Latest news with #TheGolfLounge
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's first indoor golf facility still going strong
Stuart Little is a director of The Golf Bar, whose history in Glasgow's West George Street dates back to 2007. The venue caters to thousands of avid and casual golfers every year. What's the background of the business? The venue first opened around 17 years ago as The Golf Lounge and was Scotland's first indoor golf facility. We acquired the business 18 months ago, seeing an opportunity to modernise and expand, and in turn The Golf Bar was born. Since then, we've fully refurbished the space and installed six state-of-the-art Trackman simulators. We also have a partnership with TaylorMade. What are the numbers on your employees and visitors? We have a full-time core team of eight, supported by additional staff for weekends and corporate events. Around 23,400 golfers use our simulators annually. If you include footfall through our in-house restaurant and bar, One Under Bar, and our private pool and karaoke suite, we welcome a total of approximately 50,000 visitors each year. Our clientele is a mix of traditional golfers using the technology to sharpen their game and casual guests seeking a fun, alternative night out. The Golf Bar has six Trackman simulators (Image: The Golf Bar) Are they all middle-aged men? Our core demographic is male, though we're seeing increased interest from women, particularly with ladies' golf events. We cater to a broad age range, from young adults to seasoned players. What about the technology driving your simulators? We use Trackman which is renowned for its precision and immersive experience. It offers access to over 430 world-class courses and a variety of interactive games - from virtual crazy golf to laser shooting simulations, making it versatile enough for families, groups, and serious players alike. Trackman delivers accurate swing and ball data with instant feedback, and its course simulations allow golfers to practice and play year-round indoors. Are there any special offers available? We offer everything from individual sessions to full venue hire, with catering options too. Packages start from £30 up to £1,200. Our in-house golf pro also provides professional coaching options. We cater to corporate groups, private functions, stag and hen parties, and charity events. (Image: The Golf Bar) Indoor golf has seen huge growth in the US - is the same happening in Scotland? What's driving demand? While we don't have exact UK figures, it's clear that Trackman's global growth is fuelling interest. They're currently producing around 150 units a week, which reflects the surging popularity of indoor golf worldwide. Is the market becoming more competitive, or is there room for growth? It's a growing market with increasing competition, but there's plenty of room for venues offering a comprehensive experience - from serious practice and coaching to social events and entertainment. Do you play yourself? What do you love most about the game? Yes, I play most weekends and play off 18. I love the challenge - it's never the same game twice, especially with the Scottish weather conditions! It's a great way to spend time with mates, and being involved with The Golf Bar means I can keep my swing ticking over even when I'm off the course.
Times of Oman
09-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
OGA President Sayyid Azzan opens Oman's first-ever indoor golf facility
MUSCAT: A new chapter in Oman's golfing history was written with the grand opening of The Golf Lounge, the country's first-ever indoor golf facility, held recently. Located at the Active Oman Indoor Arena at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), the facility promises to transform the golfing experience in the Sultanate, offering year-round access to cutting-edge technology and a welcoming climate-controlled environment for players of all skill levels. The launch of The Golf Lounge marks a significant step toward growing the sport of golf in Oman. The venue is equipped with advanced Trackman technology, providing state-of-the-art simulation and data analysis tools for golfers. The facility, the brainchild of visionary entrepreneurs Mazin Al Athmawi and Sabri Al Manthari, reflects their shared passion for golf and a desire to raise the sport's profile in Oman. The venue features eight regular bays and two premium bays, designed to accommodate everyone from casual players to seasoned professionals. HH Sayyid Azzan bin Kais Al Said, Oman Golf Association (OGA) President, inaugurated the facility in the presence of OGA Vice Chairman Faiz Mohammad Riaz, OGA board members Ahmed Al Jhdhamy, Nikhil Sampat, and other dignitaries. Speaking after the inauguration, Sayyid Azzan, an avid golfer himself, expressed his pride in the new addition to Oman's sports infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of The Golf Lounge in providing a year-round platform for both novice and advanced golfers. 'This is a historic moment for the golf community in Oman,' Sayyid Azzan remarked. 'The opening of this state-of-the-art facility will play a crucial role in nurturing young talent and providing a space for Omani golfers to refine their skills. Our national teams have shown remarkable promise, and I am confident that The Golf Lounge will further their development.' National teams felicitated The opening ceremony also recognised the success of Oman's national golf teams, who have shown impressive results on the regional stage. Notably, the national U18 team members who triumphed at the recently-concluded GCC Golf Championship in Jeddah and other medal winners at regional age-group events were felicitated during the event. Faiz Mohammad Riaz, Vice Chairman of OGA, spoke about the significance of these laurels on the occasion. 'Our young golfers demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in Jeddah, making history by winning the first-ever GCC U18 team gold,' he said. 'The recent successes of our teams reflect the strength and future of golf in Oman. The Golf Lounge will serve as a key training hub for these young athletes.' Among the honoured golfers was Adam Al Barwani, who, alongside his teammates, brought home the gold medal for the Under-18 category. He also claimed a silver medal in the individual category at the championship. 'It's an honour to be recognised alongside my teammates,' said Al Barwani. 'We've put in a lot of hard work, and it's exciting to see Omani golf being supported in such a major way. The Golf Lounge will be an incredible place for all of us to continue our development.' Mahir Sampat, another member of the U18 gold-winning team, said, 'It feels great to be part of this new chapter for golf in Oman. Having a facility like this [The Golf Lounge] will provide all of us with the tools we need to improve. I'm excited for the future and look forward to making the most of what The Golf Lounge has to offer.' The Golf Lounge, the nation's premier indoor golf facility, isn't just about training; it also aims to bring together the golfing community in Oman. The venue offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where both beginners and experienced golfers can connect, share tips, and enjoy the game in a welcoming environment. One participant who recently visited the lounge shared the excitement. 'It's an amazing space - fun, chill, and perfect for spending time with friends or improving your game. We've had a great time here, and I'm looking forward to coming back.' Another participant, who recently visited The Golf Lounge with family, shared her experience: 'As first-timers, we were a bit nervous about getting the hang of golf, but the staff was friendly and incredibly helpful. They were always around to give us tips, which made the whole experience more enjoyable. We even had a competition between us, which turned out to be hilarious and filled with lots of laughs. I can't wait to go back.' With its world-class facilities, The Golf Lounge is poised to play a vital role in the growth of golf in Oman. The venue is not just about leisure; it's also about development, with plans to host tournaments, coaching sessions, and social events. Sayyid Azzan reaffirmed the support of the OGA and spoke about the facility's long-term potential. 'This is just the beginning for The Golf Lounge. With the support of the Oman Golf Association and our dedicated partners, we are confident that this facility will help us achieve our vision for golf in Oman.' The opening of the doors of The Golf Lounge is a game-changer for the sport in Oman. Whether you're looking to improve your swing, compete at the highest levels, or simply enjoy a fun day with friends, the indoor facility offers something for everyone. The national age-group golfers felicitated at The Golf Lounge were Adam Al Barwani, Mahir Sampat, Pransh Jagwani, Faris Al Busaidi, Yousef Al Rumhi, Taimour Al Busaidi, Miraeri Sampat, and Yasmin Al Kathiri.
