Chris Schultz has built a career in Charlotte County by wearing many hats, from firefighter and EMT to master carpenter and financial adviser. His latest venture adds another role to that list: franchise owner.
Schultz recently opened Back Nine Golf, an indoor golf simulator facility in Port Charlotte that is currently the only location of its kind in Charlotte County. The business opened in December, with a ribbon cutting Jan. 5, and a public grand opening celebration planned later this month.
Back Nine Golf offers indoor simulator bays that allow golfers of all skill levels to practice and play year-round. Players hit balls toward a large screen that projects realistic golf courses, with the simulator tracking each shot and showing where the ball lands.
Chris Schultz, center, and business partner Tom Parker, holding other pair of scissors, take part in a ribbon cutting Jan. 5 celebrating the opening of Back Nine Golf, an indoor golf simulator facility in Port Charlotte.
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Schultz, a Punta Gorda-based financial adviser and owner of MWA Financial Services, said he partnered with Tom Parker to open the franchise as a way to diversify his income streams. As an avid golfer, Schultz said the concept blends his personal interests with his professional goals.
Schultz said the public is invited to attend Back Nine Golf’s grand opening celebration, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 17.
The celebration will include a DJ and food trucks at the business’ location at 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite B1, in the Murdock Plaza shopping center.
Before entering the financial services industry, Schultz served as a firefighter and EMT with the Punta Gorda Fire Department from January 2010 through August 2015. He also worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker from July 2001 until August 2015.
The storefront of Back Nine Golf at 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite B1, in Port Charlotte, where the indoor golf simulator facility opened in December.
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Schultz later opened MWA Financial Services, which is affiliated with Modern Woodmen of America, a member-owned fraternal benefit society founded in 1883 that combines financial services with community-focused programs.
Back Nine Golf is currently open to the public, but Schultz said memberships also are available. Once membership slots are filled, the business is expected to transition into a members-only club operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Members will be able to bring guests, enjoy unlimited tee times and receive discounts on merchandise. Schultz said the membership model is designed to appeal to both recreational golfers and more serious players looking for consistent access to practice facilities.