Instruction Evolves: Golf Envy Partners with GOLFZON Leadbetter

GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy is proud to announce its new collaboration with Golf Envy, one of the premiere indoor golf locations in the country. In this Q&A, co-founders Ryan Wines and Cole Arranaga share why they chose Leadbetter for instructional programming at their facilities.

Ryan Wines, Founder & CEO (left), Cole Arranaga, Co-founder & COO

Question: Tell us more about your backgrounds: how did you come to start Golf Envy?

Ryan Wines:  I spent the last 28 years in the automotive space where I owned a couple of car dealerships. My wife started playing golf with me in 2020 and as we played, we realized the steep financial barrier to entry when it came to traditional green-grass golf.

We brainstormed ways we could make golf more inclusive for the majority of golfers instead of just the one percenters with access to a country club. That’s how Golf Envy was created. Our members can have 24/7 access to tee times on the world’s best technology.

Cole Arranaga:  I came across Golf Envy on social media and I thought it was the perfect franchising concept. I reached out to Ryan and asked if he was interested in franchising the business. We “dated” for a few months: went to dinners, had meetings, talked a lot, and ultimately decided we had the right product and team behind the concept. We formed the franchisor in March 2024, and that brings us to today. We have 19 franchises sold and even more on the way.

Q: What were the biggest barriers and challenges you faced when turning Golf Envy into a franchise?

Cole: What was most intimidating to me was selling franchises – our team worried we would only get a few interested parties to start, but it was the opposite. We got over 600 inquiries to buy a franchise in our first month. It just blew up.

Ryan: I didn’t expect to need to expand the team so quickly. The team grew larger and faster than we expected, which is a good problem to have!

Q: How did your perspective on golf instruction evolve as you worked with the Leadbetter team? What can your customers expect from the collaboration as instruction is added?

Cole: Ryan and I knew we wanted to add an instruction element to our memberships and league play when we began to franchise. However, we didn’t want our franchisees to be burdened with finding and hiring instructors. How could we deliver virtual instruction but still have it be high quality? We came across Leadbetter through our connection with GOLFZON.

Virtual instruction is key to us. Our franchisees will deliver virtual instruction to our members thanks to GOLFZON Leadbetter. Members and new customers receive a free swing analysis from a Leadbetter-certified instructor and can test out said instruction. We’ll offer flexible plans for monthly instructional sessions to meet guests’ needs. These plans also let golfers send their coach unlimited videos of their swing to get instant feedback throughout the week instead of waiting for the next lesson.

Q: What are some of the programs that you’re looking forward to getting off the ground?

Ryan: Logging personal swing data through the GOLFZON app will continue, but having virtually 24/7 access to instructors is a true game-changer. Since GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy has facilities worldwide, it allows us to leverage all time zones so our members can come any time and still receive a lesson. 

The partnership with Leadbetter will continue to enhance some of the current programs we have, such as league play, monthly tournaments, and training for the GOLFZON Tour.

Q: How do you see this partnership with Golf Envy and GOLFZON Leadbetter growing golf and introducing the game to new players?

Ryan: Other golf facilities are typically limited to the same hours that many people work, which hinders development and practice time. Golf Envy can tap into that audience who may be struggling to find a facility open before or after work. This partnership provides more feedback than your typical range session, with your data and stats carrying over through the GOLFZON mobile app between visits.

On outdoor courses, our members know how they hit the ball or what the spin is from their time on the simulators. The instruction carries over to all areas of play, regardless of setting, making it an expansive service.

Cole: Getting an on-course lesson is expensive and time consuming. At Golf Envy, you can log a twenty-five minute session, get nine holes in, and have somebody coaching you on all areas of your game, not just swing.

Many people hesitate to engage in instruction because it’s intimidating being outside with others. Having private lessons with a virtual instructor removes that barrier and makes players more comfortable.

Q: What are some of the main programs and events that are coming up now through the end of the year at Golf Envy?

A: The biggest event is GOLFZON Tour Season 2. After winning the first season last year, our team is hungry to repeat as champion again in November. Our athletes have embraced GOLFZON’s equipment and they’re true competitors. One of our players last year even took virtual lessons through a Leadbetter instructor to help lead our team to victory in the Tour, which solidified why we wanted to continue working with Leadbetter.

With 19 new Golf Envy franchisees sold, we hope to finish the year strong and hit the ground running in 2026. The next opening is in September in South Tempe, Arizona, but we’ll have new locations coming in seven other states.

Q: What do you hear from Golf Envy customers about the simulator technology? What do they love most about using GOLFZON simulators?

Ryan: Everyone loves the immersion, moving swing plate, the auto-tee – those features are second to none. You can’t practice with that anywhere else. Being able to visualize your weight distribution during a swing is unbelievable as well. You can start improving quickly with this information, so our members retain that feedback and data. You can figure out your carry, flight path, and more for every club in your bag.

Q: Is there anything else about Golf Envy that you’d like to mention?

Ryan: Our facilities also have reciprocity, so members can continue their golf journey if they move near another Golf Envy location. If you’re a member in La Verne for example, you can go to any other Golf Envy site in the country and play.

The timing of working with Leadbetter couldn’t be more right with how the indoor golfing space is evolving and our own company is growing. I just want to stress the relationship and partnership Golf Envy has with GOLFZON and GOLFZON Leadbetter – we’re looking forward to expanding our reach into additional states and territories.

Visit Golf Envy’s website and follow them on Instagram to learn more about franchising, becoming a member, and upcoming location openings.

Interested in GOLFZON Leadbetter’s services at your golf facility?

Contact us here to find a Leadbetter-certified coach, attend a lesson with us, or become a golf coach yourself with GOLFZON Leadbetter Education.