The Founder’s Philosophy Behind GOLFZON’s Growth

Kim Young-Chan left Samsung Electronics at age 54 to found GOLFZON, driven by the belief that anyone should be able to play golf, anywhere. More than 25 years later, GOLFZON operates in over 60 countries, with approximately 13,000 locations worldwide and more than 100 million rounds played annually. It is also the official indoor golf simulator of the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open.

Golf Inc. named Kim the most powerful person in Asian golf for four consecutive years, from 2023 to 2026, and included him in its 2025 global power list. His leadership extends beyond business growth. Over the past six years, he has contributed roughly $220,000 through a personal giving initiative tied to the birdies and eagles recorded during his own rounds, supporting community programs and promising young golfers.

Among his latest initiatives is CITY GOLF, a hybrid format that combines simulator technology with real greens and bunkers. Introduced to the global golf industry at the 2025 PGA Show, the concept is now expanding beyond China.

Kim founded GOLFZON at 54. More than a quarter-century later, he is still asking what golf could become next. Based on his media interviews over the years, this article explores the management philosophy that has driven the company’s growth.

“Innovation Begins with the Courage to Take a New Path”

• Creating a Golf Experience the World Had Never Seen

Leaving a stable career at a major corporation to start a business at the age of 54 was one of the greatest challenges of Chairman Kim Young-chan’s life. He went on to pioneer the screen golf market and has continued to drive change across the golf industry by expanding into new areas, including golf retail, golf course operations, and CITYGOLF.

• Direction Matters More Than Distance

One phrase that captures Chairman Kim’s approach to leadership is that, in business as in golf, direction matters more than distance. “If a shot falls short, you may lose only one or two strokes. But if it goes in the wrong direction, you can lose three or four strokes at once.”

Chairman Kim has applied this principle throughout GOLFZON’s development, placing greater importance on maintaining a clear and consistent direction than on pursuing short-term speed. (The Chosun Ilbo, 2020)

• The Next Challenge: CITYGOLF

CITYGOLF is an urban hybrid golf platform that combines the accessibility of screen golf with the experience of playing on an outdoor course. The concept dates back to the early years of GOLFZON, although the technology and market conditions were not yet ready to bring it to life.

After more than two decades of advances in simulator technology and shifts in the global golf market, the concept became ready for implementation. In 2024, GOLFZON opened its first CITYGOLF venue in Tianjin, China, marking the beginning of the platform’s global expansion.

For Chairman Kim, innovation is not created overnight. It is the result of long-term preparation, repeated challenges, and the steady accumulation of experience. Even today, he continues to ask what the future of golf could become. (Golf Inc. Korea, 2026)

“Technology Creates New Experiences and New Cultures”

• Building on What You Know Best

While preparing to establish GOLFZON, Chairman Kim focused on several areas that had shaped his career and interests: information technology, networks, the internet, and golf.

By combining the systems expertise he developed at Samsung Electronics with his longstanding passion for golf, he created screen golf—an experience that had not previously existed. His approach to innovation was not centered on technology alone, but on making golf more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable. (Edaily, 2017)

• Continuous R&D Strengthens Technological Competitiveness

Chairman Kim has consistently emphasized that even the most advanced technology has limited value if it is difficult or inconvenient for people to use. Rather than relying solely on laboratory research, GOLFZON sought answers in actual operating environments. Feedback from franchisees and customers was repeatedly reflected in product development and service improvements.

This user-centered approach to research and development has become one of the foundations of GOLFZON’s technological competitiveness. (Korea Innovation Foundation, 2025)

• Golf Is Ultimately About Culture

Chairman Kim believes that technology should ultimately contribute to the creation of new experiences and cultures. In overseas markets, this means going beyond simply exporting technology. It requires an understanding of each country’s culture, environment, and market conditions.

In China, for example, GOLFZON positioned its offering not only as golf, but also as a form of “digital smart sports”. This approach helped the company develop a new golf culture adapted to the local market. (The Korea Economic Daily, 2023; Maeil Business Newspaper, 2025)

“Growing Together with Society”

• A Franchisee’s Words That Redefined Corporate Responsibility

GOLFZON’s commitment to shared growth can be traced back to an experience during the company’s early years. When a franchisee told Chairman Kim that he had invested his entire life savings in the business, the remark led him to reflect more deeply on the responsibilities of an entrepreneur.

Since then, GOLFZON has sought to become more than a provider of equipment and technology. It has aimed to grow as a long-term partner alongside its franchisees. (The Chosun Ilbo, 2020)

• I Can Only Succeed When Those Around Me Succeed

Chairman Kim believes that corporate growth becomes truly meaningful only when customers, employees, business partners, and local communities grow together. This philosophy is also reflected in the social contribution initiatives carried out through the GOLFZON Foundation and the Yuwon Golf Foundation.

He explains that supporting people with disabilities and underserved communities is a way of putting respect and dignity into practice. Engagement with local communities reflects gratitude to the places that have supported the company’s growth, while arts and culture provide an important foundation for fostering social awareness and creativity. (Maeil Business Newspaper, 2025)

• Sharing Creates New Opportunities for Growth

For more than a decade, the Yuwon Golf Foundation, chaired by Chairman Kim, has worked to identify and support promising golf talent. Some players who benefited from the foundation’s support have since made donations of their own, helping provide opportunities for the next generation of golfers. Their participation has helped create a virtuous cycle in which support received today becomes support shared tomorrow.

Chairman Kim views this cycle of giving as one of the most sustainable ways for companies and society to grow together. (The Chosun Ilbo, 2025)