Construction Underway for The Cove Club
December 8, 2025 Submitted by Michael Walsh of Launchpad Boston
The Cove Club, LLC., developers of a future premier indoor golf and grill room located on the landmark waterfront at 20 Broad Cove Road in Hingham, received unanimous approval from the Hingham Select Board in November for a full-pour liquor license when the business is expected to open in the Fall of 2026. Owners Rob Headley and Doug Karo have been working diligently with the town for more than two years, gaining approvals from zoning, planning, building, and conservation.
“It’s been an arduous journey, and we are very thankful for the town officials’ support. This is a major step for us and our vision of opening a membership for an indoor golf facility and grill room unlike any other in Massachusetts for our members, the community, and the town,“ said Headley, co-founder of The Cove Club. The Hull resident attributes the partnership with the town, the overwhelming support from local neighbors, and family and friends for helping the duo persevere through the approval process. The landmark property that originally entertained South Shore residents, going back to 1922, when ‘Iris’ Ballroom’ offered ballroom dancing and live music, was established on the banks of Broad Cove. It was later named “The Cove.”
“It has always been a place for entertainment for more than 100 years, so we feel like there is a sense of responsibility to carry forward that tradition, which you can see in our name and branding. We are delivering a modern family entertainment experience that will hopefully impress everyone, definitely a wow factor when you walk through our doors…. It’s going to be a very unique waterfront golf and dining destination,” affirms Headley.
When complete, The Cove Club will comprise a two-story, shingled structure at nearly 10,000 square feet, housing six high-end, state-of-the-art golf simulators, along with a second floor where members will enjoy a grill room, a 20+ seating bar, multiple fireplaces, and lounge areas all custom-finished by co-founder and Hingham-based builder Doug Karo. “Our goal is to deliver a building and interior club experience that will feel like you are walking into a country club, with all the amenities that one should expect as a Cove Club member, including a waterfront premium culinary experience,” Karo praised. To that end, the duo recently hired an accomplished veteran food and beverage manager to their team, who they assure will complement their expectations.
Headley and Karo have been planning their new venture for over four years. Since that time, the indoor golf simulator industry has grown exponentially, increasing by 73% since 2019, and simulator businesses have grown significantly from roughly 200 in 2016 to 1,600 by late 2023. Experts attribute this massive growth to technological advancements, a desire for year-round play, and a broadening appeal beyond traditional golfers.
“We’re confident this business is still in its infancy, and certainly we’re bringing on the top technology to match our membership expectations. The type of membership club we are building is extremely unique, feeling more akin to the actual clubhouse experience than a ‘retail parking lot’ golf storefront. This is going to be a family destination that will entertain, teach, build friendships, and offer local schools, businesses, and charities an amazing place to gather,” expressed Headley.
While construction is in the early stages, the developers say the buzz has brought on far more interest than they anticipated.
We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response and interest in membership early on, as well as the inquiries from many talented individuals regarding employment…. Doug and I cannot wait to restore the property and make the Cove Club one of Hingham’s top destinations for golf, entertainment, and dining. It’s truly exciting to see our vision brought to life,” elates Headley.
The owners are currently taking membership applications through their website coveclub.golf. They anticipate the club opening in the Fall of 2026.
