Swedish indoor golf concept RUFF is continuing its international expansion by establishing a presence in the home of golf. Through a new master franchise agreement with Targe Environmental Consulting Ltd, ten RUFF venues are planned to open across Scotland over the next ten years. The first venue is planned for Aberdeen.
The master franchise agreement was signed in the autumn and grants Targe Environmental Consulting Ltd the right to establish and develop the RUFF concept in Scotland. The company is owned by Liam Manderson, who has a long-standing background in golf and has played the sport since his junior years.
“Scotland is the home of golf, making it both a symbolically and strategically important market for RUFF. There is a strong interest in golf, but also a need for more modern and accessible ways to play, practise and socialise around the sport. Together with Liam, we want to build a strong RUFF presence in Scotland and create meeting places for both established golfers and people who are completely new to the game,” says Alex Bengtsson, CEO and co-founder of RUFF Golf.
The agreement runs for ten years, with an expansion plan comprising ten venues over the same period. The first is planned for Aberdeen, where negotiations for suitable premises are currently under way. An opening date will be announced once the location and timetable have been confirmed.
A More Modern and Accessible Way to Play Golf
RUFF combines golf in state-of-the-art simulators with a modern, social clubhouse environment. The venues are designed as meeting places where beginners, families and experienced golfers alike can play, practise and socialise throughout the year.
“Golf has always been close to my heart. I started playing as a junior, have worked in the industry and now enjoy playing with my children. At the same time, I can see how golf has become more expensive and less accessible in many places. What attracted me to RUFF was its ambition to build a community around golf for everyone, whether you are a professional player or have never held a golf club before,” says Liam Manderson, owner of Targe Environmental Consulting Ltd.
He continues: “RUFF’s modern clubhouse is a place that golfers of all abilities, as well as other visitors, can enjoy. It leaves the stuffiness behind and introduces a more modern way to play and socialise. The technology enables people to enjoy golf all year round, come rain or shine. RUFF’s values and strong growth across Europe made bringing the concept to the home of golf an obvious choice for me.”
RUFF Golf currently has 28 venues across Europe and continues to grow through both franchise openings and master franchise agreements in several European markets. The expansion into Scotland represents the next step in the company’s ambition to make golf more accessible and create a modern form of golf entertainment for a broader audience.
“We want to change perceptions of what a golf venue can be. It should be easy to walk through the door, enjoyable enough to stay and possible to play all year round. Liam shares that vision and has both the local commitment and the understanding of golf’s role in Scotland required to develop RUFF in this market,” says Alex Bengtsson.