State-of-art Indoor Golf Facility Set To Open In Essex County

The Clubhouse, located at 410 Route 46 East in Fairfield, has a lot to offer New Jersey golfers.

This indoor golf facility offers six hitting bays where golfers of all levels can work on their game like they’re at the range or play storied golf courses from throughout the United States and around the world.

The Clubhouse is the brainchild of a consortium of local golfers and businessmen who have combined finances in the belief that indoor golf will have broad appeal to the golfing public for a variety of reasons. “This has been a two-year project, said partner Kevin McGlynn, a member of the Montclair Golf Club. “We expected to open in this space a year ago, but encountered some unexpected issues that delayed the venture. We are happy to announce our grand opening on Monday, November 28.

“We are convinced The Clubhouse will be a success. There is so much passion for golf here in New Jersey, but we don’t always get the cooperation of the weather. Golf should be a fun experience, especially when you’re playing with your buddies. The Clubhouse offers a reason to get out of the house and promote that camaraderie.”

There are a lot of ways to enjoy The Clubhouse, which boasts an indoor area of 10,000 square feet. Besides playing simulated golf, the facility offers leagues, lessons, and the opportunity to rent one of the video bays that offer 13-foot screens to enjoy with friends for a big event, such as a Super Bowl or bachelor party.

“The Clubhouse is a climate controlled facility. It is a PGA recognized facility. We have a pro on staff. When pros don’t have space in the winter, they can come here and rent time with us,” said general manager Steve Aiello. “We use Trackman technology (used by most PGA tour pros for data analysis) for our simulated games. In fact, Trackman is utilizing our facility for a user regional conference in December and 100 pros will be coming here and touring the facility,” Aiello said.

Besides McGlynn and Aiello, other Clubhouse partners include Montclair Golf Club members Andrew Hain, Chiming Tse, and Pat LePore, Dave Perini of Green Brook, Rob Fink of Mountain Ridge, Mark Santo Domingo, Steve Meglio of Essex County, PGA professional Chris Kowalczyk and Rich Meatto, golf enthusiast.

The Clubhouse also expects to emphasize junior golf instruction. The space houses a 600 square-foot putting green and a “half-way” house for snacks. In addition, there are 10 HD televisions throughout the space for viewing live sporting events. The pricing is affordable. Bays can be rented hourly and are equipped with a mini-fridge and a HD television. Groups can come in, bring refreshments and enjoy all types of celebrations and events.

“We’ll have nine-hole leagues where a foursome can play in two hours. I expect we’ll have ladies and seniors in during the day and junior golfers after school,” McGlynn said.

“I feel we’re in a good location,” Aiello said. “Within 20 miles of our facility, there are 29 private courses and 15 public venues. That’s a lot of golfers and puts us in a good spot. We’re in it for the long haul.”

Brian Dobbie, head professional at Montclair Golf Club, can envision himself renting space at The Clubhouse. “In New Jersey, what better place is there to work on your game in the winter? If you can work on your game from November through March at a place like this, it benefits any golfer, whether he or she is in high school or college or plays as an adult. And there is a chance to have fun in a league and play against the simulator.

“I think it’s good for professionals like me to rent time. We all do it. This is a great facility. It’s top of the line technology. It’s what people are looking for these days. Golf is a 12-month sport, even in New Jersey,” Dobbie said.

For further information and hours, visit the website www.theclubhousenj.com or call 973-396-0515.