Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
GOLFERS CAN PLAY FAMOUS COURSES AROUND THE WORLD
XGolf, a hightech indoor golf simulator and training facility, has opened in Chadds Ford.
Located just off the intersection of routes 1 and 202, XGolf features six bays where up to six players can play golf courses from around the world without moving their feet.
“It takes about an hour to play a round of golf,” said Eric Miller, XGolf owner and an avid golfer. “I just wanted to have something better golf-wise for the community. There really isn’t anything like this in the area.”
There’s a golf simulator in Kennett Square called Club 88, but that’s private. And there is a plan to put a indoor golf simulator with two bays in at Hartefeld Golf Course in Avondale.
A similar setup can be found in northern Chester County at
The Golf Zone on Route 322 in Honey Brook.
Players use their own clubs and golf ball to hit against a large video screen. There are 53 courses, including St. Andrews, Harbour Town, Bay Hill East, Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, and many more.
“The ball tees right up for you, and you can play without moving your body. Even seniors with knee replacements can play because all you need to do is hit a button behind the tee box. The technology is really
out of this world.”
Miller said he should be getting a liquor license for xGolf in about two to three weeks.
On site is a PGA professional who provides lessons. Miller said it’s even ideal for children because there are fun courses where every hole is no more than 100 yards and children must hit over obstacles like rainbows.
Miller said the technology involved in the simulators replicates a round on an outdoor course. Each of the courses is a 3D duplicate of the real courses. If a ball hits a hill, the computer will draw it to realistically come to rest in the appropriate spot on the course.
The simulator’s tracking system accurately measures the ball flight in real time and provides feedback so golfers can see their shots transition seamlessly from the real world to the virtual world.
“This is the best you can get to the outdoors,” Miller said.
Miller said that since opening earlier this week, leagues sold out within 24 hours. He is planning to form more leagues, however.
The hourly rate is $55 per bay, but off-peak it’s $40 per bay.
Peak hours are after 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, plus all day Friday and weekends. Off-peak is before 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. XGolf is open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to midnight on Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are recommended, but not needed.