A New Wave of Indoor Golf: The Cave Opens in Estero
In the sunny realm of Southwest Florida, where palm trees sway in the breeze and golf enthusiasts thrive, a new trend is taking over the landscape. With outdoor golf driving ranges disappearing faster than you can say “fore!”, indoor golf simulators are springing up like daisies. The latest addition to this golfing revolution is none other than The Cave, located at 9250 Corkscrew Road, Suite 13 in Estero. This isn’t just your average indoor golf setup; it’s a full-blown bar and eatery, paired with top-notch golfing experiences!
Meet the Dream Team
Behind this innovative establishment are Karen Nicoletti, a seasoned professional golfer with the LPGA, and her husband, Brad Swearingen, who has a background as a professional golf caddy. The couple opened The Cave on February 4, and they’ve already started making waves in the community. They’re offering free women’s golf clinics every Monday and some generous specials for veterans, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and educators. How great is that?
Come for the Golf, Stay for the Food
Now, if you’re wondering what’s on the menu, let me tell you! The Cave serves up mouthwatering options like pizza, wings, and a variety of appetizers to munch on while you play. The venue is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can swing by whenever the mood strikes. What’s more, renting one of the golf simulators costs just $50 per hour and can accommodate up to six players. Grab your buddies and hit the virtual green!
Golfing for All
The beauty of The Cave is that it caters to all skill levels. Fancy yourself an advanced player or just a beginner? No problem! Karen emphasized that there’s no reason to feel intimidated here. “This is a place where beginners, intermediate, and advanced golfers can come and enjoy themselves,” she said. Plus, they’ve even incorporated fun games on the simulators tailored for kids. This is truly a family-friendly attraction.
Not Just Golf – More Fun to Come!
And it doesn’t stop at golf! Brad Swearingen has plans to expand The Cave into a multi-sport haven. Due to a back injury that shifted his career path, he turned this venue into a passion project. “When he was recovering, he needed a Plan B,” Karen shared. They have visions of adding two indoor pickleball courts later this year to diversify the offerings even more. It seems like there’s plenty more fun ahead!
Virtual Golfing Realism
Now, if you’re still doubtful about how these simulators work, let me fill you in. Brad gave a demonstration on one of the simulators, hitting a real ball into the screen. The ball’s virtual trajectory displayed on the screen was incredibly realistic, landing right on the green! “It might take a little getting used to,” he noted, adding, “It’s so accurate and so realistic that you soon think you’re really out on the golf course.”
The Future of Golf
Karen shared some insightful thoughts about the overall golf scene. She mentioned, “The pandemic was great for the game of golf. Public golf courses are hitting their all-time high. But it’s tough for the average person to be able to afford the sport.” The drastic shift towards incorporating more affordable indoor golfing options may just be the future of how we’ll engage with this wonderful game.
While traditional driving ranges seem to be fading—like that previously standing range off Alico Road that transformed into an Amazon distribution center—establishments like The Cave are thriving. With only a few hundred square feet needed for a golf simulator, who wouldn’t want to tee it up inside?
So, whether you’re a golf pro or just looking for a fun outing with friends, The Cave is the place to be. Grab some food, hit the simulators, and discover what indoor golf is all about!
