Golf enthusiasts and beginners alike have a new, virtual option in south Springfield.
XGolf Springfield officially opened its doors March 18. The store, located at 225 E. Primrose St., just east of Campbell Avenue, features seven golf simulator bays, all equipped with 16-foot screens and what XGolf dubs “the world's most accurate golf simulator.”
XGolf is a golf aficionado's virtual dream-come-true, with leagues, tournaments, private lessons and endless tee-times. The proprietary technology fueling the simulators combines laser, light, impact and camera sensory technologies that collects all types of raw data around the ball-impact zone. It's all designed to simulate the feel of playing a real golf course in a climate-controlled environment, and without the walk or cart ride to the player's next shot.
Other features, like the automatic ball return and automatic teeing, just make the golfing experience more fun.
“The technology is second-to-none,” said James Grier, one of three franchisees of XGolf Springfield. “We've all played multiple simulators and different types of virtual golf” and “I'm positive that XGolf is 97% accurate.”
XGolf has rapidly expanded since opening in 2015. The franchise has more than 100 locations in the U.S. and Canada, according to the company website. The company brings an entertainment center, sports bar and year-round golf playing all underneath one roof.
Hours and cost of an XGolf round
XGolf will be open seven days a week. It will be open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.
The cost to tee off varies. Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a one-bay simulator will cost $40 per hour to rent. After 4 p.m., it will cost $50 per hour. On the weekend, it will cost $60 per hour. The cost covers the entire bay for one hour and is not per person.
As most golf players prefer, you can bring your own clubs. XGolf also has clubs available to rent.
“All ages and all skill levels are welcome,” Grier said.
XGolf will host a grand-opening celebration within 30 days of its official opening, so sometime in early-to-mid March, Grier said.
‘Clubhouse' menu and top-tier bourbon offerings
The lounge and restaurant will feature dishes like a burger topped with jalapeno-bacon jam and “Bunker” nachos with either pulled pork, brisket or shredded chicken. Normal bar bites, like chicken tenders, will also be available.
“Pretty much our menu is going to be what you would get at a clubhouse,” said Carl Boyer, one of three franchisees for XGolf Springfield. “By the time someone orders food, you'll have your food in front of you in under 10 minutes.”
To do this, XGolf will use Merrychefs, which use high temperatures to cook food extremely fast.
XGolf Springfield owners Grier, Boyer and Jason Digirolamo hope you come for the golf and food, but stay for the whiskey selection. Two bartenders will work behind the bar aiding customers.
“Jason and James are bourbon drinkers and I'm a scotch drinker,” Boyer said. “We have a heck of a bourbon selection here, and a pretty decent scotch one.”
Lessons from a near-pro
XGolf is already filling up for private lessons. Devin Ryan, a Professional Golfer's Association of America Associate who is working toward his pro-status, will lead the lessons. He is a PGA-certified expert, supported by XGolf's leading-edge technology.
The store has a back room where Ryan has his own simulator to work with clients. The technology captures every swing and shot with precision, allowing for in-depth insights into individualized play and performance. The lessons are tailored to the individual and because its an indoor, virtual golf simulator, you can train all year-round, rain or shine.
“You can see yourself swinging and identify the mistakes you’re making,” Boyer said.
XGolf Springfield will also offer a competitive league on Thursday nights from 6-10 p.m. The league will be 3 vs. 3, with every participant playing nine holes each night. It will cost up to $300 for 10 weeks of play.
“You're paying 30 bucks for four hours of entertainment a week,” Boyer said.
The entire space is available to rent for private parties and business functions, as well. With 16-foot screens on the simulators, it can make for the ultimate viewing party, Boyer said.
Franchise costs and fees
XGolf Springfield has been in the making for more than a year. The three owners decided to bring XGolf to the Queen City in November 2022. They signed all the paperwork on the building in June 2023 and began renovations later in the year.
The building needed drastic work before XGolf came to reality. The team did as much of the work themselves as possible and hired Springfield-based Butler Construction Management for the rest.
“It was a very busy, crazy hectic winter,” Boyer said, adding all that was left of the building after the tear-down was the four walls. “We got as much sweat equity that we could out of it.”
The franchise fee to start an XGolf is $35,000 and includes exclusive territory, determined by local demographics and population density, according to the company website. Depending on build-out costs, the total investment to open an XGolf franchise ranges from $750,000 to $1.2 million.
Springfield XGolf franchisees declined to disclose a total investment cost for the range, but it was “substantial,” Grier said. The owners lease the 6,160 square-foot space, which is owned by Kickapoo Plaza, LLC, according to Greene County Accessor's Office records. According to Missouri Secretary of State business filing records, Kickapoo Plaza is registered to Brad King, with a Rogersville address.
The owners have intentions to purchase the building in the future, Grier said. The building previously housed a time share liquidation company.
