Jan. 7, 2025

A new golf simulator business based around monthly memberships is planning to open this month.

Swing365 will be in a retail center at 3014 W. 57th St. next to JJ’s Axes & Ales.

The Omaha-based chain is being franchised locally by Pat Sabers, a self-described golf fanatic who learned about the business last spring.

“I went to two locations in Omaha and fell in love with the concept,” he said. “I hit on the simulators for a bit and just thought, ‘Wow, I think this thing is a perfect fit for Sioux Falls.’ I zeroed in on this location because it’s key to be within 15 minutes of a lot of people.”

His space is nearly 2,000 square feet and includes two simulator suites. Monthly memberships offer the chance to reserve the suites 24 hours a day. Different membership levels determine how far in advance the suites can be booked.

While the facility is open only to members, they can play at the same time against each other or bring guests who purchase a guest pass. Suites include televisions and seating, and kids are allowed.

“I can go in, shut the door and have a private room for an hour and a half to hit golf balls on the range or play Pebble Beach,” Sabers said. “And when I’m in there, I’m hitting on the best technology in the marketplace today.”

The widescreen simulators are from the Full Swing Pro Series, which features infrared technology — using 688 infrared sensors across two tracks — to measure the ball midflight at the speed of light.

Players can see their ball flight on the screen with no delay transitioning from the real world to the simulated world just as they would on a course. The system offers more than 95 courses from around the world.

“They’re backed by Tiger Woods — that’s what Tiger has in his house,” Sabers said. “A lot of the pros are behind this simulator.”

The system also will be featured in the TGL, or Tomorrow’s Golf League, on ESPN, which is combining advanced technology with teams of top players from the PGA Tour for two-hour weekly competitions in prime time, with the first match to be broadcast starting at 8 tonight.

The putting surface being used in the competition was developed in Sioux Falls; the simulator technology itself is what will be used at Swing365.

Sabers said he’s talking with JJ’s owner Tom Slattery about opportunities for collaboration between the businesses.

“There’s a natural synergy between the two,” he said. “I won’t serve food. My hope is someone gets done with golf, they go over to the bar and get a drink or bite to eat.”

The hope is to open Swing365 before the end of the month.

Sabers, who is an SDSU grad, plans to continue his job in sales for the ag industry but doesn’t rule out additional locations for Swing 365.

“I’m hoping this becomes so popular I’m forced to open more,” he said.

To learn more about memberships, click here.

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