Shepparton's first indoor golf simulator has landed and it's given Goulburn Valley golfers the opportunity to play at elite courses such as, St Andrew's, Pebble Beach and thousands more virtually.
Golf enthusiasts and beginners can tackle the experience at Next Level Golf, the brainchild of owners Ashley Blake and Reanna Matthews.
The couple — which is accredited PGA Professionals — has a wealth of golf experience that includes competing on the Australasian tour and working as club professionals in the Goulburn Valley.
Along with the simulator, Next Level Golf provides coaching lessons and club fittings for those looking to make improvements on their game.
The opening of the store last week was a special moment for Blake — who was born and raised in Shepparton — as he saw a dream become a reality.
“It is something that has been in my head for about 10 years now and it's really exciting to finally see it become a reality,” Blake said.
“We're unique in the fact that we have the simulator, but we also provide coaching lessons, club fitting, repairs and we stock balls and equipment too.
“We have over 300 different shafts, it's a very wide range and that's so we get the right fitting to suit your swing.
“We have modelled ourselves on Shepparton's Little Music Shop, in the fact that we are a small building and business, but we have plenty to offer our customers.”
Blake said the licensed venue, fit with a bar fridge and tables, was open to bookings for private functions.
And while Next Level Golf will be a social experience, Blake also sees it as a fresh outlook on playing the game — especially for beginners.
“The simulator is great because you can book in with your mates and come down, have a few drinks and have a bit of fun,” he said.
“There are over 70,000 golf courses from around the world to play on, you can go from playing on a couple of local courses to playing at world famous ones like Augusta National.
“But it's also great for beginners because instead of being out on a golf course with loads of other people watching you hit, you can come in here and get to hit the ball without that pressure around you.
“We see ourselves as a soft entry for people wanting to play golf. We want to be that first step for people.”
While Matthews continues her work as an advertising sales consultant, Blake holds down the fort during the week, until she jumps into the store on weekends.
“Reanna and I met as juniors and have both had similar golf journeys. We have done everything together,” Blake said.
“We come as a team; we always have.”
Next Level Golf offers one-hour bookings on the simulator for groups at $25 a head, while a 45-minute coaching lesson and club fitting session costs $80 each.
● Next Level Golf is located at 186 Corio St, Shepparton and bookings can be done on the store's website www.nextlevelgolf.com.au or by phoning 0437 186 084.
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