Simulator provides four-season golf in the Upper Valley

LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) - The sport of golf has grown in popularity in recent years as more people look for outdoor activities closer to home. Now, a business in the Upper Valley is offering a state-of-the-art simulator that provides year-round practice.

On a rainy day, golf lovers often have to leave their clubs in the bag, unless you are at the Golf Garage.

“It’s always 70 degrees in the Golf Garage,” said David Jankowski, a PGA pro who opened the new Lebanon business.

Woodstock’s Eric Benvenuti stopped by Wednesday morning for a quick lesson. “Not a skier, so this will definitely be an added benefit to my winter activities. This is kind of all I do for a hobby in the summer,” Benvenuti said

“It all came from the passion of wanting people to play year-round,” Jankowski said. He opened a similar facility in South Burlington a couple of years ago. Monthly memberships provide year-round access to the facility.

Folks can also rent one of the three bays in two-hour time slots or sign up for a lesson with a pro.

“It’s all Trackman technology. We use pressure mats, we use high-speed video, we use different things to be able to communicate the things we are trying to get people to do,” Jankowski said.

And while Jankowski says the facility really aims to hone players’ skills and take them to that next level in their game, they welcome players of all abilities. “Kids who play junior golf and high school golf. Boys, girls, every age group,” he said.

“I think just help develop a path to get better,” said Michael Walsh of Shelburne, who has a plus-three handicap and plays Division I golf at Temple University. He’s been working with Jankowski for several years. “Using the technology, to do so is really big because it gives you all the data points you need to find a way to improve.”

The Golf Garage is open with keypad access from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, rain or shine.

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