When Laura Wilson set out to open The 19th Hole in Boaz, Alabama, she wasn’t just starting a new business—she was fulfilling a lifelong dream. As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, Laura juggled it all, including caring for her special needs daughter, while bringing a state-of-the-art golf simulator facility to her community. Her journey is a testament to the strength and determination of women in business, particularly in a male-dominated industry like golf. In this Customer Spotlight, we explore how Laura’s vision became a reality and how The 19th Hole is offering Boaz a new way to enjoy golf.
Question: What inspired you to open The 19th Hole, and how did you decide to bring GOLFZON simulators to Boaz?
Laura: Golf is huge in this area, but there wasn’t anything like an indoor golf facility. I knew from a business perspective that it would be a lucrative opportunity, but it was also something our community needed. I didn’t just want to open a business; I wanted to create a space where families and friends could come together and enjoy golf, no matter their skill level or schedule. When I started researching, I came across GOLFZON simulators on a blog, and it was clear they were the best option with the moving floor and different hitting surfaces.
Question: You took on a lot of DIY projects while building out the space. Can you tell us more about that?
Laura: Oh, yes! After I signed the lease and made a deposit for the simulators, the building contract fell apart. So, there I was—seven months out from open—with four walls and a concrete floor. I became the general contractor and took on everything from installing flooring to painting a 22-foot-high ceiling. I even handled things like laying carpet and tile. It was a massive learning curve, but I asked the right people for advice and built a great network.
Question: How do you think your experience is different from if a man had started this business?
Laura: As a mom, especially one with a special needs child, I’ve always had a lot on my plate—homeschooling, family, appointments. I wasn’t just thinking about golf simulators; I was focused on how people would feel walking into The 19th Hole—the colors, the furniture, the whole experience. My husband was excited about the golf, but I was creating a space where everyone, golfers or not, could enjoy themselves. I even hired staff without golf experience so they wouldn’t be distracted and could focus on providing great customer service. Women tend to think about all the details, and that’s been my approach from the start.
Question: You initially considered opening a mini-golf facility. What made you switch to golf simulators?
Laura: I love mini-golf and still want to bring an indoor version to the area, but getting a loan for that concept was tricky. Simulators were a more practical choice, especially when considering profitability. Plus, they fit perfectly into the space and things were laid for me clearly. GOLFZON’s team also made it easier to plan everything out by providing more definitive projection numbers that helped me to get a better idea of what I was getting into.
Question: Why did you choose GOLFZON over other simulator systems?
Laura: Two words—automatic tee. It’s such a game-changer. I mean, the moving floor is incredible, too, but the auto-tee system makes golf accessible to everyone. That feature alone set GOLFZON apart from all the other simulators I looked at. There was nothing else like it.
Question: How does indoor golf compare to outdoor golf for you?
Laura: Indoor golf is different, especially with putting, but GOLFZON’s simulators really help you adjust. You can see the slope and angles with the visual aids on the screen, and over time, you get used to the red lights and reading the slope. It’s a fun challenge!
Question: Who is your target audience at The 19th Hole, and how do you connect with them?
Laura: Our main audience is families in the Boaz, Alabama area who are looking for something fun to do without having to drive far. Social media, especially Facebook, has been huge for us in reaching locals. We also advertise at high school sports events. Most of our customers are in the 30-50 age range, and we’re proud to offer something for everyone, from avid golfers to those just wanting a fun family outing.
Question: What advice would you give your past self as you were starting this business?
Laura: Trust your gut. People are always going to tell you why something won’t work, but you know what’s best for your situation. I had moments of doubt, but in the end, that doubt drove me to make it happen. I knew this was something our community needed, and I’m so glad I didn’t listen to the naysayers.
Question: Can you tell us about the support you received from GOLFZON during the sales and installation process?
Laura: GOLFZON was with me every step of the way. Mark, my sales rep, was incredibly patient and supportive, especially when I was struggling to get family support or hit roadblocks with financing. Their installation team was always available, whether I needed a FaceTime call or hands-on help. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey.
Question: What’s next for The 19th Hole?
Laura: We’re planning some fall tournaments and looking at hosting corporate holiday parties and high school reunions. Technology has been a big draw, and we’ve already had a lot of interest in our events. We’re excited to keep growing, and who knows? Maybe there’s still room for that mini-golf idea down the road!
Laura Wilson is a shining example of how determination, creativity, and the right partners can turn a dream into a reality. By bringing The 19th Hole to Boaz, Alabama, she has created not only a thriving business but also a welcoming space for families, golfers, and anyone in between. Her journey proves that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible—even in a male-dominated industry like golf.
Learn more about The 19th Hole by visiting their website. Follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date with events, promotions, and all the exciting happenings at the facility.