Building a $500K/Month Golf Simulator Business – The Journey of 24/7 Golf

The virtual golf industry has seen remarkable growth, and one company leading the way in Australia is 24/7 Golf. Founded by Igor Vainshtien, the business focuses on selling affordable golf simulators for both personal and commercial use. As the exclusive distributor of SkyTrak Golf in Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding regions, 24/7 Golf has grown to generate $500,000 in monthly revenue by creating a thriving golf simulator business.

The Entrepreneurial Roots Behind 24/7 Golf

Igor’s entrepreneurial journey started at a young age in the USSR. His first venture involved selling drinking water during a school camp in Crimea, a success that led to a reprimand from local authorities for being overly “capitalistic.” Upon moving to Australia, Igor embraced the opportunities offered by a market-oriented economy. By the age of 15, he was building websites and databases. Later, he ventured into corporate eCommerce consulting and established a successful SAP consulting firm, which reached $4 million in annual revenue within four years.

After taking a break from the consulting world, Igor discovered a passion for golf. This newfound love eventually led him to invest in a virtual golf center and, later, develop a concept for unmanned virtual golf studios that could operate 24/7. Alongside managing these ventures, Igor began selling golf simulators, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become a thriving golf simulator business with 24/7 Golf.

Creating Affordable Golf Simulators

Initially, Igor focused on selling high-end golf simulators priced at $30,000 or more, targeting commercial ventures like virtual golf bars. However, many of these businesses struggled to survive due to high operating costs, particularly steep retail rents in Australian cities. Recognizing the need for affordability, Igor shifted his focus to creating cost-effective solutions. By combining the best components from years of experience, he developed packages that were easy to install, use, and manage.

Partnering with SkyTrak Golf proved to be a turning point. After months of negotiations, Igor secured exclusive distribution rights, enabling him to offer innovative yet affordable golf simulator packages. The result was a more streamlined, customer-friendly experience that became a cornerstone of his golf simulator business and attracted a growing number of buyers.

Launching the Online Store

The journey of 24/7 Golf’s online presence began with a simple Wix website serving as an online brochure. In 2018, Igor transitioned to Shopify, hiring a designer and developer through UpWork to create a professional eCommerce site. The website was completed within weeks and has remained largely unchanged since its launch.

While the Shopify store allows customers to make purchases directly, many buyers prefer speaking with someone before committing to a significant investment. As a result, the website functions both as a sales platform and a lead-generation tool. The importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences, whether online or offline, has been a key driver of the golf simulator business’s success.

Strategies for Customer Acquisition and Retention

Organic search traffic began contributing to website visits within a few months of the site’s launch. However, much of the early traction came from Igor’s engagement in a popular Facebook group for Australian golfers and the largest online golf simulator forum. By consistently sharing valuable information and answering questions, Igor established himself as a trusted expert in the golf simulator business niche. Over time, satisfied customers started sharing their positive experiences, further enhancing the brand’s reputation.

Recently, 24/7 Golf has leveraged Google Ads and Facebook Ads to drive additional traffic and sales. Another highly effective tool has been the Raven Call Back button, which allows potential customers to request immediate callbacks. This feature has achieved a conversion rate of nearly 90%, often resulting in high-value sales within minutes.

Scaling the Business and Future Plans

24/7 Golf has experienced consistent month-on-month growth, with a 50% increase in revenue this year alone. The business is expanding into event hire, allowing customers to book golf simulators for parties and corporate events. Plans are underway to launch this service in 22 cities across Australia before expanding to the United States, starting with Texas.

To manage increasing demand, Igor is exploring consolidation of supplier operations into a single warehouse and expanding his offshore team. Affiliate partnerships are also being developed to further accelerate the growth of the golf simulator business.

Lessons Learned and Business Insights

The journey of building 24/7 Golf has been filled with valuable lessons. Igor emphasizes the importance of minimizing risks and learning from mistakes. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to seek knowledge from others who have walked similar paths and to read extensively, particularly business biographies that highlight both successes and failures.

One of the most significant insights Igor shares is the value of being a thought leader in an industry. By offering honest, useful advice and being transparent about products, he has built trust with customers, often converting them into loyal buyers. Confidence in his offerings has been a cornerstone of his success, supported by a track record of satisfied customers and zero returns.

Tools and Resources Driving Success

The 24/7 Golf business relies on a range of tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences:

Reading and continuous learning also play a crucial role. Igor draws inspiration from books like Think and Grow Rich, Tim Ferriss’s 4-Hour Workweek series, and No Cash, No Fear. For aspiring entrepreneurs, he underscores the importance of developing real-world sales skills, which are invaluable for both offline and online business success.

24/7 Golf is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and customer-centric innovation. By staying focused on delivering value and constantly improving, Igor Vainshtien has transformed his passion for golf into a thriving golf simulator business that continues to grow and inspire.