A round of golf without leaving the car park
By Dee Wilson
Hamish Robertson and his children Flynn,12, Harriet,7, and Freddie,9, take on the iconic St Andrew’s Golf Course in Scotland. The course is one of 450 courses that features at the new virtual golf facility.
A virtual golf facility at Taupō Golf Club opens to the public this weekend offering enthusiasts all weather practice facilities and the opportunity to play 450 of the world’s top golf courses without the expense of an air ticket.
The stand-alone facility, 12th Tee Golf, has been built in the car park adjacent to the main club house. It features four simulator bays, a putting and work-out area, catering and bar facilities.
The building is owned by Taupō Golf Club and has been leased out to the club’s head professional and 12th tee owner/operator Hamish Robertson.
Club president and board member Craig Orr says virtual golf is booming and the joint venture offers an opportunity for the club to diversify.
The facility will be open to the public seven days a week from midday to 8pm. Club members have special privileges including one complimentary round each year, a 15% discount on the usual $59 an hour fee and preferential booking times between 8am and midday.
Corporate packages and a discounted high-user platinum 24-hour access membership are also available. Security cameras will operate 24/7 outside and inside the building. Although the facility will be staffed during working hours people are encouraged to book on-line at 12thteegolf.com.
Hamish Robertson says the virtual golf model is popular in America and Australia and the number of golf simulators in New Zealand has doubled in the last six months.
He says a number of New Zealand golf clubs have simulators for coaching.
“The point of difference for Taupo Golf Club is that we have four simulators and a purpose-built facility that makes it pretty much like going to the gym.
“It can be used all year round for coaching, practice and play and we believe it’s a great match for our existing golf club activities.”
Robertson became a fan of golf simulators during his time as a touring professional.
“The technology is accurate and provides in-depth information, making for much better golfers, offering added value to just being able to hit off a bucket of balls on a driving range.
He developed 12th Tee Golf after five years of research, looking at a dozen other models and tailoring the experience to fit Taupō Golf Club.
“The beauty is that people who don’t have four hours to spend walking a golf course can play 18 holes on 450 of the world’s top golf courses in two hours.”
“It’s something new. Every time someone comes in to have a look, they are surprised and excited by what’s on offer and the feel and look of the place.
“You can have a putt while you wait, there’s a workout area and space for relaxing and it’s much more than people thought.”
Robertson says the business has become something of a family affair. His brother has come on board as a silent partner, a nephew who is a builder helped with the fit out, and Hamish’s wife and parents have worked behind the scenes and will help staff the facility The couple’s three children Flynn, 12, Freddie, 9 and Harriet, 7, are already keen virtual golf players.
12th Tee Golf will officially open at 11am on Saturday January 24. Robertson says there will be competitions, free pizzas, and a DJ until 2pm on Saturday. People are encouraged to come along and have a bit of fun.
Go to 12thteegolf.com for more information.