Swedish indoor golf brand RUFF Golf has signed a 10-year master franchise agreement with Targe Environmental Consulting Ltd to develop 10 venues across Scotland.
RUFF Golf is expanding into Scotland through a new master franchise agreement that gives local partner Targe Environmental Consulting Ltd the rights to establish and develop the Swedish golf entertainment concept across the country.
The agreement, signed in autumn 2026, sets out plans for 10 venues over the next decade. The first location is planned for Aberdeen, where negotiations for suitable premises are underway. An opening date has not yet been confirmed.
Targe Environmental Consulting Ltd is owned by Liam Manderson, who has a longstanding connection with golf and experience in the industry. Under the agreement, the company will lead the development of the RUFF concept in Scotland.
“Scotland is the home of golf, making it both a symbolically and strategically important market for RUFF. There is a strong interest in golf, but also a need for more modern and accessible ways to play, practise and socialise around the sport,” said Alex Bengtsson, CEO and co-founder of RUFF Golf.
“Together with Liam, we want to build a strong RUFF presence in Scotland and create meeting places for both established golfers and people who are completely new to the game,” he added.
Founded in Sweden, RUFF Golf combines technology-led indoor golf with a contemporary clubhouse environment. Its venues are designed to bring together golf, entertainment and social experiences, attracting experienced players as well as beginners and families.
For the Scottish market, the proposition is intended to broaden golf’s appeal beyond traditional courses and club memberships.
Manderson said his personal connection with golf and experience of the industry influenced his decision to bring the concept to Scotland. “Golf has always been close to my heart. I started playing as a junior, have worked in the industry and now enjoy playing with my children. At the same time, I can see how golf has become more expensive and less accessible in many places,” he said.
“What attracted me to RUFF was its ambition to build a community around golf for everyone, whether you are a professional player or have never held a golf club before.”
He added that the brand’s clubhouse format and technology could help introduce a more accessible way to experience the sport throughout the year.
Franchise-Led International Expansion
The Scottish agreement forms part of RUFF Golf’s wider international expansion strategy, which uses franchise partnerships and master franchise agreements to enter new markets.
According to the company’s announcement, RUFF had 28 venues across Europe as of October 2026. The Scottish deal adds another market to its developing international network.
RUFF’s official franchise programme offers master franchise partners territorial development opportunities, access to its operating systems and technology, training, marketing resources and ongoing operational support.
The company lists indicative initial investments of approximately €275,000 to €675,000 for individual facilities, depending on size, format and fit-out requirements. These figures relate to its general franchise offering and have not been disclosed as the investment required under the Scottish master franchise agreement.
Neither RUFF Golf nor Targe Environmental Consulting Ltd has publicly disclosed the financial value of the Scottish agreement, its specific franchise fees or the total investment planned for the 10 venues.
RUFF sees its Scottish expansion as an opportunity to combine the country’s established golf culture with a format designed to attract a wider audience.
“We want to change perceptions of what a golf venue can be. It should be easy to walk through the door, enjoyable enough to stay and possible to play all year round,” Bengtsson said.
“Liam shares that vision and has both the local commitment and the understanding of golf’s role in Scotland required to develop RUFF in this market.”
The 10-year development plan establishes a target for the brand’s Scottish expansion, rather than confirming that all 10 venues are already secured or under construction. The pace of development will depend on site selection and the execution of the rollout.
