Paul and Angela Dumont, owners of the new Sticks & Stones Indoor Golf, have brought their favourite game out of the elements.
Golfing beginners and pros alike can tee up at four state-of-the-art simulators, standing on a sensor pad in front of floor-to-ceiling high-definition screens at 49 Finch Dr.
Players can choose from more than 80 of the world’s top courses, which are projected onto the screen in incredible detail.
The push of a button takes you to golf courses in Scotland, Asia, South America and Banff. Among the choices are Firestone Country Club in Ohio, Kapalua Plantation in Hawaii, and Bethpage Black in New York State.
Variety is one of the attractions, says Paul Dumont, a PGA of Canada Class A golf pro.
“Every shot is realistic,” he said.
Players can watch a flyover of each hole and then tee off as they would on a real course. The ball bounces back off the screen as it displays feedback such as club head speed, ball speed and launch angle.
The Dumonts saw the popularity of golf simulators while working at Sawmill Creek Golf Resort in Camlachie. He was the pro and general manager there while she was the food and beverage manager.
They left Sawmill earlier this year with a plan to open a business where golf can be enjoyed year-round.
“We felt there is a real lack of indoor recreation in Sarnia,” Paul Dumont said.
“We’ve seen how popular simulators are in the winter and on days in the summer when it’s raining. This is something everyone can do.”
The couple located Sticks & Stones in the plaza on the southwest corner of Finch and Wellington streets because of the heavy traffic, proximity to a busy residential neighbourhood, and Lambton College, Angela Dumont said.
The investment is substantial, with each simulator costing about $40,000. In addition, the 4,000-square-foot space, previously occupied by Micor Sports, required extensive renovation, accessible washrooms and a kitchen.
Sticks & Stones has a full service bar as well as a small pub menu that includes chicken wings (6 for $9), poutine ($14), shareable nachos ($18) and a Sticks & Stones Basket of deep fried pickle fries and pepper bites for $12.
Seating is available for 40.
Since opening on Nov. 25, the Dumonts have seen people of all ages walk through the door.
“We’ve got beginners trying it out, as well as people who are avid golfers wanting to keep their game sharp,” said Paul Dumont.
Children are welcome prior to 6 p.m.
Using a simulator costs $40 an hour, and most people need an hour to play 18 holes.
Packages are available that include birthday and Christmas party specials.
Booking all four simulators for 2.5 hours costs $550, which includes three different food options.
Leagues start in January with online registration available now. It costs $120 to join a league and $30 to play each time.
Paul also offers lessons.
For a full list of rates, visit sticksandstonesindoorgolf.ca or call 519-491-1339. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday and Monday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
A grand opening celebration is set for Dec. 14.
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