Mt. Odin adds simulator to golf clubhouse to help boost off-season visits
The chill in the air means the days of golfing are numbered, but a new simulator at Mt. Odin Golf Course in Greensburg will allow players to work on their game year ‘round.
Officials hope the simulator will bring in some revenue for the city-owned course during a time of year that’s normally slow.
“This is a way to keep our members, our residents active doing stuff, keep their golf game intact,” said Adam Overly, facility and operations manager.
City council in January approved the $30,400 purchase of the system from Foresight Sports. A lower-level room at the clubhouse was renovated to house it. Golfers can work on different aspects of their game through the simulator or play 18 holes at a famous course on the other side of the world.
The technology also could give the outdoor golf course a reprieve after a dry summer, Overly said.
“The idea is to close it down a little bit earlier, let it rest, let it recover and funnel everything into here,” he said.
The simulator system includes an impact screen, a projector, a turf strip, a hitting mat, a high-powered gaming computer and a launch monitor — which takes into account factors such as a player’s club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, club path, impact location and ball spin.
There’s a lot of technology built into the simulator and golfers can customize their experience even down to the altitude and weather. Options for courses include Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, as well as local spots like Oakmont Country Club and Laurel Valley Golf Club outside Ligonier.
The cost is $40 per hour for one to four people. Overly said he thinks the option will be popular.
“It can be your weekly fun thing to do with a group of buddies,” but it can also help golfers tackle the science behind the game.
City parks and recreation superintendent Glenn Moyer told council this week that he hopes to get a consistent customer base booking weekly blocks of time.
Tee times can be booked by calling the clubhouse at 724-834-2640 or online at mtodin.com. Golfers can use their own clubs or rent a set for $20.
A television will be mounted in the space and seating will be added.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
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