Golf and Penticton — they’ve gone together like bread and butter for more than 100 years.
But come Saturday morning, Nov. 4, there will be a new way to enjoy the sport in the city.
Okanagan Virtual Golf, a facility featuring three simulator bays, is set to open its doors at 310 Main St.
Have you dreamed of playing 18 holes at the world-renowned Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia? You won’t be transported to the Atlanta airport at this new Penticton centre, but you could get the virtual experience of hitting the ball and seeing how your shots would simulate at the course in real-time.
Experiences just like that will be made available for 400 other golf courses from the around world.
Although similar centres can be found in Vernon and Kelowna, the soon-to-be-open facility will be the first of its kind in the South Okanagan.
“The Okanagan is a hotbed for golf and ever since COVID, it’s grown insanely I think for people between the ages of 25 to 35,” said Andrew Baron, co-owner of the business along with Cole Marchant. “This has been in the works for about a year, took possession of the place in August and renovated ever since…we’re excited to get going.”
Okanagan Virtual Golf will also feature mini putt experiences and training simulators. Baron says two professionals from the Summerland Golf Club have already stepped up to provide teaching sessions for those interested.
People can book tee times at the centre, just like they would at any golf course.
Don’t feel like playing through a full round? Barons says each bay will also have driving range modes.
Golf aside, though, the owners of this facility are hoping it becomes a new social spot for people in the city.
“A lot of feedback we’ve gotten already is people saying that there’s really nothing to do in the winter,” Baron began. “So, we’re trying to fill that gap where maybe you want to grab a beer at one of the breweries and pop over here for some golf.
“In future, we’re going to look at some kids programming through camps and clinics.”
The centre opens at 9 a.m. and more information can be found here.