Grain Partners with Queue to Bring AI to Golf Course Management, Advancing Conversational Data Utilization

Data exists but isn’t being used effectively—this is a challenge faced by many golf courses, and Grain is tackling it together with Queue.

Grain Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Norio Suetomi), which operates GRAIN CLOUD, a comprehensive system for golf course management, announces a partnership with Queue Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Naoto Shibata), provider of the AI data agent platform “Squadbase,” to launch initiatives for conversational AI-based data utilization in golf course management. Through this collaboration, Grain will exclusively offer services leveraging this technology within the golf industry.

Figure 1: GRAIN × Queue Logo

Background: Market Changes and Underutilized Data

The golf course industry is experiencing structural changes: while market size is recovering, golfers are becoming more selective in choosing courses, and the golf-playing population is declining. In such an environment, the success of management hinges on how effectively daily accumulated data—such as visitor counts, reservations, and sales—can be translated into actionable strategies.

However, in practice, data analysis often requires specialized skills and tools, making it difficult to extract timely insights. After closing, managers open Excel to compare figures with the previous year and plan the next day’s actions—decision-making in many golf courses still relies heavily on individual experience and intuition.

Grain’s Vision: Democratizing Management Decisions

As a company that develops services from a deep understanding of golf course operations, Grain aims to empower all golf courses to continuously improve their management through technology. At the core of this vision is “GRAIN CLOUD,” a fully cloud-based core system that centralizes all operational functions required for golf course management.

Grain’s next step is to evolve beyond simply “viewing” accumulated data, moving toward interpreting its meaning and suggesting actionable next steps. When a manager asks the AI, “What caused last month’s decline?” it instantly returns analysis and insights. The time previously spent on post-closing Excel work can now be replaced with AI conversations. Even on-site staff without specialized knowledge can handle operational data through natural language dialogue. By creating such an environment, Grain envisions a future where all golf courses—regardless of size or staffing—can make high-level decisions.

Why Grain Chose Queue as a Partner

To realize this vision, Grain selected Queue Inc. as its partner. Squadbase, Queue’s AI data agent platform, enables data analysis and visualization through natural language dialogue, empowering on-site staff to handle data independently—without relying on specialists. This philosophy deeply aligns with Grain’s goal of “democratizing management decisions.”

By combining Grain’s operational expertise in golf course management and the data accumulated in GRAIN CLOUD with Queue’s AI technology, the two companies will deliver conversational data utilization optimized for the golf industry. They are currently co-developing new data utilization features through this partnership, with further details to be announced soon.

Future Outlook

Grain will continue to support golf course operators on-site, leveraging technology to improve management. Starting with this partnership, Grain aims to revolutionize data utilization in the golf industry and contribute to sustainable golf course operations.

Executive Comments

Norio Suetomi, CEO of Grain Co., Ltd.

“We’ve developed GRAIN CLOUD from a practical, on-the-ground perspective of golf course operations, walking alongside our customers. What we’ve strongly realized is that while data is being accumulated daily, the tools to turn it into actionable management decisions are not reaching the front lines. Our partnership with Queue is a major step toward directly addressing this challenge. We see a shared vision in Squadbase’s philosophy—enabling on-site staff to interact with data directly without relying on specialists. By combining our strengths, we will jointly realize a future where every golf course can harness the power of data in management.”

Naoto Shibata, CEO of Queue Inc.

“Traditional BI required specialists to build dashboards, and users had to go to them. Squadbase aims for the opposite: executives and on-site staff simply ask the AI and get answers, and the AI proactively delivers ‘today’s key metrics and next actions.’ However, for AI to provide truly valuable insights, deep understanding of both operations and data is essential. Thanks to Grain’s long-accumulated expertise in golf course operations and the data stored in GRAIN CLOUD, we believe we can deliver a service that genuinely supports golf course management. Through this collaboration, we will work step by step with Grain to support on-site operations in the golf industry.”

About Squadbase

Squadbase is an AI data agent platform provided by Queue Inc. It enables on-site staff to independently perform data tasks that previously required specialists, fostering a data-driven culture.

In addition to natural language-based data analysis and visualization, Squadbase allows the creation of AI agents based on data, enabling insight extraction and business automation.

Service Website: https://www.squadbase.dev/ja

About GRAIN CLOUD – Comprehensive Cloud Management System for Golf Courses

GRAIN CLOUD is a fully cloud-based core system that centralizes all operational functions—from reservations and settlements to integration with cart navigation and automated payment systems. Unlike traditional on-premise systems, it eliminates the need for on-site server installation, enabling operations with just an internet connection and a PC. By actively adopting new technologies, GRAIN CLOUD broadly supports the digitalization and efficiency of golf course operations.

Service Website: https://www.grain-net.jp/

About Grain Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Grain Co., Ltd. https://grain-net.jp/

Established: June 2017

Capital: 17.6 million JPY

Representative: CEO Norio Suetomi

Headquarters: 3-8-38 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Grain Co., Ltd. develops, sells, and maintains cloud systems that improve operational efficiency for golf course management, including comprehensive operational systems, marketing software, and web applications.

About Queue Inc.

Company Name: Queue Inc. https://www.squadbase.dev/ja/about

Established: November 2016

Capital: 45 million JPY

Representative: CEO Naoto Shibata