Welcome to our “Why Gowanus” series, where we shine a spotlight on the founders, creatives, and community builders who help define the neighborhood we call home. As The Shop prepares to open our Brooklyn location, we’re using this series to celebrate the people and places that already make Gowanus so special. Our first feature? Gowanus Golf Club, a premium indoor golf space with an unexpectedly relaxed vibe, an obsessive local following, and a mission rooted in community, performance, and a true love for the game.

From Frustration to Flagship: How Gowanus Golf Club Was Born

The idea behind Gowanus Golf Club came from a simple place: frustration.

“As a golfer myself, it’s next to impossible to consistently get rounds in—not just during the season, but especially in the offseason,” says Jordan, the club’s founder. “From the commute it takes, to time on a course, to weather delays—it can be really hard to get better.”

The solution? A local spot where people could play and practice golf year-round. Think of it now – no long drives, no strict dress codes, and no waiting for ideal weather. Just access, consistency, and good vibes. But more than that, Jordan wanted to create a space where people could gather. That’s what ultimately shaped the Gowanus Golf Club mission: To redefine the urban golf experience by offering a premium indoor environment that fosters community, performance, and passion for the game – year-round.

It’s no coincidence that Gowanus became home base. “If you live here or have been in the area enough, you get the feel for Gowanus’ unique character,” he says. “It’s this perfect mix of creative energy, local businesses, and community and with golf being such a close-knit culture, it just felt like the right place to build the club.”

Making Gowanus Golf Feel Local

Golf has long been seen as a sport of exclusivity. Gowanus Golf Club flips that script. “We make golf more accessible by offering Brooklyn a relaxed indoor golf environment that you don’t need to drive or train to,” Jordan explains. “In fact, most people either walk or bike.”

But accessibility goes beyond proximity. It’s also about comfort. “Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just beginning, we believe that being comfortable where you are helps you focus and improve,” he says. “A lot of members have called our club their ‘outsourced hangout spot.’”

And honestly? That’s the goal.

Come for the Game, Stay for the Club (and the Community it Brings)

When asked what a typical drop-in session looks like, Jordan laughs. “Each golfer is different, so they need different things from their sessions. Some come in and drill the whole time, some play a full 18, some do stretching and putting. And some bring friends, order a pizza, watch the game, and casually play.”

At its core, Gowanus Golf Club is about providing space – space to improve, space to hang, space to just be. Skill-building happens organically in an environment like that.

And for the die-hards? There’s plenty of structure to dig into: “We offer league nights for members and friends that help bring us golf sickos together,” Jordan says. “We’re also building out our club events with local businesses. Just last week we did a whiskey tasting with Travel Bar—it’s been in the neighborhood for 10 years now!”

Impact You Can Feel

GGC might be known for its laid-back vibe, but the results speak for themselves.

“One member who was new to golf reached out to say he dropped his handicap from 30 to 20 and that GGC made that possible,” Jordan shares. “Another said finding Gowanus Golf Club felt like reuniting with a best friend.”

Those kinds of comments hit different. “That’s what means the most—hearing that people are enjoying the community and improving their game. It makes it feel like we’ve really found roots in the golf community.”

What’s Next for GGC?

Jordan is clear: “Our focus is on the members.”

That means growing the club in a way that doesn’t dilute its feel—deepening the perks, improving the experience, and building out new community-driven offerings for people who already call the club home. It also means continuing to explore thoughtful partnerships with other local businesses and getting creative about programming that brings people together.

Five years from now? Maybe more locations. Maybe new tech. Maybe partnerships with youth organizations. But the heart of GGC will always be about showing up for the members.

Life in the Neighborhood

Of course, no “Why Gowanus” interview is complete without a little local flavor. Jordan’s go-to spot for coffee or lunch? “Root Hill Café. The owner is one of the nicest women you’ll meet—welcoming to everyone.”

Best hidden gem? “Canal Bar. A local hangout spot where you’ll see familiar faces and get to know the staff. They’re awesome.”

And if he had a full free day to spend in the neighborhood?

“I’d start with coffee at Root Hill, drink it in the Gil Hodges Community Garden, do a little local shopping, grab lunch at Cotra, check out Powerhouse Arts, stop by Canal Bar for a couple drinks, then maybe catch some music at Public Records.”

Honestly, sounds like our kind of day too.

Stay tuned for more stories from the people making Gowanus such a creative, collaborative, and community-first neighborhood.
Want to be featured or know someone doing incredible work in the neighborhood? Reach out to The Shop Brooklyn team, we’d love to connect!