding in the shadows of the traditional sports world, opening new locations at a blistering pace.
Back Nine was founded in St. George, Utah, in 2020 by local attorney Wil Bangerter. A self-described "golf nut," Wil was a law student at Brigham Young University (BYU) when the first seed was planted. With little free time, Wil could be found using a golf simulator in the back of a warehouse late at night—the only time he had to practice. After graduating and moving to St. George, Wil wanted a simulator of his own, and he realized starting his own business would help him pay for it while giving him the 24/7 access he craved. A win-win.
Wil originally started Back Nine Golf with two business partners, Tanner Atkin and Rudy Odorizzi. At first, Wil balanced Back Nine Golf while practicing law full-time, but it wasn't long before he realized he didn't have time for both, so he and his original business partners decided to sell.
As luck would have it, Brady Carlsen lived in the same neighborhood as Wil, and when he heard Wil was selling, he wanted in. A seasoned entrepreneur with 20 years of sales experience under his belt, Brady saw the opportunity in Back Nine Golf, especially in franchising. About eight months after Back Nine was started, Brady came in with a business partner and bought the company, while Wil stayed on as CEO. After Brady's partner departed to launch his own venture, Kaden Creager joined the team as a board member/owner—proving instrumental in scaling the business and building out its franchising operations.
Technology-Focused Golf Experience
Brady describes Back Nine as a place for golfers to come improve their game and get their golf fix without spending four hours on the course. It’s a high-tech, 24/7 indoor golf-simulation company that complements traditional outdoor golf.
The company has a strategic partnership with Full Swing Golf, the technology trusted by PGA pros, including Tiger Woods, who is a part-owner. Members book tee times around the clock, then the simulators provide instant, personalized data on club path, face angle, and ball spin. What's more, a full 18-hole round can be wrapped up in just 45 to 60 minutes versus four hours—a huge time savings for the time-constrained golf lover.
"It's not a replacement for outdoor golf, it's a supplement," Brady said. Back Nine has the tagline "Where golf never sleeps" because members can golf at any time, whether it's during lunch, at 4 a.m., or after dark. All they have to do is book a tee time and show up. Many members end up developing an "addiction" as they sharpen their skills, rain or shine.
An Automated Franchise Model
Back Nine is a software company in the golf space that offers an exciting investment opportunity for individuals looking for a simplified franchise with few moving parts. For many passionate golfers, this franchise model is a dream come true. "Most people come to us because they don't want to deal with employees, and you can operate a Back Nine franchise without employees if you are a hands-on operator," said Brady.
With most franchise businesses, the majority of overhead is payroll—that's a big piece of what Back Nine offers. Franchisees don't need to manage anyone other than themselves, and they aren't dealing with food or beverage costs; their biggest overhead is rent.
According to Brady, the company set up Back Nine so it can be run remotely, through cameras, software, and partnerships that make it possible. For the avid golfer looking to break free from Corporate America, or a second-act career, it's easy to see the appeal of a Back Nine franchise.
Brady said owners typically spend only 20 to 30 hours a week on business-related tasks, and the self-service setup—members book online and receive a text message with a link to unlock the building with their phones. Meaning, there's no on-site staff to schedule or manage, which Back Nine leadership says is usually the most difficult and expensive part of running a business.
Rapid Expansion
Back Nine sold its first franchise in Cedar City, Utah, in 2023.
According to company figures, the business has since expanded to more than 200 operating locations across 44 states and has sold approximately 560 franchise territories. Carlsen said the company is currently opening between 15 and 20 new franchise locations each month.
The company's headquarters in St. George has also grown. Back Nine says it now employs 74 full-time staff members, up from five employees a year ago.
Beyond the United States, Back Nine has opened locations in Canada and has signed a master franchise agreement for New Zealand. Company leaders also said additional expansion is planned in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Future Growth
Back Nine says it is continuing to expand its technology offerings beyond simulator access.
According to Carlsen, the company is working on new swing-analysis capabilities that use artificial intelligence to provide golfers with additional performance feedback. The company is also testing golf club fitting services, exploring retail golf equipment sales, developing an apparel brand called "No Lost Balls," and building a mobile application that would allow members to access simulator performance data while playing on outdoor courses.
As indoor golf continues to grow in popularity, Back Nine executives believe their automated operating model positions the company for continued franchise expansion. Whether that growth continues at its current pace will depend on franchise demand, execution, and broader market conditions.
Learn more at thebackninegolf.com.