Golf has been around for centuries. It began in Scotland and by some accounts, the first round in the Americas was played nearly 400 years ago.
There’s no denying that the game’s leisurely pace, unforgiving nature and inextricable blend of fellowship and competition contribute to its lure and lore.
All things considered, it’s not a stretch to suggest that golf is, in many ways, a spiritual pursuit. You’ll get no argument from Matt Clinger, a golf professional and franchise owner of The Back Nine (TB9), a recently opened indoor golf experience located at 100 Cool Springs Boulevard.
“I had a recurring dream that I would own my own golf-related business,” says Clinger. “I felt like God gave me that dream, but nothing ever came of it. For years, I tried to do it on my own, but I couldn’t figure it out.”
What ensued was a series of events that occurred organically and led to the realization of that dream. Or maybe, something greater intervened.
It began in Chattanooga in 2009 when Clinger crossed paths with Scott Lehman, another golf professional. Lehman had just founded In His Grip Golf, a ministry that encourages men to place God at the forefront of life, family and business.
They became more acquaintances than friends and Clinger admits to not thinking much about their relationship or the ministry. Until a few years ago when Clinger moved to Tennessee and reconnected with the ministry. “Once I became involved with In His Grip, the values that the ministry tries to instill started to make sense,” says Clinger.
The first indication that things were improving came early last year. Clinger received an inquiry from TB9 after posting a message on his LinkedIn page about his ambitions.
Later, there were morning fellowship meetings at local courses, like Towhee Club and The Academy, where Clinger is an instructor. Then came a fateful September day.
“We were at Towhee for the very first of the weekly meetings,” recalls Clinger. “The group heard about my fears, dreams and goals, and they got up and prayed for me. It was their way of showing support to a new guy in a new group. “I turned and faced everyone and said, ‘I’m giving everything back to God because every time I try to do things my way, it doesn’t work!’”
A few weeks later, Clinger was approached by the father of one of his golf students, regarding his dream. Matt told him about TB9 and, soon thereafter, the man became a silent partner in Clinger’s business. “Suddenly, after 10 years of doing things my way, I get involved with In His Grip, I’m approached by my student’s dad and I get a call from The Back Nine and it’s exactly what I had been looking for,” says Clinger, who owns the company’s first franchise outside of Utah, Nevada or Arizona.
As a 24/7, members-only operation, TB9 is unique in the world of simulated golf. Plans begin at $200 per month and a foursome can play for an entire month for a price that’s comparable to a single round at an upper-tier public course.
Members can play more than 275 different courses that are programmed into each of three Trackman Golf simulator bays. They even have control over weather and greens conditions that will affect their performance accordingly.
“What’s crazy about it is the time it takes to play,” says Clinger. “Since you don’t have to walk or chase your ball, a foursome can play 18 holes in about two hours and 20 minutes.”
Players use their own gear and hit real golf balls. Analytics measure technical aspects of each stroke and lessons are available as well. You could say it’s a dream come true. TheBackNineGolf.com/franklintn