In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Tee Box founder Preston Unck took up golf as a new hobby. He quickly fell in love with the game but found that there wasn’t a straightforward way to get better at it. Although swing coaches were available, Unck wanted a way to improve both his mechanics and the physical conditioning needed to elevate his game. By Kelsi Trinidad
In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Tee Box founder Preston Unck took up golf as a new hobby. He quickly fell in love with the game but found that there wasn’t a straightforward way to get better at it. Although swing coaches were available, Unck wanted a way to improve both his mechanics and the physical conditioning needed to elevate his game. Between practicing his swing, working on his putting and fitting in workouts, Unck wished there was a single place where golfers could train every aspect of their game.
In 2021, Unck launched Tee Box to bring that all-in-one golf training concept to life. When clients first come into Tee Box, they’re given a 45-minute Box Assessment where an on-site coach, along with the company’s body assessment technology, analyzes their body metrics to establish a baseline and identify areas for improvement. The technology uses AI to assess everything from a golfer’s clubs to their swing, including bend and rotation. This assessment also creates a customized program designed by a Box Pro, the on-site coach, for the client to follow through the Tee Box app.
The brand’s app allows clients to track progress across every aspect of their training, from swing analysis and putting drills to strength training and nutrition programs designed to improve on-course performance. The company treats golf like a lifestyle, not just a hobby. Golf isn’t just a way to network with clients. At Tee Box, people interested in the sport can access a dedicated training facility designed specifically for golfers.
In July 2024, the company began franchising its business model to bring the sport of golf to players across the U.S. The concept has attracted interest from avid golfers and entrepreneurs alike, particularly those seeking a low-overhead, minimally staffed business opportunity. At each location, a Box Pro handles client coaching sessions and new-client assessments. Tee Box has seen significant interest in these roles from golf professionals in different locales.
“Our mission is to inspire people through the game of golf, and we are finding franchise owners who really care about what they’re doing and want to be a part of our mission,” said Vice President of Franchise Development Chloe Bennett. “And now, since July 2024, we’ve scaled from zero to 100 units as of this month.”
Bennett, who also is a franchise owner, brings her understanding of the highs and the lows of entrepreneurship to her work with Tee Box franchisees.
“Something that I love is people are coming in, and they’re saying, ‘I love this model,’” she explained. “If someone calls me in four to five months from now, I’m not dodging their calls because I sold them some faulty franchise. I really believe in what Tee Box is and who we are, and I love standing behind it.”
Kelsi Trinidad