Indoor leisure chain Five Iron Golf is set to launch its first UK location in Broadgate, London, as part of a £20 million investment to expand across the country. The move is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs and introduce the brand’s urban golf concept to British consumers.

Founded in the United States in 2017, Five Iron Golf has grown to more than 40 venues across 16 states and five countries. The UK operation will be led by chief executive Eric Parker, who plans to open two additional sites within the next 18 months and eventually expand to a total of around ten locations nationwide.

Parker, a former precious metals trader with experience in the UK and on Wall Street, described Five Iron Golf as an inclusive alternative to traditional golf clubs. The facilities aim to attract both dedicated golfers and casual players by combining social elements with competitive leagues and prize offerings. He emphasized that the approach is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including after-work social groups, departing from the conventional image of the sport as a “serious country club” activity.

“We see London as ready for a more modern, inclusive take on golf that welcomes everyone," Parker said. He projects the UK expansion will create up to 300 jobs, supporting both operational and service roles across upcoming locations.

To finance the rollout, Parker has secured investments from a small group of backers, with New York-based investment bank Third Seven Capital serving as the primary funding partner. He highlighted the growing consumer demand for social experiences linked to food and drink and noted that such leisure activities have shown resilience amid broader economic fluctuations.

“The socialising economy continues to grow, and people are looking for more value in their after-work hours,” Parker said. “In that way, we feel positioned to weather economic uncertainties better than some other sectors.”

Five Iron Golf’s Broadgate site is scheduled to open this week, marking the brand’s official entry into the UK market and initiating what Parker envisions as a significant expansion phase for the company.