“This is a really creative idea. It’s nice, it’s easy and gives us good indoor golf solutions,” said Westling.
Winters in Flagstaff can be challenging for golfers who want to keep their swing consistent and their handicap low, as golf courses typically close between October and March.
For Steve and Kyle Palmer, an epiphany they had during Christmas dinner led them to open Mill Golf, an indoor simulation golf course using state-of-the-art software.
“My dad and I were discussing the dormancy of golf during the winters in Flagstaff and the challenge of practicing and keeping our game on track,” said Kyle. “A simple dinner conversation led to opening Mill Golf.”
Born and raised in Flagstaff, Kyle says his customers range from avid golfers to women, families and others interested in learning the game or just wanting to hit the ball. “We try to encourage kids 5 years and up to come in and try it out. We have kids golf courses, as well as the driving range and some mini-golf courses and virtual putt-putt courses, too.”
“It’s a fun place to enjoy yourself, hit the ball and keep your swing in shape,” said Aspen Valley Golf Club Assistant Professional Ryan King. “It’s also a great fitting tool if you have new clubs and want to try them out; plus, the technology at Mill Golf gives you the ability to track your data, something that you don’t have when you’re on the course.”
With more than 30,000 golf courses from which to choose, players can golf all around the world. “I’ve golfed at Pebble Beach, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill and Orlando, where the pros were last week,” said King. The capability of designing and customizing your own golf course is another option at Mill Golf.
The golf lanes at Mill Golf can accommodate up to four players and 18 holes will take about one hour per player.
Customers find the technology at Mill Golf impressive. “Golfers hit the ball off the mat into a screen. After the impact, the screen retracts the ball and relays information to the computer, which is then projected onto the screen. Behind the screen is a little box that uses 3D Doppler radar to track the flight of the ball. It’s pretty accurate tracking yardages, ball speeds, ball spins, total distance, club data and club path,” said Steve, who also owns Incline Custom Builders of Flagstaff.
Babbitt Ford Salesperson Hayden Westling and Aspen Valley Assistant Golf Professional Rylee Snopek played a few rounds at Mill Golf before visiting Tournament Players Golf (TBC) Scottsdale.
“I really enjoy it because this keeps me in shape and locked into the game during the winter,” said Snopek, who has played competitive golf since he was 12 years old.
“This is a really creative idea. It’s nice, it’s easy and gives us good indoor golf solutions,” said Westling. “It’s also really good for any golfer’s skill range, whether you’ve never swung a club or are an expert.”
Mill Golf attracts visitors to Flagstaff as well and offers golf club maintenance services such as golf club re-grips and shafts, repairs and adjustments. Golf balls and gloves are available for sale.
Future plans include expanding the snack bar into a small restaurant and obtaining a liquor license.
Mill Golf is located in the Village Center Shopping Center, 1790 East Route 66. For more information, call 928-440-5800 or visit www.millgolf.com. Reservations can be made at booking@millgolf.com. FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN