Driving Success: Bringing The Back Nine Golf to the Okanagan

Neil & Jenna Bestard.

After discovering Back Nine, a next-level indoor golf simulator franchise across the border, Neil and Jenna Bestard knew they were onto something that would be appreciated by golfers in Vernon. The couple set out to open their own Back Nine, and they were feeling confident: Neil knew golf, construction and tech, and Jenna knew fitness, sales and membership. The biggest piece to figure out was the lending.

In the winter of 2024, Neil began looking into a golf simulator for his garage so he could work on his swing over the winter—when he got home from his days as a plumber. He’d spent nearly 20 years in the construction industry by then, he’d also found himself considering other careers that would be less physically demanding. So, that winter, he researched and contemplated.

“I was really diving into the best systems and technology, and Back Nine kept popping up,” says Neil.

Back Nine offers an indoor golf experience it calls ‘unparalleled’ because it offers the most accurate and realistic swing experience:  cameras above capture initial impact club and ball data, then the golf ball passes through four hyper-clear cameras for a precise, realistic and real-time experience.

“They only had US locations, but I reached out to the CEO and said, would you be interested in coming to Canada?” says Neil.

With testimonials from the likes of Tiger Woods, and a business model that sees members and guests receiving a code for self-guided ‘tee times’ in spacious, private rooms, Neil could picture casual and serious golfers alike enjoying Back Nine—and he could see this business with so much potential.

While he awaited a response from Back Nine, Neil worked on helping his wife, Jenna, see the vision.

“I wanted to have a good sense of what the risk was and what the investment would be,” says Jenna.

The lobby at Back Nine in Vernon, BC.

After a few months, Back Nine replied to Neil, and after a few calls, in the fall of 2025, they were invited the couple to a conference in Las Vegas, where they heard from other franchisees talking about hosting everything from kids’ camps and ladies’ nights to school groups and corporate parties.

“That part really excited me,” says Jenna. “That trip solidified things for me. We came back feeling pretty committed.”

There were just a few hurdles to overcome. First, the Vernon location would be Back Nine’s first in Canada, so the paperwork took a while. In the meantime, Neil secured a space he knew would be ideal for multiple rooms hosting multiple golfers playing this version of 18 holes.

Second, they needed financing, and once the paperwork came through, they didn’t have time to lose. Their initial experiences at large financial institutions left them feeling disappointed.

“When everyone was saying ‘no’, it was really hard,” says Jenna. “We kept saying, it’s going to be great. It’s fail-proof. Trust us, we’re going to get it done.”

Finally, they landed a meeting with Scot McNair, business analyst, Community Futures North Okanagan.

“His response was, show us your business plan. What are your projections? Sell me on your idea and what that looks like,” says Jenna. “But it was also not just the numbers. He wanted to know what is your passion and what are you going to do to make it happen.”

Inside the Back Nine experience in Vernon, BC.

The couple took their homework seriously and returned with what they felt were realistic and promising projections, including a goal of 20 founding memberships within weeks of opening and more than 150 members within a year, in addition to guests who are not members.

Neil and Jenna’s business loan application was approved.

“It was really rewarding,” says Jenna. “It felt like someone was behind us and believed in our good ideas.”

Then, they were off. They got the keys and Neil was at the space—on 45 Avenue—seven days a week doing renovations.

“I got to do what I do best and that time didn’t matter,” says Neil. “I was doing this for us and our family. I got to smile every time I drove here. I had to sit on my hands to stop from clapping.”

In February 2026, Back Nine hosted a grand opening that was well attended and soon they had their first 20 members. Today, they have more than 80 five-star reviews and their vision has become a reality.

“We’re seeing families come in and play and say this is how we’re spending family time,” says Jenna. “And now that it’s nice out we’re hearing people say the practice here is translating to a better swing and a better game on the course, and that’s great.”

Looking back, they said they would have started out with the business plan and walk into those meetings with strong numbers. They already tell others that if they get a ‘no’ from a big bank, not to feel defeated.

“We knew we had something, and once we got to Scot, things opened up.”

Are you considering opening or expanding your business? Explore how Community Futures North Okanagan uplifts local businesses through lending and a range of resources.

Community Futures North Okanagan recognizes the ongoing support of Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).