Since there is limited access to golf in the off season, as well as quality golf club repair without having to travel up to 30 minutes, Adam Grell, after years of being a ‘golf nerd’ and living in Platte City, decided to open a new business called Virtual Links Golf, located at 229 Main Street.
“I never really thought about making this a business,” Grell said. “My plan was always to have a personal simulator, and I figured there are more than just me who want to play golf where it’s climate controlled.”
He played baseball in high school and although he would have liked to have played golf also, the season had to be devoted solely to baseball. After graduating from college and starting a full-time job, he started to play golf with his dad on the weekends and his love of the game grew.
Grell works for the BNSF railway, but he has spent more than 10 years in and out of the golf business.
Virtual golf has been around for a long time and has been used as a practice aid. The first patent for a virtual golf simulator was in the 1960s. In the 1970s and 1980s video games took off and virtual golf became a very realistic experience.
“I have seen statistics that say almost half of golfers have never actually played golf, with the advent of places like Tee-shotz and Top Golf,” Grell said. “Almost all new golfers’ first experience is at a simulator.”
Recent studies have explored why people play virtual golf and the results showed that people liked playing it since was easier to gain access due to convenience, time savings and reduced expense.
Virtual Links Golf, owned by Adam and his wife, Shana, offers a great way for golf lovers to practice as the winter season approaches and outdoor golfing is not an option.
“This will be a great place for experienced golfers and new golfers alike to learn and enjoy the game,” Grell said.
On the simulator that Grell operates, golfers actually use their own ball and golf clubs and make full swings just like on a golf course.
There will be two bays available at Virtual Links Golf, allowing up to six players in each bay at a time.
An amazingly and unique advantage the business offers golf lovers is that they will be able to play against players from all over the world in skills challenges and tournaments. The business will also hold their own local leagues and tournaments.
Grell is looking forward to owning and operating a business in Platte City. “I love meeting new people and helping others learn to enjoy the game the same way I do.”
For those who have never played golf, Grell said this will be a great way for the beginning golfer to learn to play. “It’s a stress free and laid-back atmosphere, without the pressure of being on a green grass facility where you can sometimes feel judged and rushed.”
Grell can also fix, build, and repair all golf clubs, from regripping to re-shafting while matching swing weight and checking flex to match someone’s swing. He attended Mitchell Golf Equipment’s Master Class recently.
“Mitchell Golf Equipment is the number-one club builders’ tool across all major professional golf tours,” Grell said. “They offer monthly classes in Albion, Mich., just outside of Detroit. As a golf enthusiast while getting more curious about the equipment aspect of the game after years of attending professional events and being around some of the best amateur golfers, and my own personal experience at the TaylorMade golf kingdom outside of Atlanta, Ga., I wanted to know more about fitting, and how the clubs work for you, and bring that experience here to Platte City.”
Virtual golf can be a great way to get children interested in the sport, without spending money on clubs that they might never use again after a few days on the golf course. Even with eight inches of snow on the ground virtual golf allows people to practice their game in a comfortable venue.
Currently the hours for the new business are Monday through Thursday, morning times by appointment, and doors open at noon for walk-ins, with the last tee time offered at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. And Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will also accommodate most requests outside normal hours.
“I feel that an indoor controlled environment is a great way to get kids started with the game, with the kids being so used to gaming and computers, it is a perfect match,” Grell said.
For people who have never golfed, his advice for those who want to learn the sport is to ‘just get started’. “The game is a life sport, whether you are 4-years old, or 80-plus, everyone can play and have fun.”