Local PGA pro and owner of indoor golf centers tees off franchise opportunities
- Matt Keller, founder of York and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Centers, recently began licensing his high-tech golf centers.
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At age 12, Matt Keller strolled the rolling grassy fairway, golf club in hand. He was playing 18 holes with his friends at a church event. At the end of the round, an 81-year-old golfer approached and asked the boys what sports they played.
“He said, ‘I don’t know too many people at 81 still playing football or baseball, but I shot an 81 today,’” Matt recalls.
One of the friends with Matt went on to be an all-state football receiver in high school, then never played the game again. Matt knew that, unlike his friend with football, he’d be able to play golf for decades.
“I saw an opportunity to play a sport for the rest of my life,” he says.
A year-round experience
Matt became a PGA professional and earned a degree in Professional Golf Management from Penn State University. He worked at prestigious courses and clubs around the country before launching two golf companies: York Indoor Golf & Training Center, in 2017, and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Center, in 2021. His customers range in age from 4 to 93.
In December 2021, Matt expanded his golf empire with the takeover of Bridgewater Golf Club just outside York.
“This is a really good opportunity to continue growing golf in the York area,” Matt says.
Players can join winter leagues at his Indoor Golf locations, then play on the course in the spring, summer, and fall. They have access to incredibly detailed analytics, premier equipment, lessons with PGA professionals, and Matt’s expertise to improve their game.
“Now we’ve really given them an opportunity to play year-round,” Matt says.
Spreading the golf love
In 2023, Matt is ready to expand his love of golf to other entrepreneurs through the sale of York Indoor Golf franchises.
He’s excited about what franchising offers for golf professionals and those interested in growing in the industry. With his expertise and years of experience, Matt knows what works and what can create stumbling blocks. He envisions franchising in Pennsylvania and possibly expanding beyond the state.
At the heart of it all, Matt’s goal is to help people of all ages and skill levels improve their game and have fun doing it. With a focus on teaching and club fitting, York Indoor Golf is not just an entertainment venue but a place for serious golfers to hone their skills.
Creating lifelong golfers
Through teaching, clubs, leagues, and golfing school programs, including grassroots initiatives to introduce golf to kids, Matt has created lifelong golfers and introduced people to the game in a unique way.
“A lot of the juniors we’ve worked with are going on and playing at the collegiate level,” Matt says. “It’s neat to start out and see kids who couldn’t swing a club playing collegiate now.”
Matt’s dedication to his craft and the golfing industry has set him apart as a leader in the field. With his attention to detail and use of technology, he has revolutionized the way people learn and play golf, no matter at what age they start.