Golf Takes a New Turn: Indoor Simulators Rise as Driving Ranges Disappear
In a shocking turn of events for golf enthusiasts in Southwest Florida, traditional outdoor driving ranges are fading away, making way for a new era of indoor golf entertainment. With the closure of various ranges in the region, indoor golf simulators are getting all the buzz—and they come with a twist. Step into The Cave, your new golfing getaway, located at 9250 Corkscrew Road, Suite 13 in Estero.
The Cave: A Golfer’s Paradise
This unique venue, which opened its doors on February 4, is the brainchild of golf professionals Karen Nicoletti and Brad Swearingen. While Karen boasts a stint as a professional golfer on the LPGA, Brad is a former golf caddy—so you know they mean business when it comes to swinging clubs! They’ve taken the indoor golfing phenomenon to a whole new level, providing a bar serving delicious food along with their three state-of-the-art golf simulators.
More Than Just Golf
The Cave is not just a place to swing a club. It also fosters a community vibe with free women’s golf clinics every Monday and special offers for veterans, police, firefighters, emergency medical services, and educators. The venue opens daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it’s a steal at just $50 an hour for simulator use, accommodating up to six players at a time.
While heading to a well-known public golf course may cost you a pretty penny—think under $800 to play at Pebble Beach—the virtual experience at The Cave is within reach for many. The owners understand that although golf has seen a popularity spike post-pandemic, it can be financially challenging for average folks to engage fully in the sport.
The Shift from Greens to Screens
It’s not just The Cave that reflects this golfing trend—numerous driving ranges have recently converted into different businesses. For instance, one formerly located off Alico Road is now an Amazon distribution warehouse, while another off Daniels Parkway has transformed into a Whole Foods Market. It’s clear that the real estate of driving ranges is valuable, leading to their rapid decline.
A Personal Touch
After suffering a back injury, Brad found himself contemplating his next career moves and came up with The Cave, aptly nicknamed The Man Cave. With some elbow grease and creativity, he built much of the place himself, thriving to create a golf haven where anyone can feel at home, regardless of their skill level. “It’s about creating a space where beginners and pros alike can enjoy the game without feeling intimidated,” Nicoletti said. Kids can enjoy fun games on the simulators too!
Experience Realistic Play
One of the standout features at The Cave is the astonishing realism of the simulators. Brad showcased how accurate they are by hitting a real ball into one of the screens, demonstrating how the virtual ball mirrored similar movements and trajectories as if you’re on an actual course. “There might be a learning curve, but you’ll soon forget you’re indoors,” he explained, adding, “It’s super realistic!”
Getting Ready for More
Exciting developments are on the horizon as The Cave plans to innovate further by adding two indoor pickleball courts later this year. With golf and pickleball, there’s no mistaking that this locale is becoming a hub for sports lovers!
So, whether you’re a seasoned player looking to polish your swing, a newbie eager to learn, or someone looking to just hang out with friends while enjoying some hot wings, The Cave is already making waves as your ultimate golf destination! Who knows—before long, the only long drives you might do are right from your couch to The Cave!
