TruGolf Links has signed a deal with Knoxville entrepreneur John Young to bring TruGolf Links to communities across Tennessee. Young plans to start with a flagship location in Knoxville and then hopes to bring the concept to the Nashville market. Eventually, he will develop 40 locations across the state.
Young’s background is in accounting, but he told What Now Nashville that he became interested in the TruGolf franchise as he explored ways to bring a community-oriented concept to the area.
“For a few years now, I’ve been interested in this concept of virtual golf, but more importantly, the ability of some concepts to bring people together,” Young said. “I think we need more community spaces, places where people can go have fun and enjoy each other’s company outside of the home.”
For Young, TruGolf offered a pathway to provide the community space he sought.
Virtual golf and golf simulator concepts that double as gathering places and restaurants have been growing in popularity. TruGolf offers golf simulation technology that tracks the ball and projects it onto the screen, an activity that appeals to both beginner and avid golfers alike. Each facility will feature five simulator bays, an upscale restaurant and bar, a pro shop and a club cleaning station. The flagship in Knoxville will also feature a special double-sized bay with stadium seating.
Young said that the facility serves a purpose for both serious golfers looking to do a quick 18-hole round and casual golfers looking for a fun activity with friends. The goal is to make it approachable for those who might find traditional golf intimidating.
“People call this virtual golf, but even in branding, we kind of scratch out the virtual side [because] this is golf,” Young said. “It really feels like you’re second only to sitting on that golf course. Imagine five simulator bays that you come into that have a lot of natural light. You got a community-based bar top there where you can sit and have a beer with your friends, or have a specialty cocktail and get ready for your round, but also have the ability to make new friends because there are other people there.”
Currently they are in the site selection process for the Knoxville location. However, Nashville is already on Young’s radar. He said they will be looking at opportunities to bring the concept to Nashville as soon as possible, and he hopes to start the site selection process for a Nashville location later this year. Eventually, he could see anywhere from three to six locations in the Nashville market.
Locations are about 5,000 to 6,000 square feet, Young said. When choosing sites, he is planning to target neighborhoods around Nashville rather than focusing only on downtown. Both Mt. Juliet and South Nashville have caught his attention.
“We’re focusing on community and connections, and I want people to be able to leave their house and come play a round of golf and maybe bring the family,” Young said. “I want you to be able to come have a good time, have a bite to eat and play either golf or arcade, and have a great time with your friends and family, and then go back home. With that, I think we’re going to be targeting some community-based neighborhoods in Nashville as we really build out.”
