The Sweaty Startup How James Laidlaw Built InHomeGolf into a Multi Million Dollar Business
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Feb 22, 2026 James Laidlaw, founder of InHome Golf who built custom golf simulator rooms from a basement startup to a multi-million dollar business. He discusses choosing top tech like TrackMan and 4K projectors. He recounts reinvesting profits, navigating COVID-driven demand and supply chaos, scaling operations, merging with Indoor Golf Shop, and the realities of hiring and fast deliveries.
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Design Starts With Space Not Tech
- Start simulator projects from space, not launch monitor choice.
- James asks about ceiling height, width, depth and intended use to decide tech and layout before recommending TrackMan or cheaper alternatives.
Simulators Replaced Lost Golfing Time For Business
- Simulators revived golf by enabling business networking when full-day golf outings became impractical.
- Indoor centers and home simulators let people practice, entertain, and maintain relationships without losing a full workday.
Reinvest Early Profits Instead Of Paying Yourself
- Do reinvest early profits back into the business instead of paying yourself.
- James paid himself nothing for the first year and plowed initial contracts and profits into growth to replace his W2 income.