The first-of-its-kind private indoor golf simulator room, located within a popular activity centre, has proved a huge hit at its piloting, with people of all ages and backgrounds taking up the game.
ENGOLF launched their first indoor golf simulator room in June this year at Salt Hill Activity Centre, operated by Everyone Active. Since then, over 250 people have enjoyed the experience.
ENGOLF take under-utilised spaces within existing leisure centres and convert them into golf simulator rooms, whereby people can book the room via the leisure centre’s website or mobile app, as they would for any other leisure activity. ENGOLF are now planning additional sites in the UK from 2024 onwards.
The customer-operated simulator room is open all year round and includes easy-to-use technology that caters for people of all ages and abilities. A selection of golf clubs (both right and left-handed) are also available in the room for customers to use free of charge.
The simulator rooms provide an ideal place for complete beginners to learn, practise and improve without feeling self-conscious, and allows parents and guardians to introduce their children to golf. Disabled and wheelchair-bound users can also learn and practise in comfort. It also provides intermediate and advanced golfers with the ability to learn more about their swing and how to improve, while golf coaches are able to teach individual and group lessons. Societies or groups can enjoy a knock at any time of the year, while the facilities can also be used for team building corporate days out.
Matthew Draper (left), Simon Shirreffs (centre) and England Golf Club County & Membership Operations Manager Gavin Anderson
Simon Shirreffs, Founder of ENGOLF, said: “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, practise and play golf. Therefore, we are on a mission to provide indoor golf simulator studios and rooms across the UK that are accessible, affordable, private, fun and appeal to all ages and abilities. Fundamentally, we want to make booking a golf simulator as easy as booking any other leisure centre activity.
“This first site at Salt Hill is a huge step forward in making golf more accessible. It has been truly heart-warming to see users of all ages, abilities, genders and ethnicities using the facility and having fun through golf, none of which would have been possible without the support of Everyone Active.”
Luke Routhorn, Contract Manager for Everyone Active said: “We’ve seen a real buzz in the centre when people are coming to play golf, it’s fantastic. What’s great about this experience is that its suitable for all ages. We’re seeing children with parents trying it out, as well as some of our senior members, which is great. ENGOLF have made the entire experience straightforward, giving people the opportunity to brush up on their game or learn something new with the entire family.”
England Golf Club, County & Membership Director, Matthew Draper, added: “This is a fantastic new initiative that is sure to inspire people to come and have a go at golf and see just how fun it is. As you may well have heard, we recently launched our Respect in Golf movement, which is all about inclusivity and driving participation in the game, and that is epitomised by what ENGOLF is providing with its indoor golf simulator.
“We have seen a considerable rise in the usage of off-course facilities in the last three years and we know that they are attracting a range of people from diverse backgrounds, so we aim to highlight and support the likes of ENGOLF to ensure that people across England know that golf can be an accessible and fun sport for all to enjoy.”
The facility in Slough is open from 10am to 7pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s also open 10am to 10pm in the School Holidays. At least one user in each booking must be 18+ for safety reasons.
For more information about ENGOLF, click here. For more information about England Golf’s Respect in Golf movement, click here.
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