Golftec – StartupSmart

Golf can be a relaxing way to while away the hours, but it’s often hard for an office worker to squeeze in time on the green.’

Golftec, an indoor golf simulator centre, allows you play more than 100 courses from all over the world and practise on the driving range, putting green or sand bunker – all in the middle of the city.

The company is targeted at golf enthusiasts that are “stuck” in the city between 7am and 9pm and would prefer to play golf than be stuck in traffic or on a crowded train.

“We have a unique product that totally changes the golfing industry – a “gym” for golfers,” co-founder Igor Vainshtein says.

Asked why he started the business, the answer’s simple: “Love golf, loved the business idea.”

The founders of Golftec faced their first challenge in cobbling together the $400,000 they needed to get the idea off the ground.

“Agree and sort out loans before the business starts, or be prepared for some challenging conversations,” 31-year-old Vainshtein warns those contemplating a start-up.

After overcoming the initial start-up cost barriers, Golftec has gone on to become a revelation among Melbourne’s golfing fanatics, excited by the prospect of virtually playing some of the world’s greatest courses while being coached by professionals on how to improve their game.

Vainshtein says seeing people improve as golfers was one of the biggest kicks he got out of running the business.