Yorkshire’s first Trackman indoor golf simulator and bar opened for business in North Leeds on Saturday.
Back Nine Golf is the brainchild of two local men who met watching their sons playing rugby. Golf journalist Mark Flanagan and property developer Oliver Firth started the company in April and they have spent the last four months redeveloping the former tattoo parlour in the centre of Guiseley.
The simulator is powered by market-leading ball tracking technology Trackman and also includes a licensed bar with space for up to 30 people.
On Saturday dozens of golfers tried Back Nine Golf for free and took part in a nearest-the pin competition, playing the par threes at The Marco Simone course, host of the Ryder Cup. Also up for grabs was a bottle of the official Ryder Cup whiskey Elijah Craig if anyone got a hole in one.
“It was a fantastic day and the feedback was better than we could have ever expected,” said Mark, who is a former Yorkshire Post and Hull Daily Mail journalist.
“Oliver and I have put our heart and soul into this project and the results are there for all to see. We have an amazing golf simulator and great bar and it is a thrill to see people being blown away by what we have created.
“It was a shame nobody won the Elijah Craig whiskey but then we get to keep it and maybe someone will ace a hole to claim it next time we have a special event.
Indoor golf is enjoying a boom at the moment, mirroring the post-Covid growth in golf participation.
“Last year, in the USA, more rounds were played indoor than outdoor, which is a staggering statistic,” added Mark.
“The advance in technology also means indoor golf has never been more realistic and it is fantastic that people can play the likes of St Andrews, Pebble Peach and Royal County Down.”
Back Nine Golf customers have a choice of more than 250 world-famous courses but can also hone their skills using Trackman’s legendary practice software, which collects all data keen golfers love to study.
The facility will be open seven days a week until 11pm and has a fully-licensed bar.
Mark said: “One of the big attractions of Back Nine Golf is you can enjoy a drink with friends while playing golf. And after you have finished, customers will be welcome to stay in the bar and catatch. There is no other place in the county offering we offer.”
For further details on Back Nine Golf visit backninegolf.net.