Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The temperature is below freezing and the golf course full of snow. A golfer would have to winter in Arizona to get a tee time in January- until now.
The clubhouse at the New Rockford Golf Course offers a way to practice your swing, all in climate-controlled comfort. The two new TruGolf simulators installed last month are the first of their kind in the region. You can learn more about them at the TruGolf website at (trugolf.com).
The simulators run on custom software. According to the company’s website, E6 CONNECT is the highest-quality, most lifelike and customizable golf software ever created. With over 100 courses to choose from, the expanded package allows head-to-head play with up to four people on the same simulator. The courses have varying levels of difficulty, making the simulator a great experience for players of all skill levels.
The equipment arrived in November, and board members have spent the last 30 days or so learning how the system operates and working out the kinks.
Golf Course Manager Deb Belquist says they will be open for use by the public very soon, and all ages are welcome. Players will need to set a tee time though. Text Deb at (701) 302-0554 for an appointment. The plan is to have them running on Monday and Tuesday nights and on Saturdays and Sundays.
The cost is $30 an hour. It takes about an hour for two people to play nine holes, making it about the same price as a round of golf in the summer ($15 each). If four people play at one time, it takes about two hours, or $60.
To play just grab a club, step on the turf and immerse yourself in the course of your choice. Some interaction with computers is required, but the easy to use interface makes the process as simple as possible.
Plans are underway to have a golf league using the simulators and then open day tournaments for players. More details to come.
Belquist stressed that the New Rockford Golf Course is not a members-only club. It is open to the public, and no membership is required to reserve an hour on the simulator, set a tee time for a round of golf on the course, or even to enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks from the bar and grill. All are welcome.
