Quick Shark Tank Update on Bucket Golf
- Product: Bucket Golf, a backyard-friendly, portable golf game.
- Founders: Tyler and Jenny Simmons, passionate siblings aiming to make golf more accessible.
- Shark Tank Appearance: Season 16, Episode 2.
- Ask: $1 million for 10% equity, valuing the company at $10 million.
- Deal: Secured with Mark Cuban for $1 million for 12.5% equity, reducing the valuation to $8 million.
- Sales & Milestones:
- $5K in initial years, $2.5 million in 2022, $5.9 million in 2023, with a projected $12 million in 2024.
- Distribution: Primarily sold on Amazon and the Bucket Golf website.
For many, golf is an intimidating sport, requiring both time and skill to master.
But Tyler Simmons, an avid golfer, believed that golf could be simplified, which led him and his sister Jenny to create Bucket Golf—a portable, fun twist on the game, designed for backyards, parks, and beaches.
With a par-3 style, pop-up buckets, and easy setup, Bucket Golf makes the sport enjoyable for all ages, regardless of skill level.
After their creative pitch on Shark Tank, they’ve seen remarkable growth and achieved sales milestones that have solidified Bucket Golf’s place as a popular outdoor activity.
Ready to bring golf into your backyard? Let’s see what Bucket Golf has accomplished since Shark Tank.
Bucket Golf Journey Before Shark Tank
Tyler’s love for golf inspired him to find a way for anyone to play without the need for costly equipment or extensive setup.
He developed Bucket Golf alongside Jenny, who saw the potential for a simple, adaptable golf game for all. Their journey to create a fun, accessible game wasn’t without challenges.
Initially, they struggled with high production costs and bulky design, making the product difficult to ship.
A breakthrough came when Tyler spotted a pop-up laundry hamper, sparking the idea to make the buckets foldable and lightweight, resulting in the efficient, portable design they pitched on Shark Tank.
Bucket Golf saw a slow start with only $5,000 in sales between 2018 and 2020. However, after redesigning the product in 2021, sales surged. By 2022, the company had reached $2.5 million, doubling to $5.9 million in 2023.
Their nine-hole bundle, retailing at $199 with a $60 production cost, became the bestseller, appealing to families and casual golfers alike.
With significant demand and an engaged social media presence, the siblings were ready to scale, seeking a Shark to help them streamline logistics and ramp up inventory.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Tyler and Jenny entered Shark Tank in Season 16, Episode 2, looking for a $1 million investment in exchange for 10% of Bucket Golf. They introduced the Sharks to their game with an exciting demo.
Lori Greiner and guest Shark Todd Graves even tried a round, aiming to hit the buckets with golf balls.
After showing its simplicity and adaptability, Tyler and Jenny detailed the product’s success and revenue growth, emphasizing their need for logistics and inventory support.
The Sharks took notice. Kevin O’Leary appreciated the concept but demanded 25% equity for $1 million, viewing Bucket Golf’s retail potential as limited.
Daymond John quickly matched Kevin’s offer. Todd Graves declined to make an offer, and Lori offered $1 million for 22.5% equity with preferred stock terms, ensuring her stake’s security in earnings.
Finally, Mark Cuban, despite his distaste for golf, offered $1 million for 15% equity.
Tyler countered at 12.5%, and after brief hesitation, Mark agreed to the deal. This strategic partnership has since propelled Bucket Golf to new heights.
What Happened to Bucket Golf After Shark Tank?
Since the episode aired, Bucket Golf’s popularity has soared. The company saw an immediate spike in website traffic and sales, breaking previous sales records by 50 times within days of the show.
Tyler and Jenny leveraged the momentum, expanding their product line to include the “Tour Set,” catering to dedicated golfers seeking a more authentic experience.
They also diversified distribution by securing a retail partnership with Walmart and collaborating with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, donating proceeds from their limited-edition gold Bucket Golf sets.
With a 10% annual growth rate and consistent social media engagement, Bucket Golf has become a staple in backyard games, maintaining a steady demand on Amazon and their website.
Also, don’t miss this update on Shark Tank products from Season 16, Episode 2
Future Plans
Looking forward, Tyler and Jenny have exciting plans for Bucket Golf. Their primary focus is on expanding retail partnerships, potentially branching out into sporting goods stores.
They are also working on a set of game add-ons that will enhance customization, allowing players to build varied courses and set up new challenges.
Bucket Golf plans to continue product donations and charitable collaborations, with the aim of using the game to give back to communities.
With strong financial backing and an eager customer base, the company’s future looks bright.
Closing Remarks
Bucket Golf’s journey from backyard concept to Shark Tank success is an inspiring story of innovation and determination.
With Mark Cuban’s guidance, Tyler and Jenny Simmons are set to continue growing their company and making golf accessible to everyone, everywhere.
As the company adds new features and expands its market, fans can expect more exciting developments.
Bucket Golf is on track to redefine how families, friends, and casual players enjoy golf. Stay tuned—this backyard game might just be the next big thing in recreational sports.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Bucket Golf!
Feature Image Credit: @abc/@christopherwillard