They may play golf in the rain in Ireland, but we generally put the clubs away and settle into an easy chair in front of the TV when the heavens open up around here. Winter is worse, if for no other reason than most of the courses are closed, so we can’t get in a round even if the sun is shining in January. Generally, that also means no lessons or practice, too, doesn’t it? Not necessarily!
Golf & Body NYC
883 Avenue of the Americas, New York; www.golfbodynyc.com
Inclement weather is one thing, but one of the biggest frustrations for golfers who commute into the city for work is the lost chance to play or practice during the week, even when the sun is shining. The answer? Golf & Body NYC, an exclusive private club in the heart of Manhattan.
Golf & Body NYC has everything your home club has — with the exception of a golf course. What it lacks in real estate, though, it more than makes up for with tour-level golf instruction (led by Director of Golf Darrell Kestner), seven state-of-the-art golf simulators, TrackMan launch monitors, an advanced putting studio, and two practice greens totaling more than 1,800 square feet. Hitting bays are available for practice or play, individually or in groups.
You also don’t need a gym membership in the city anymore, since Golf & Body NYC provides facilities and staff to help you train like the game’s top players. PGA Tour fitness trainer Ben Shear has created a total body program at the club based on his work with Tour golfers such as Luke Donald and Webb Simpson. Along with elite golf training, Golf & Body NYC offers sports medicine and wellness services from Titleist Performance Institute-certified therapists.
To round out the country club experience, Golf & Body NYC lets you entertain clients or host events for as few as four people and as many as 200 with full bar, dining, and catering services. Members can reserve a simulator hitting bay with lush couches and chairs. Food and beverage service, as well as space rental, can be customized to individual or corporate needs.
The best thing about Golf & Body NYC? Whether it’s the middle of winter or the middle of the work week, you never have to put your clubs away.
GolfTEC
190 E. Post Rd., White Plains; www.golftec.com
Game improvement should be a year-round, nonstop process. And that’s just what it is at GolfTEC, a technology-driven indoor golf center in White Plains. PGA professionals like Tom Sialiano guide you through a complete program including lesson, club fitting, and guided practice to help you develop a game to murder your golf buddies.
As the name implies, GolfTEC relies heavily on the latest in technology to turn you into a par-making machine. It starts with an initial swing evaluation, using the patented g-SWING technology, which simultaneously provides video and motion measurement to quantify the mechanics of your swing. When it comes to club fitting, Foresight launch monitors are used to measure launch angles, spin rates, club speeds, and a bunch of other data points they’ll understand — even if you don’t.
In your lessons and even during your personal practice sessions, you can use interactive video of your swing for instant feedback to accelerate the improvement process. You can also use video drawing tools to create a visual reference for swing plane and body positions. Want to check your swing from home? You can access your lessons and video online from anywhere.
The latest tech wonder is GolfTEC TO GO, a mobile 24/7 golf instruction tool that lets you use your smartphone or tablet to video your golf swing anywhere. Submit the video to your GolfTEC personal coach right from your mobile device, and within a few days, he’ll respond with audio and video suggestions.
Hudson Valley Indoor Golf
- The Back Nine Indoor Golf, Cortlandt Manor; www.thebacknineindoorgolf.com
- Dave’s Indoor Golf Center, Middletown; www.davegolfshop.com
- DC Indoor Golf Club, Poughkeepsie; www.dcindoorgolf.com
