Golf is making a comeback, says Back Nine Golf owners Chad and Gina Smith.

“Over the last 10 years golf has evolved significantly in both the ways to play and how to engage with golf,” Chad Smith told the Katy Times. “Golf is now more accessible to all ages and skill levels. With indoor golf facilities like The Back Nine Golf and the advancement of technology, playing indoors provides the same accuracy in ball play as playing outdoors.”

“Indoor golf allows players to practice and dial-in their skills and non-players to enjoy the game indoors without the pressure of players behind them or unpredictable weather,” he said. “The game of golf is also seeing unprecedented engagement from younger generations with their favorite players and social media influencers on Instagram and TikTok. In recent years, new golf leagues have brought fresh energy and greater access to the sport. LIV Golf launched in 2022, featuring top players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.In 2025, the TGL, a new indoor golf league, started and also has elite golfers like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The Back Nine Golf also utilizes the same simulators, Full Swing, as the TGL league and is sponsored by Tiger Woods.”

The couple is opening the new business which is designed to let golfers play on their own schedule – and that includes 24/7 access to their new business located at 1443 S. Mason in Katy, featuring state-of-the-art golf simulators.

Unlike other golf businesses, The Back Nine Golf focuses on keeping things simple, Chad Smith said. “With 24/7 access, easy online booking, and a bring-your-own-food policy, it's a space that’s welcoming to everyone - and built around your schedule,” he said. “Whether it's early in the morning or late at night, you can golf when you want, on your time. While other venues often center around extras like gyms, spas, or bars—making them less family-friendly—Back Nine Golf is focused on creating a fun, relaxed environment that’s perfect for individuals, families, and kids alike. Their golf simulator also offers kid friendly activities like putting, skeeball and other fun games.

The club will also host tournaments and leagues with some open to everyone and others exclusive to members. The club is available for private events and corporate memberships and sponsorship opportunities, such as featuring a company’s logo on the simulator screens or sponsoring a bay, are available.

The Smiths also know that indoor golf is never going to replace the tradition and beauty of outdoor play, but say that it’s a great alternative— especially in Houston where the weather never cooperates, so being able to play when it's raining, hot or cold is a big benefit.

The couple relocated from Dallas to Houston in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. “At the time, it felt like a wild decision—especially with a six-month-old baby and leaving our family behind—but since then, we’ve truly fallen in love with Houston and have continued to grow our family here,” Chad Smith

said. “Our kids are a big part of our motivation. We wanted to create a life that allowed us to spend more time with them and be present as they grow. Both Gina and I have always been drawn to the idea of owning our own business— it's a dream we've pursued not just for ourselves, but also as something we hope to pass on to our children, encouraging them to grow up with an entrepreneurial mindset.”

The pair moved quickly to get the business open. “Since we keep our business model simple, it will be about 60 days from start to finish,” Chad Smith said. The company held a ribbon cutting on September 17 and the grand opening is set for September 27.

And they look forward to serving the community, Chad Smith said. “We're proud to be partnering with nonprofits and other organizations that focus on introducing and making golf available for our youth, he said. “ We have partnered with First Tee of Greater Houston to provide youth with exclusive access at discounted rates and are working with several other nonprofits and organizations for the same purpose. We are eager in collaborating with schools in the Katy area, as well as other organizations seeking opportunities for children to engage in sports.”

The Back Nine Golf is not a stand alone golf facility, but part of a larger franchise that has locations all over Texas and the U.S. Smith’s family is opening locations in Katy, Sugar Land and Fort Bend through 2026 and there will be a dozen Back Nine's in the Greater Houston area by the end of 2026, he said. For more information, go to https://thebackninegolf.com/katy-tx/.