The Back Nine

After decades in professional sports and the golf industry, Matt Waller is channeling his passion into his own venture. The Back Nine is Evansville’s newest premium indoor golf simulator experience and the first franchise location in Southern Indiana.

Designed for the more avid golfer who wants to practice, improve and compete, the Back Nine offers 24/7 access to state of the art Full Swing technology which is backed by Tiger Woods and other professional golfers competing on both the PGA TOUR and LIV Tours worldwide. The technology provides instant feedback on distance, spin, accuracy, and swing data and allows players to select from more than 60 golf courses, including Victoria National in Newburgh. “This isn’t a sports bar with golf, and it’s not a family entertainment center,” Waller says. “I call it a “golf spa.” It’s a distraction-free and judgment-free environment, truly a place to work on the health of your golf game.”

Waller’s sports career began with the Indiana Pacers shortly after graduating from DePauw University in 1992.  His career continued for 25+ years in Atlanta, GA, first working in sponsorship sales for the NBA’s Hawks and assisting with the opening of what is now State Farm Arena. Plus, he did work for the Washington Sports and Entertainment Group in our nation’s capital as well as projects with the Golden State Warriors in California. In 2007 he joined the PGA TOUR as Director of Sales for the TOUR Championship, the season ending event for the FedExCup played annually at East Lake Golf Club, fulfilling his longtime goal of working in the golf industry.

Matt, originally from Washington, Indiana, returned to his home state in 2021 and launched ProGolfConsulting LLC, working with several golf-related businesses including The Back Nine. Matt promoted the brand nationwide with his network of contacts who he felt would be candidates to open a new franchise location in their communities including Evansville. Finding a lot of interest but no buyers, someone suggested he open one himself. After much consideration and deciding how best to fund the venture, Waller decided to invest his hard earned money and go for it here in Evansville.

Through a meeting with Josh Armstrong at the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Waller was introduced to Dominic Poggi and the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Dom was able to conduct some initial market research using ESRI analytics and IBISWorld industry reports as well as the E-REP Find a Property Tool to research possible locations. Business advisor Doug Claybourn worked closely with him to develop his business plan and prepare for financing. With guidance from Jim Sandgren at Old National Bank and his SBA team, the loan was approved after three months of detailed preparation and closed in December.

Part of a fast-growing franchise with more than 400 locations nationwide, Matt is grateful for the vision and support from The Back Nine corporate team based in St. George, Utah. He also credits this milestone to the support of strong local partnerships. Woodward Commercial Realty, led by Evan Beck, helped secure the location, and their development arm completed the buildout. Matt was committed to purchasing locally whenever possible, utilizing Benny’s Flooring, Norman Painting, Capital Electric, King’s Great Buys, Ferguson Home, and Blinds for Every Size. Matt Folz at Harding, Shymanski serves as accountant, and attorney Ross Yates at Gutwein Law provides legal support.

Media and community partners have also played a key role in the launch, including the Evansville Living and Evansville Business magazine, Evansville 411 News, and News 4U. The Back Nine is a proud E-REP member and celebrated its ribbon cutting on February 27, followed by its grand opening on February 28.

Corporate support is already strong. TaylorMade, through Jessica Delgado, is serving as a Founding Corporate Partner, supplying golf balls for each studio bay, clubs for guests to use, and branded merchandise. Other local companies showing support with membership investments include Old National Bank, Harding Shymanski, SLADE Print, Intelity Wealth, Pettinga Financial Advisors, and the Evansville Otters.

While opening a new business has brought moments of uncertainty, Waller says the experience has been deeply rewarding. “The best part of this journey has been the people,” he says. “Everyone has been so supportive and willing to help. All my partners and vendors have been a joy to work alongside. They executed their jobs and responsibilities very well to create this premium indoor golf experience for everyone to enjoy.”

Matt is an asset to our Southwest Indiana community. As Doug Claybourn said, “It is so enjoyable to work with a client like Matt who came back to the area in which he grew up, and has worked hard to bring something that will be a nice addition to the local golfing community.”

Now focused on growing membership and awareness, Waller plans to introduce leagues, tournaments, private events, and corporate outings in the future. His advice to other aspiring business owners is simple: “Trust yourself and your vision. Go all in. Find the right partners and lean into what you’re passionate about. Once you do that, you can accomplish anything.”

To learn more about the Back Nine and to book your tee time, visit thebackninegolf.com/evansville-in-east.