Dragons' Den viewers were left stunned after a teacher received three five-figure offers for his twist on golf, despite many branding the product 'extortionate'. Glyn Richards entered the den seeking a £30,000 investment for a 15% stake in his finger golf business, and left with a deal from Peter Jones.
Dragons eager to play before pitch
Dragons Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett were so taken with the product that they began playing with the miniature clubs and balls before Glyn had even finished his pitch. The pair appeared to enjoy themselves immensely, but fellow dragons Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Jenna Meek had serious questions for the entrepreneur.
Glyn revealed that the game, which retails at £30, costs just £2.53 to manufacture. Touker gasped at the margin, telling Glyn: 'It's a lot of money for that.' He later admitted he would 'struggle' to sell the game at that price. Deborah agreed it was 'a big ask' and urged Glyn to reduce the price to £19.99.
Viewers question the price
Before any further discussion, Peter Jones grinned and said: 'I'd like to make an offer.' He proposed funding the full £30,000 but for a 30% stake, double the equity Glyn had originally offered. Viewers at home were baffled by the move.
On X, @paulus837 posted: 'Is Peter having laff?' @LucyP23_oldie wrote: 'Finger golf??? Seriously. Some people have more money than sense.' @I_am_KenBarlow compared the product to a Millennial classic: 'It's like Subbuteo with the fun removed.' @k_heyrab added: 'Finger golf, sounds like Subbuteo and that's not a thing anymore.'
'Costs £3 to make and you're selling it for £30,' fumed @Lionsroar_79. @angelapinbuild noted: 'I mean, I like a trestle table covered with Astroturf as much as the next person. And I don't mind a finger-adapted golf club. Or mini balsa wood pine trees. But it all looks a bit clunky, and it's £30.' @Toughtruth5 simply called it 'extortionate'.
Three offers and a deal
Despite the criticism, Glyn ended up with offers from three dragons. Touker and Jenna matched Peter's offer, but Glyn accepted Peter's proposal and left the den delighted.
'I'm elated, overwhelmed… being an entrepreneur with Peter Jones as a partner, he's going to open so many doors. It's going to be an exciting couple of years,' Glyn said.
Dragons' Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One.
