Hittin’ the links: Golfology opens in Warehouse Arts District
St. Petersburg’s first indoor golf simulator lounge is swinging into St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District this weekend.
Golfology is set to officially open its doors Saturday. The 6,000-square-foot space at 2400 5th Ave. S. can comfortably accommodate 20 to 30 golfers at a time, with a total capacity of over 100 people. Golfology features five golf simulator bays equipped with Trackman simulators, which uses radar technology to track the golf ball’s movement on the screen. Golfers can choose from nearly 400 real or “fantasy” golf courses, or play game-style competitions.
“We wanted to blend the social aspect and the game improvement side of indoor golf,” said Golfology co-owner Rob King. “There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re somebody that has never picked up a club before, or you’re trying to get your child into it.”
Golfology has five golf simulator bays, with room to grow in the future. Co-owner Rob King said the large 6,000-square-foot former warehouse space can also be rented for private events and social gatherings.
Golfology offers two pricing options: a walk-in rate of $59 per hour for a bay, which can accommodate multiple players, and a membership option at $180 per month, which includes six hours of play and discounted rates for additional time.
The lounge also features a bar serving wine, beer, hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails. For food, Golfology has partnered with neighboring Bayoro Brewing, allowing customers to order meals via QR code for delivery to their bay.
“We just struck gold with finding this spot, and we struck it again by making that partnership with Bayboro,” King said. “It’s really cool to be a part of this Warehouse Arts District community. We feel really, really fortunate.”
King, who owns and operates a Crumbl Cookies franchise location in Seminole, considered opening a golf simulator franchise but ultimately decided to undertake a fully owned-and-operated outfit instead. King and his team faced several challenges during the 18-month journey to opening day, including a six-month permitting process and construction delays due to storms and inspections.
Golfers can choose from nearly 400 real or “fantasy” golf courses, or play game-style competitions.
Despite the setbacks, King remains enthusiastic about Golfology’s potential impact on the community. The business has partnered with First Tee of St. Petersburg, a charity organization that introduces at-risk youth to . As part of the grand opening celebration, Golfology is hosting a golf cart raffle to benefit First Tee, with hopes of raising close to $20,000 for the organization.
Golfology will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with plans to adjust hours based on demand and market conditions. Golfology’s grand opening celebration is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9.
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