Why We Built PARennial Golf
Creating a Frictionless Indoor Golf Experience for Avid Golfers
Back before we came up with the solution that would become PARennial Golf—and even now if you're not using our facility—finding a quality place to practice meant a significant amount of time traveling or wasted time at busy driving range, waiting on a bay to open. For those who live and breathe the game, the frustrations of traveling long distances and dealing with unpredictable availability are all too familiar. Consistent, high-quality practice time should be easy to access, not something that requires hours of planning and waiting. We knew there had to be a better way.
The idea really started to take shape during COVID when, like everyone else, I found myself spending a lot of time indoors. I began considering setting up a Trackman unit in my apartment—although it would have consumed my entire living room. I figured I could finance the unit, and paying for it over time would easily justify the cost (lol). When I reached out to a friend in the golf industry to discuss, it became clear that I couldn't finance the unit unless it was used for business. From here the conversation transitioned, and he started telling me about some of the success people were having in the indoor golf business.
One of the formula's he laid out was very simple: rent an open space, set up a couple of simulator bays, sell memberships, toss the member a key, and leave them to their own devices. Maybe there was a basic booking system, but the experience was barebones. As a software developer and a golfer, I saw the potential to go beyond this simplistic, clunky model. Instead of just providing access, I wanted to create a seamless, golf centric experience that eliminated all friction.
Solving the Pain Points of Indoor Golf
One of the biggest hurdles to consistent practice is wasted time. In the indoor space, how do you know when a bay is open? How do you transition from one booking to the next? The list of challenges goes on and on. We wanted to build a space where none of these factors would get in the way. The solution we envisioned were facilities that prioritized time optimization, a place where members could maximize their practice without barriers.
The core feature that emerged from this vision was real-time bay availability. By allowing our users and members to check bay availability in real-time, we gave them the power to decide how and when they wanted to play. This feature created a new kind of freedom: the ability to walk in and play whenever they wanted without always needing to book a time slot.
In practice, this approach was a game changer. Walk-ins now account for sixty to seventy percent of all play at our facilities. Our members don’t have to rely on rigid booking schedules; they can simply open the app, see an available bay, and head straight over. This on-demand flexibility allows them to get in valuable practice time whenever the itch hits, without the typical hassle. And for those who prefer the predictability of a scheduled session, booking is still an option—making it the best of both worlds.
An Unlimited Membership Designed with Flexibility in Mind
One of the most unique aspects of our membership model is that it offers unlimited access without the need for constant bookings. Our members have a set number of bookings each billing cycle (or each month for annual members), but they’re not limited in the amount of practice they can get. Walk-ins allow them to play as much as they want, so long as there’s availability—providing virtually limitless practice time.
However, we know our model takes a little getting used to. If you're a new or prospective member and you're wondering, “How does unlimited access work if there’s a limit on bookings?” You're not alone. But with just a little time experiencing how our Facility Management system keeps everything running smoothly, it quickly clicks. Members see they can walk in and play anytime there’s an open bay—and even if a bay isn’t immediately free, they don’t need to reserve every session in advance. Once they experience the ease and flexibility, they’re fully onboard.
Redefining the Indoor Golf Experience with Technology
PARennial Golf is more than just an indoor golf simulator studio—our facilities are built around a powerful software platform that transforms the way people practice. By leveraging real-time data, we’ve been able to create a seamless experience that removes traditional barriers to access and lets golfers spend more time doing what they love. Our members don’t waste time waiting, and they’re able to get in valuable practice without the friction that’s so common in other facilities.
For us, this isn’t just a business—it’s a solution to the frustrations we once faced ourselves as golfers. We built PARennial Golf to give Chicago’s golf community a place where they can play, practice, and improve with total flexibility, no matter the season or time of day.
If you're interested in learning more, schedule a tour! I'd love to show you around. You can also make a booking, or purchase a membership directly from the app.
– Alex Green, Founder
Download the PARennial Golf app and make a booking or purchase a membership today.
