Indoor Golf Simulators: The New Trend Taking Over in Southwest Florida
If you’ve noticed fewer outdoor golf driving ranges in Southwest Florida, you’re not alone. But there’s good news for golf enthusiasts! As those traditional spots fade away, indoor golf simulators are popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. And one of the latest and greatest is called The Cave, located at 9250 Corkscrew Road, Suite 13, in Estero. This stylish hangout just opened its doors on February 4, and it’s not just about swinging clubs in a virtual world; it’s a full-on experience!
What You Can Expect at The Cave
The Cave is owned by Karen Nicoletti, a pro golfer with the LPGA, and her husband Brad Swearingen, a former professional golf caddy. They took the indoor golf trend to a whole new level by not only offering access to three high-tech golf simulators but also serving up a delicious menu featuring pizza, wings, and other tasty appetizers. Talk about a hole-in-one experience!
The venue is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and if you’re itching to hit the virtual links, it costs just $50 an hour for one of those state-of-the-art simulators, which can fit up to six people. Plus, if you’re a woman interested in learning the game, you can take part in their free women’s golf clinics on Mondays! They’re also offering special rates for veterans, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services, and educators.
Why Choose The Cave?
The pandemic has sparked a newfound love for golf, with public courses hitting their highest usage rates ever. However, traditional golf can break the bank. Just think about it! Playing at a well-known location like Pebble Beach can set you back nearly $800! On the other hand, you can enjoy a simulated round at The Cave without emptying your wallet. The indoor setup is truly designed for golfers of all levels.
“It’s tough for the average person to be able to afford the sport. There are a lot of people who love the game, but there are very few places to play,” Nicoletti shared.
More Than Just Golf
But wait, there’s more! The Cave isn’t just a golf haven. Later this year, they plan to add two indoor pickleball courts to their offerings. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition, right?
Swearingen’s journey to launch The Cave came after a back injury prevented him from continuing his caddy career. Instead of sulking, he decided to transform his passion into action. “When he was recovering, he needed a Plan B. He opened up The Cave. The Man Cave. He pretty much built it with his own two hands,” Nicoletti revealed.
Fun for Everyone
The atmosphere is welcoming, ensuring players feel at ease, whether they’re seasoned pros or complete novices. “Coming here, you don’t have to worry about being intimidated,” Nicoletti emphasized. You’ll find that The Cave provides a relaxed environment where everyone can enjoy themselves without the pressure that often comes with traditional courses. They even have great games on the simulators for kids!
Swearingen demonstrated the fun and accuracy of the simulators. As he smacked a real ball into the simulator’s screen, spectators could see the virtual ball soaring off, landing beautifully on the virtual green. “It might take a little getting used to, maybe a hole or two, but it’s super realistic,” he assured.
A Bright Future for Golf Enthusiasts
