BucketGolf is a fun, portable backyard golf game for all skill levels. Enjoy golf anywhere with an easy setup and affordable pricing. Perfect for family fun!
Golf can be intimidating for beginners or casual players, making it hard to enjoy the sport fully without prior experience. To change that, siblings Tyler and Jen Simmons developed BucketGolf, a portable and easy-to-set-up backyard golf game that simplifies the traditional sport. This game offers a more accessible way for players of all levels to enjoy golf without the pressure of conventional courses. But did their fresh take on golf win over the Sharks? Read on for an update on BucketGolf and their pitch recap!
Key Takeaways:
- BucketGolf is a portable, easy-to-set-up backyard game that simplifies golf for players of all skill levels.
- Created by siblings Tyler and Jen Simmons, it offers a fun, affordable alternative to traditional golf.
- The business secured a $1,000,000 investment from Mark Cuban for 12.5% equity on Shark Tank.
- Sales growth has been impressive, reaching $5.9 million in 2023 and planning to exceed $12 million in 2024.
- The company introduced the Tour Set for more serious players and expanded into retail stores, including Walmart.
- BucketGolf continues to support social causes, donating proceeds to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.
Quick Summary of What Happened After Shark Tank
Tyler and Jen appeared on Shark Tank Season 16, asking for $1,000,000 in exchange for 10% equity in their business. Following their pitch, they struck a deal with Mark Cuban for $1,000,000 in exchange for 12.5% equity.
Since the episode aired, BucketGolf has expanded its product offerings, introducing a new Tour Set for more serious golfers, and significantly increased its retail presence by partnering with Walmart.
Shark Tank Results
| Shark | Offer |
| Mark Cuban | $1,000,000 for 12.5% equity |
| Kevin O’Leary | $1,000,000 for 25% equity |
| Daymond John | $1,000,000 for 25% equity |
| Lori Greiner | $1,000,000 for 22.5% equity |
| Todd Graves | No offer |
The Concept Behind BucketGolf: A Portable, Fun Twist on Golf
Golf has long been regarded as a sport for the elite, often requiring an expensive membership to a golf course, specialized equipment, and plenty of time to master the complex rules. It’s a fantastic sport, but its intimidating nature has left many aspiring players on the sidelines. BucketGolf sought to change all that by offering a simplified, portable game version that anyone can enjoy, regardless of experience or age.
Tyler and Jen Simmons, who came up with the idea for BucketGolf, understood the challenges and frustrations many people face when playing traditional golf. They recognized an opportunity to bring the fun and excitement of golf to backyard settings—no golf course required.
The concept is brilliantly simple: players use lightweight pop-up buckets that mimic holes in a traditional golf game instead of hitting long drives on vast green fields. The set is designed to be highly portable, easy to set up, and fun for everyone, from seasoned golfers to beginners. The pop-up buckets allow for quick assembly so players can enjoy a game of golf in their backyard, at the park, or even at a picnic. It’s golf for the masses, perfect for family get-togethers, casual players, or anyone who wants a low-pressure, accessible way to enjoy golf.
Shark Tank BucketGolf Pitch
The pitch began with Tyler and Jen explaining how BucketGolf provides a solution to the intimidating nature of traditional golf. The simplicity of their product meant that golf enthusiasts could play anywhere, whether it was in a backyard or a park, without needing a full-length course.
They also shared their passion for making golf more accessible, highlighting how they were selling directly to consumers through Amazon and their website. By cutting out mediators, they were able to keep prices affordable, allowing them to scale their business effectively. Their sales model focuses on high-profit margins, offering the game at $199, while the cost to produce it is only $60, yielding a 70% profit margin.
The Negotiations
Tyler and Jen’s pitch quickly attracted interest from several of the Sharks. Kevin O’Leary was the first to make an offer. He saw the potential for the company to scale rapidly and offered $1,000,000 for 25% equity, emphasizing that to reach significant growth, they would need to work with distributors.
Not far behind, Daymond John offered the same amount, $1,000,000 for 25% equity, confident that BucketGolf could scale up to $150 million in sales. Lori Greiner also expressed interest, proposing $1,000,000 for 22.5% equity, with the added condition of preferred stock to ensure she would receive a share of the profits before the founders.
The most exciting offer came from Mark Cuban, who saw the value of the product but wanted a smaller stake. He proposed $1,000,000 for 15% equity, emphasizing that he would receive distributions whenever the founders did. However, Tyler countered, offering 12.5% equity, which Mark hesitated on but ultimately agreed to when Lori expressed her support for the counteroffer.
Tyler and Jen ultimately accepted Mark Cuban’s deal of $1,000,000 for 12.5% equity, and their business was set to explode thanks to the exposure and support from the Sharks.
Post-Shark Tank: BucketGolf’s Journey to Success
After appearing on Shark Tank, the BucketGolf brand saw a significant increase in sales, setting new records and expanding its reach across the United States and beyond. The company broke its daily sales record soon after the episode aired and experienced a 50-fold increase in sales, which set the stage for even greater success.
Expanding the Product Line: The Tour Set for Serious Golfers
One of the significant updates post-Shark Tank was the launch of the Tour Set—a more advanced version of the BucketGolf game designed for serious golfers. This new product aimed to provide golf enthusiasts who wanted a more traditional golfing experience with the same accessibility and fun that made the original BucketGolf set so popular.
Widening Retail Presence: Walmart Partnership
Expanding its retail presence was another significant development in the company’s growth strategy. After the Shark Tank episode aired, BucketGolf successfully entered retail stores, including a notable partnership with Walmart. This move helped the brand reach new customers who might not have encountered the game online. While the majority of the company’s revenue still comes from online sales through Amazon and its website (about 85%), retail expansion has opened new doors for its business, allowing it to capture a larger share of the market.
Social Responsibility: Supporting the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
BucketGolf also demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by partnering with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. They launched a special edition golden gear set and donated some proceeds to the foundation. This move helped raise awareness for a meaningful cause and strengthened the company’s brand identity as a socially conscious business.
Financial Growth and Key Milestones
Since its appearance on Shark Tank, BucketGolf has gone from strength to strength. Here’s a breakdown of the company’s impressive financial journey:
- 2018-2020: The business initially struggled to gain traction, with only $5,000 in total sales.
- 2021: The company’s major turning point was the introduction of pop-up buckets, which led to increased sales and improved logistics.
- 2022: Sales soared to $2.5 million, marking a significant leap in growth.
- 2023: The company nearly doubled its sales to $5.9 million, continuing its upward trajectory.
- 2024: The company is on track to exceed $12 million in sales, with profit margins ranging from 15% to 20%.
Despite its rapid growth, the company still maintains slim margins, particularly with retail sales, which have proven to be a challenging route to profitability. However, its strong online sales, particularly through Amazon and its website, have been a consistent source of revenue.
What’s Next for BucketGolf?
Looking ahead, BucketGolf’s future looks bright. With its innovative product offering, continued growth in sales, and retail partnerships, the company is well-positioned to become a household name in backyard games. Introducing the Tour Set and expanding into retail stores like Walmart will likely lead to further market penetration and brand recognition.
Moreover, Tyler and Jen’s commitment to expanding the brand while maintaining a socially responsible image will surely win them the loyalty of customers who value fun and philanthropy. As they continue to innovate and adapt, we can expect BucketGolf to stay ahead of the curve and make golf more accessible than ever before.
For the latest updates from Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 2, explore the links below:
Before you go, make sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 16 products.
