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The idea for a multi-million-dollar sports empire didn't start in a boardroom; it started with a homemade Christmas gift. When Tyler Simmons saw his family laughing and competing over a makeshift backyard golf game using parts bought from hardware stores, a lightbulb went off. He knew immediately that he had stumbled onto a goldmine.
Fast forward a few years, and Tyler, alongside his sister Jenny, walked onto the set of Shark Tank Season 16 and sparked one of the most intense bidding wars in recent show history. They walked out with a deal from billionaire Mark Cuban, but the real story is what happened when the cameras stopped rolling. This is the complete timeline of how a simple pop-up bucket turned into an absolute backyard phenomenon.
What is BucketGolf?
BucketGolf is a portable, family-friendly, par-3 golf game designed specifically for the backyard, the beach, or the park. It strips away the intimidating, expensive, and time-consuming elements of traditional golf and replaces them with an incredibly fast-paced and casual setup.
The mechanics are easy to understand: players use a standard golf club (usually a pitching wedge or a high iron) to chip custom-designed, wiffle-style balls into large, pop-up buckets. Each hole is treated as a par 3.
If a player hits the outside of the bucket, it counts as a point. If they successfully chip the ball inside the bucket, they get to subtract a stroke from their score. The player with the lowest score at the end of the 6-hole or 9-hole course wins.
Because the buckets are anchored into the grass with flagsticks, they can withstand heavy winds up to 20 mph. The custom balls are designed to mimic the flight of a real golf ball but are safe enough not to shatter a neighbor's window.
| Product Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Outdoor Sports & Recreation |
| Founded Year | 2016 (Commercial launch later) |
| Core Product | Portable Backyard Golf Set |
| Target Audience | Families, Tailgaters, Casual Golfers |
| Retail Price | Approx. $199.99 (9-hole bundle) |
Who is the Founder of BucketGolf?
BucketGolf is the flagship product of Elevate Sports, a company founded by Tyler Simmons. Tyler serves as the President and CEO, while his sister, Jenny Simmons, acts as the Chief Operating Officer, handling the brand's marketing and media.
Growing up, Tyler was obsessed with athletics and outdoor activities. He played Division 1 college lacrosse, which taught him the rigorous work ethic required to succeed under pressure.
However, he also remembered the joy of simple backyard games. The direct inspiration for BucketGolf came during a family vacation when his sister-in-law created a DIY chipping game out of random parts she bought at six different stores.
Tyler loved the concept but realized the homemade setup was clunky. With his family's blessing, he began tinkering with manufacturing a commercial version. From 2017 to 2020, the product went through various complex prototypes.
The turning point hit in 2021 when Tyler realized that simplifying the target into a lightweight, pop-up bucket would drastically reduce shipping costs, drop the overall weight, and make the game infinitely more accessible. That single design change catapulted Elevate Sports into a multi-million-dollar trajectory.
BucketGolf Shark Tank Journey & Pitch
Tyler and Jenny stepped into the Tank during Season 16, Episode 2 (which aired in October 2024). They came out swinging, asking the Sharks for $1 million in exchange for 10% equity, giving BucketGolf a staggering $10 million valuation.
The siblings invited "Queen of QVC" Lori Greiner and guest Shark Todd Graves (founder of Raising Cane's) to test the product right there on the rug. Lori sank her shot directly into the bucket on her first try, instantly proving how fun and satisfying the game could be.
Then, typical of the Tank, Kevin O'Leary demanded to hear the numbers to justify the massive $10 million valuation. Tyler did not disappoint. He explained that while the early years (2018–2020) only brought in a measly $5,000, the 2021 pop-up bucket redesign changed everything. In 2022, they did $2.5 million in sales. In 2023, that skyrocketed to $5.9 million. At the time of filming in 2024, they were on track to hit $12 million.
The Sharks were stunned. Better yet, the margins were fantastic. It costs BucketGolf just $60 to land the product, and they sell the 9-hole kit directly to consumers online for $199.
This triggered a total Shark feeding frenzy.
Kevin O'Leary threw out the first offer, followed closely by Daymond John. Then, Lori jumped in, and finally, Mark Cuban decided he wanted a piece of the pie. Tyler boldly countered Mark's offer, resulting in a dramatic showdown where Lori almost stole the deal before Mark caved and matched Tyler's terms.
| Pitch & Offers | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Ask & Valuation | $1,000,000 for 10% ($10M Valuation) |
| Sharks in the Room | Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Todd Graves |
| Kevin's Offer | $1,000,000 for 25% |
| Daymond's Offer | $1,000,000 for 25% |
| Lori's Offer | $1,000,000 for 22.5% (with preferred stock conditions) |
| Mark's Offer | $1,000,000 for 15% |
| Final Deal Accepted | Mark Cuban: $1,000,000 for 12.5% |
What Happened to BucketGolf After Shark Tank?
