NN Golf Clubs: Residential vs. Commercial Guide
Chances are you’ve got an opinion. Maybe a strong one. We’ve learned many people do.
And when they’re strong, they typically skew away from residential clubs in favor of more traditional spaces. They’ll say:
“I’d never go into someone’s garage.”
“I’d never let strangers in my house.”
We get it.
The idea of sharing a home simulator is new — even though sharing homes (Airbnb), cars (Uber), and even backyards (Swimply) isn’t new at all.
Here’s the thing: both setups are fine with us, and we’ve seen both residential and commercial simulator clubs work just fine with our approach.
And while I’ve enjoyed swinging in both myself, I don’t matter — our members prove both work. They’re actually split nearly 50/50 across the two.
We covered some of the physical space considerations in this post, but here’s a deeper look at what separates residential and commercial clubs — and how to think about them whether you're considering starting a club or joining one.
Residential Clubs
What they are: Garages, sheds, or any part of a home with exterior access that’s secured from the main residence.
What they offer:
- Cozy, casual feel — like golfing in a buddy’s man cave
- Convenient locations — often right in your neighborhood
- Low cost to operate — no rent means lower dues
Requirements (for club pros):
- Space for at least two people to swing comfortably
- A locked door between the club and the main residence (non-negotiable)
- No need for a bathroom or HVAC (though comfort helps)
One of our favorite stories: Club OG No. 1 launched in a wooden shed with no heat, no AC, and no bathroom — and still had a waitlist of people happily paying $50/month.
That said, our best-performing clubs do tend to have heating, cooling, and a touch of comfort. It’s not required — but it definitely helps.
Commercial Clubs
What they are: Light industrial spaces, warehouses, or extra rooms in gyms or office buildings — generally non-retail, nontraditional real estate.
What they offer:
- Longer hours — often early mornings (5am) or late nights (10PM)
- More flexibility — especially for off-hours golfers
- Potential for multiple bays — bigger communities, more variety
What we look for:
We don’t go after polished retail locations — too expensive, not aligned with our pricing model.
Instead, we help hosts find affordable, off-the-beaten-path spaces where rent is low and access is easy.
That’s what lets us keep member dues around $75/month — with unlimited play and guest access.
So… Which One’s Better?
They both work.
It really depends on what you’re looking for.
Some members love the convenience of walking down the street to swing out of a neighbor’s garage — someone they’d never met before joining.
Others prefer the more neutral feel of a commercial space with broader hours.
Some club pros love the simplicity of converting their garage and adding a little income on the side.
Others want to go bigger and turn an underused commercial space into a multi-bay neighborhood hub.
What matters most — on either side — isn’t whether the space is residential or commercial.
It’s whether there’s a shared sense of community… and enough room for two people to play golf together without bumping elbows.
That’s where the magic starts.
We’ll help with the rest.
💬 Want to be part of this?
If you’ve got a space — or are just curious about what it might look like to start your own club — we’d love to talk.
- 🔵 Become a member at a nearby club
Get Started → - 🟢 Join when a club opens near you
Let Us Know → - 🟡 Start your own club
Reach Out → - ⚪️ Anything else
Contact Us →
❤️🏘️⛳️
#golf #realgolf #realgolfclub #community #culture #startup #growth #fun
