Indoor Golf Center opens in PI
By Kevin Sjoberg
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Winter is certainly in the air, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your clubs away yet as the Indoor Golf Center, located at 7 Martin St. in Presque Isle, is welcoming golf enthusiasts to its facility equipped with two golf simulators.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE INDOOR GOLF CENTER at 7 Martin St. in Presque Isle was the site of a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Participants included, pictured from left to right: Nancy Fletcher, CACC member; Stacy Shaw, CACC president; Floyd Rockholt, CACC member; Joseph Coughlin, owner; Karen St. Peter, CACC member; Patrick Coughlin, manager; CACC members Sherry Sullivan and Bonnie Pack; and Theresa Fowler, CACC executive director.
Patrick Coughlin, the manager, said he has been actively involved in the sport for 30 years and noted that it serves a role of both relieving stress and keeping him active. His father, Joseph, was also a golfer in his younger years. Both decided it was a good opportunity to open a place for golfers that provides a good family atmosphere.
“It’s a way for the avid golfer to get his or her swing in shape for the outdoor golf season,” said Patrick Coughlin. “It can be a long winter up here and this gives people the option of having something to do to stay active.”
The Indoor Golf Center’s system was purchased from Spectrum Golf, a company based in North Carolina. The cages are each 10 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet, with each screen measuring nine feet by 10 feet. One of them features Surround Sound, which helps liken the atmosphere to being on an actual course. Golfers can bring their own clubs, but there also is a set available to use. Balls and tees are supplied.
Forty five of the world’s best courses are offered, such as Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Firestone, Bay Hill and Augusta National.
“It resembles every aspect of play you can have on a golf course,” Coughlin said.
It is self-service, as customers can call 762-0056 and one of the Coughlins will be there to open the door within 15 minutes. The facility will be open from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week from October to May. Refreshments such as hot dogs, potato chips, crackers, water and soda can be purchased on-site.
Coughlin has plans to set up a large-screen television inside the building for people to watch live sporting events. In January of 2014, he has hopes of starting up a league.
The fee is $15 for nine holes or $25 for 18. For use of the driving, putting and chipping ranges, the cost is $15 per hour.
“I know there are a lot of golfers out there and I encourage them to come out and check out our facility,” Coughlin said.
