While there aren't many days left to take your clubs out for a round of golf as temperatures fall and the snow flies, that may not matter anymore for the most avid of golfers.
A new indoor facility in Waukesha can keep golf games going this winter.
Wisconsin Indoor Golf Center, which will include multiple golf simulators and two practice net areas, is opening soon at 206 Travis Lane, Suite 2, on the city's south side, just off highways 59/164.
The business is relocating from its Brown Street Oconomowoc location, which closed in March, said owner Chris Verhoff. Once it is ready for business later this month, the golf center in Waukesha will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Verhoff expects business to be at its highest from the middle of November through the winter months, when golfers are forced off the links. In Ocononowoc, Verhoff closed the business for the summer months, but he isn't sure what the future year-round schedule will be in Waukesha.
Smaller and better
Verhoff said there were several reasons for the move.
'I now have a better model of the business,' Verhoff said. 'The facility in Oconomowoc was oversized. I was looking for a smaller space.'
Verhoff said the facility in Oconomowoc, which was a remodeled warehouse, was close to 10,000 square feet. The Waukesha space will be only 5,000 square feet, which will help him cut back on operating and utility expenses.
He also said that, when he began looking for a location a few years ago, Waukesha was originally his preferred city.
'It allows me to get to a more populated area,' said Verhoff, a Waukesha resident.
Pro touches included
In addition to the golf simulators — Verhoff expects to have six by December — the facility will offer club fitting as well as professional lessons and training.
Along with Verhoff, the business will be managed by Quin McCallum and two PGA professionals.
The indoor golf simulators emulate real world-class golf courses, allowing golfers to keep their game strong during the frigid months in Wisconsin. The indoor golf simulators feature a golf swing analyzer and club-fitting software that is communicated through user-friendly LCD touch screens. All of the center's simulators are expected to have on-screen putting in the coming months, Verhoff said.
An onboard indoor golf simulator printer allows players to print score cards, swing analysis and other statistics.
Simulator use is based on appointment, which golfers can set up through the company's website at wisconsinindoorgolfcenter.com.
A senior league will run out of the facility as well, Verhoff said.
The Waukesha facility is located in a manufacturing district on the south edge of the city.
The site didn't have to be rezoned since indoor sports and recreation facilities is an acceptable use there.
No alterations will be made to the building's exterior.