The moment the BucketGolf episode aired on ABC, the company experienced the legendary "Shark Tank effect." Tyler and Jenny reported breaking their daily sales records almost overnight, generating nearly 50 times their normal daily sales volume.
With Mark Cuban's team advising them, Elevate Sports focused on scaling their supply chain to handle the massive influx of holiday orders. The $1 million cash injection allowed them to build up their inventory so they would never face a dreaded "sold out" notice during peak gifting seasons.
Mark Cuban's influence also helped them optimize their digital footprint. Because BucketGolf was already doing millions in sales almost exclusively through direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels and Amazon, the goal was to push those conversion rates even higher.
They leaned heavily into user-generated content on social media, showing real families and college kids playing the game, which drove millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Is BucketGolf Still in Business?
Yes, BucketGolf is still very much in business and is absolutely thriving. Unlike many Shark Tank companies that plateau after the initial hype, BucketGolf has actively expanded its product line to keep customers coming back.
They recently launched the BucketGolf Glow set, which allows players to enjoy the game at night using glow-in-the-dark buckets and balls. They also introduced a heavier, more durable "Tour Set" specifically designed for serious golfers who want a more authentic chipping practice experience.
Furthermore, while Tyler initially told the Sharks they wanted to avoid big-box retail due to profit margin cuts, the sheer volume of their growth allowed them to experiment. By late 2024 and into 2025, BucketGolf successfully negotiated prime shelf space in select Walmart locations, significantly boosting their brand visibility across the United States.
They also remain dedicated to giving back. The company frequently runs charity drives, recently partnering with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation to donate proceeds from their limited "Golden Edition" gear.
What is the Valuation & Net Worth of BucketGolf?
BucketGolf is an outdoor gaming powerhouse. When Tyler and Jenny accepted Mark Cuban's offer of $1 million for 12.5% equity, the company was officially valued at $8 million on paper.
However, business has only accelerated since they left the Tank. Recent industry reports and financial estimates from 2025 noted that the parent company, Elevate Sports, was generating around $13.5 million in annual revenue. Because they operate with a very healthy profit margin of 15% to 20% by cutting out middlemen and dominating Amazon, the company generates robust free cash flow.
Taking into account their recurring revenue, strong brand presence, pending design patents, and minimal debt, the estimated net worth of BucketGolf sits comfortably at $11.7 million. The Simmons siblings maintain the vast majority of the equity, cementing them as highly successful, multi-millionaire founders before the age of 40.
Where to Buy BucketGolf?
If you are looking to get your hands on a set for your next backyard BBQ or tailgate, finding BucketGolf is incredibly easy today.
- The Official Website: The absolute best place to purchase is directly through BucketGolfGame.com. Buying direct often gives you access to bundle discounts (like saving $10 to $20 on the 6-hole or 9-hole kits) and exclusive drops like the Glow set.
- Amazon: BucketGolf maintains a massive presence on Amazon Prime. It is highly rated, boasting thousands of 5-star reviews from verified buyers. This is a great option if you need fast, 2-day shipping before a weekend party.
- Walmart & Retail: The company has slowly expanded its physical footprint. You can now find standard BucketGolf sets in the sporting goods aisles of select Walmart stores nationwide.
Are BucketGolf Knockoffs a Problem?
Whenever a physical product blows up on Shark Tank, the overseas copycats immediately go to work, and BucketGolf is no exception.
If you search for backyard golf games, you will likely find dozens of cheap imitators flooding online marketplaces for half the price. However, community reviews heavily favor the original product. Knockoffs tend to use cheap plastics that snap, buckets that blow over in a gentle breeze, and balls that crack after a few heavy hits.
BucketGolf’s proprietary, patent-pending design includes heavy-duty flagsticks that stake directly into the ground, ensuring the targets stay perfectly upright in 20 mph winds. They also utilize high-grade, custom-molded wiffle balls designed specifically to handle the impact of a real metal golf club.
When it comes to outdoor games that take a beating, the consensus is clear: spending the $199 on the authentic BucketGolf set is a much better long-term investment than saving a few bucks on a flimsy fake.
Madhav Kushwaha
SEO Analyst & Digital Marketer
Madhav analyzes complex business pitches and provides high-level updates for tech startups and reality television ventures. Specializing in advanced organic search strategies, he brings clarity to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.