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For the first time, we’ve added a Golf Recreation category to recognize those who have made great strides on the off-course golf course. Golfinity won the top award for its flagship store in Austin, Texas, which takes a high-level approach to making golf accessible to golfers of all shapes and sizes.
“Our overall vision is to remove barriers to the game of golf and make it all-encompassing and all-encompassing,” said owner Aaron Bergman. “We value making golf accessible by being a resource and a service to our entire community.”
Winners are judged on the execution of the project vision, course aesthetics, economic and environmental sustainability, course alignment and land use. Judges were Darryl Bartlett, Senior Project Manager, NMP Golf Construction Corp.; Casey Paulson, Project President, Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club; Kevin Norby, Norby Golf Course Design; Mike Nuzzo, Nuzzo Course Design; and Tripp Davis, President, Tripp Davis and Associates.
(from Golf Inc. May/June 2023 issue)
Click here to view the winners Best Resort/Daily Fee Course and best private lessons.
first place
golf
Austin, Texas
Owner/Developer: Aaron Bergman/Golf
architect: Huo Architects
contractor: A&A First Choice
cost: about 6 million US dollars
Golfinity’s location in Austin is the largest indoor golf course in the United States. The two-story facility features 21 high-end golf simulators where golfers of all ages and skill levels can learn, practice and receive instruction from PGA-certified instructors.
These simulators provide a wide range of experiences, from simple driving ranges to simulations of more than 100 famous golf courses around the world. Each hitting zone collects hundreds of data points during play to help golfers improve their game.
The 20,000-square-foot facility includes a full restaurant and bar, as well as space for events.
Since opening last July, Golfinity has averaged 600 golf lessons and 1,200 practice lessons per month.
The goal is to provide a safe haven for people to learn the game of golf without fear of judgment and to develop a love for the game in golfers of all skill levels.
“We reimagined the indoor golf facility, but created a multi-dimensional atmosphere by taking a holistic approach, focusing on development, club services, dining and entertainment,” said owner Aaron Bergman. “We can have a country club experience for a tenth of the cost and be kind to the environment.”
second place
East River 9
Houston, Texas
Owner/Developer: halfway
architect: Smelek Design
contractor: VM golf
cost: not yet disclosed
The goal of East River 9 was to transform an asphalt parking lot and disused concrete building foundations into a verdant links-style 9-hole par 3 golf course.
“We wanted to create the same visual and tactical variety as any of our course designs, while showcasing the backdrop of the estuary and the downtown skyline,” said architect Mike Smelek.
Smelek and his team worked with the Riverhouse restaurant next door to design the outdoor entertaining space, and incorporated two concrete storage boxes into the design. One became the first tee, raising its position to see the entire course. Another becomes an elevated stage for a dining terrace with a pergola.
It was important for the developers to create a friendly environment for families with young children, so they installed an inverted cone of artificial turf for children to play, surrounded by a semi-circular bar seating area for parents.
The property includes a driving range, pickleball court and entertainment terrace.
third place
GolfzonSocial
Signac, NY
Owner/Developer: Golfzon & Troon
architect: bright building
contractor: Building Construction
cost: not yet disclosed
Golfzon has long been a leader in golf simulators and has used this experience to design a stand-alone facility.
The vision is to create an environment for visitors of all skill levels and walks of life. Everything in the space is designed to create a socially inclusive environment: 22 spacious simulator booths, wall-mounted TVs, a centrally located bar serving craft cocktails and beer, a chef’s menu, and numerous dining and Social lounge area. It also has shuffleboard tables and beanbag boards.
Golf Simulator allows users to play a virtual game on some of the most famous courses in the world while improving their skills using proprietary ball tracking technology.
The venue hosts indoor golf leagues for serious players and lighter tournaments for friendly competition.
“It’s been designed to be extremely welcoming to everyone, from beginner golfers to those who’ve never touched a club,” said Tommy Lim, CEO of Golfzon America. The award-winning TwoVision simulator . . . and a huge variety of delicious food and drink options. The ambience and offerings make it perfect for date nights, outings with friends, birthday parties, corporate gatherings and more.”
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