Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Feret.
Hi Ben, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path to where I am today has been anything but linear, but that’s part of what makes it meaningful. I’ve always been drawn to building things — businesses, systems, teams — and figuring out how to make them better, more efficient, and more impactful. Early on, I was fascinated by entrepreneurship and the idea that you could create something that didn’t just generate revenue, but also brought people together and became part of a community.
That mindset eventually led me to X-Golf. I saw an opportunity to combine two things I’m deeply passionate about: golf and hospitality. What initially started as a belief that there was room for a better indoor golf experience quickly turned into something much bigger. We weren’t just opening golf simulators — we were building social hubs where golfers and non-golfers alike could feel comfortable, have fun, and keep the game going year-round in Minnesota.
From our first location to now operating multiple X-Golf Minnesota venues, the journey has been about constant learning, problem-solving, and evolution. Every location taught us something new — about operations, customer experience, leadership, and how important culture is to long-term success. We leaned heavily into data, systems, and consistency, while still making sure each location felt local and community-driven.
Today, X-Golf Minnesota is the result of years of refining that vision: premium technology, great food and drinks, welcoming environments, and teams who genuinely care about the experience we deliver. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about what’s ahead. We’re still building, still improving, and still focused on creating places where people want to spend time — whether they’re chasing a personal best on the simulator, hosting an event, or just grabbing a drink with friends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not even close — and I don’t think it ever is if you’re building something worthwhile. Anyone who tells you entrepreneurship is a smooth road either hasn’t done it or hasn’t been honest about it.
One of the biggest challenges has been growth itself. Scaling multiple locations means every small issue gets amplified — staffing, training, consistency, systems, cash flow, and decision-making all become more complex very quickly. You can’t just “work harder” to fix those problems; you have to build better processes and trust people to execute them.
Another major challenge has been navigating uncertainty. From construction delays and permitting to labor shortages and shifting consumer behavior, there have been plenty of moments where plans changed overnight. Minnesota winters add their own layer of unpredictability, which makes year-round indoor golf both an opportunity and a logistical puzzle.
There’s also the personal side that doesn’t get talked about enough. When you’re responsible for multiple businesses, employees, partners, and customers, the pressure is real. Decisions carry weight, and not all of them are obvious in the moment. You learn quickly that being decisive and being right aren’t always the same thing — and that progress often comes from adjusting course rather than getting everything perfect the first time.
That said, those struggles are exactly what shaped X-Golf Minnesota into what it is today. Each challenge forced us to get sharper, more disciplined, and more intentional about how we operate. Looking back, the difficult moments weren’t setbacks — they were the training ground that prepared us to grow responsibly and sustainably.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
X-Golf Minnesota is an indoor golf and entertainment brand built around one simple idea: deliver a premium, welcoming experience that goes far beyond just hitting golf balls into a screen. We operate multiple locations across Minnesota, and each one is designed to feel like a high-end golf clubhouse crossed with a neighborhood sports bar — approachable, social, and fun whether you’re a serious golfer or someone who’s never picked up a club.
At our core, we specialize in year-round golf experiences using industry-leading simulator technology that provides incredibly accurate ball tracking, data, and course play. But what we’re really known for is how we wrap that technology in a full hospitality experience — great food, strong beverage programs, comfortable spaces, leagues, events, and private gatherings. People come for golf, but they stay for the atmosphere.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on consistency and experience across locations while still keeping things local. We’re very intentional about operations, training, and systems so that whether you walk into our Champlin, Blaine, Eden Prairie, Woodbury, Medina, or Apple Valley location, you know exactly what kind of experience you’re going to get. At the same time, each location is embedded in its community — hosting leagues, corporate events, fundraisers, and social gatherings that bring people together.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. That includes our teams, our members, and our regulars who genuinely see X-Golf as their place. We’ve created environments where staff feel empowered, customers feel welcomed, and groups of friends make lasting memories — from competitive leagues to birthday parties to casual weeknight rounds.
What I want readers to know is that X-Golf Minnesota isn’t just about golf. It’s about connection, competition, and community. Whether you’re trying to improve your game, escape the Minnesota winter, host an event, or just enjoy a night out, our goal is to deliver an experience that feels elevated, effortless, and fun every single time you walk through the door.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely — no part of this journey happens in a vacuum. X-Golf Minnesota exists because of the people around me who have supported, challenged, and pushed the business forward at every stage.
First and foremost, credit goes to the leadership teams and staff at each of our locations. They’re the ones executing the vision every day — running operations, building relationships with members, hosting leagues and events, and making sure every guest feels welcome. Their commitment to consistency and customer experience is what allows us to scale while still feeling local.
I’ve also been fortunate to have strong business partners and advisors who bring different perspectives to the table. Having people who are willing to challenge assumptions, pressure-test decisions, and help think long-term has been invaluable, especially during periods of growth. Those conversations often make the business stronger, even when they’re uncomfortable.
Mentorship has played a major role as well. I’ve learned a lot from other entrepreneurs — both inside and outside the hospitality and franchise space — who were generous with their time and honest about their mistakes. Being able to learn from others’ experiences helped shorten the learning curve and avoid some costly missteps.
Finally, our members, league players, and event clients deserve enormous credit. They didn’t just support the business — they helped shape it. Their feedback, loyalty, and word-of-mouth growth have been instrumental in building the brand we have today. Many of them have been with us since early on, and seeing that sense of ownership and pride from our customers is one of the most rewarding parts of the entire journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://playxgolf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xgolf.minnesota/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xgolfmedina
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xgolf-minnesota
