Fore! Three Ways to Enjoy Winter Golf

From indoor simulators to heated outdoor bays, you can still polish your game in the cold months

The long northern Michigan winter may soon have you feeling pent up and pining for warmer days. And if you’re an avid golfer, there’s a good chance that the swirling arctic wind and mounting piles of snow will have you checking flights to tropical climes with open fairways.

But fret not! Though the winter may be long and the snow deep (sometimes), northern Michigan still abounds in options to work on that swing in the “off-season.” From indoor ranges to driving a few balls into the driven snow, here are a few places you can shoot for the virtual greens to stave off the winter blues.

X-Golf

3480 W South Airport Rd Suite B, Traverse City | playxgolf.com/locations/traverse-city

Owned by Scott and Bobby Hart of Traverse City, X-Golf is part of a national brand and the only of the chain in northern Michigan (currently). Boasting six PGA-certified indoor simulators that also allow for chipping and putting, X-Golf focuses on delivering an accurate and realistic experience to golfers looking to keep the season going into the winter.

Open seven days a week, rates start at $45 per hour Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm with an increase to $55 ($65 on Fridays) until close at 10pm. Saturday and Sunday rates are $65/hour for the full day and remain open until 11pm. Rental clubs are available for $15 and players are encouraged to call ahead to reserve a set.

In addition to per-hour use, X-Golf also has a full slate of options for participants seeking to play for fun, improve their game, or be part of a weekly league. “We offer golf instruction, training aides, leagues, tournaments, short game options, national challenges [with prizes], driving range, practice shot options and custom club-fittings,” according to Hart.

And beyond the backswing, X-Golf offers plenty of amenities to make it a fun hangout and communal experience.

“We have a full bar and food options along with 11 big-screen TVs,” Hart tells us. “We have Golden Tee, video trivia, and Touchtunes for those that are not as golf-oriented.” Offering up pub fare like Bavarian pretzels, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, pizza, and more, X-Golf is geared toward those looking to have a good time between rounds.

“We pride ourselves on providing a great golfing and fun experience,” Hart concludes. “Customers have stated this is the best ‘man cave’ or ‘she shed’ option around northern Michigan, especially for golfers.”

24/7 Golf

6455 N U. S. Hwy 31 N, Williamsburg | 24-7golf.com

24/7 Golf is catered to the golf fanatic who could pick up a round at any time of the day. Quite literally.

“What I offer is the ability to play golf 24 hours a day,” says owner Mike Granger. Also a multi-location enterprise, 24/7 Golf has three facilities throughout West Michigan, with another anticipated to open in Traverse City at the Cherryland Center in 2025.

Their first location can be found on U.S. 31 in Williamsburg, where 24/7 Golf operates as an employee-less enterprise. Golfers can sign up, select a time, pay, and then receive a confirmation message with a key code that is used for entry at the facility. With four aboutGOLF simulators, guests can select from a variety of playing modes.

“You can go to the driving range, you can play 85 courses,” says Granger. “There’s multiple games you can play, but it’s all based around golf.” Users are encouraged to download and utilize the aG Locker App, which coordinates with the simulators to track shots, scores, handicap settings, and more.

Fees start at $35/hour until 5pm on weekdays, with 5pm-12am costing $50/hour. Weekends are $50/hour until midnight on Sunday. Granger notes that this is the fee per simulator, not per person, but recommends no more than four to five individuals per bay to allow ample playing time. Granger also notes that there are monthly memberships available starting at $175/month (allowing up to 1.5 hours of play per day), with reduced rates during the summer season. And while there are no concessions (nor employees), guests can bring in their own food and beverage.

While other centers may focus on a communal atmosphere, 24/7 is geared toward the golfer that may prefer a private round or a more quiet setting. “What really stands out is the 24 ability to come in anytime and play,” Granger says. “There’s no one there. It gives you exclusivity, I would say, unlike any other place.”

But that’s not to say there’s a lack of golf community available. In addition to playing solo, 24/7 also offers leagues in a variety of configurations. “We also have golf leagues that will be in the wintertime,” says Granger. “We offer an open league, which will compete against everybody from all locations. You also have the ability, with eight or more people, to set up your own league.”

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme | grandtraverseresort.com/golf/golf-academy

Though the fairways may be blanketed in fallen snow, there is still the opportunity to crush a drive into the frigid air. Along with indoor golf options, those looking to drill some range balls outside can seek out the Golf Academy at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

“We’ve always had options for golf year-round,” says Caroline Rizzo, the resort’s communications manager. “Our golf academy has simulator play, clinics, a heated hitting bay that you hit balls on outdoors into the snowy fairway of the driving range.” Rizzo also notes that those looking toward the upcoming season can partake in private lessons, get clubs refitted and gripped, and more.

For those looking to let off some steam, take in some cool winter air, but still keep their fingers frostbite free, the resort has an indoor/outdoor bay. “You’re inside, under a giant heat lamp, but you open up a garage-style door, and that’s where you’re hitting outside,” says Rizzo. Golfers can hit a bucket of balls and watch them disappear amongst the snow-laden hills, where they’ll remain until springtime. “It’s a cool view,” she says, “and it’s really fun.”

Availability for the indoor/outdoor bay is Tuesday through Thursday, 10am-4pm, and those interested are encouraged to contact the Golf Academy at (231) 534-6550 for pricing and availability.

Want to avoid the frigid air and enjoy a more social atmosphere? The Golf Academy also offers inside options with two Trackman golf simulators (pictured). Rates are $60 for 55 minutes ($45 for resort members) and are available Sunday and Monday 10am-4pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-7pm, and Thursday through Saturday 10am-8pm. Those looking to book a slot are encouraged to call the pro shop or book via the Trackman app.

And much like other indoor facilities, the resort also offers league play. “If you’re looking to still play a round of golf, we offer a winter golf league on the Trackman simulators,” Rizzo says. “Those are for a much more fun, social, kind of laid-back atmosphere in the club house.”

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