Indoor Golf Simulators Take Swing as Outdoor Ranges Fade in Southwest Florida
As the sun sets on outdoor golf driving ranges across Southwest Florida, a new trend is teeing off indoors! Yes, you heard it right—indoor golf simulators are flourishing, and one establishment is taking this trend to a whole new level. Welcome to The Cave, located at 9250 Corkscrew Road, Suite 13, in Estero.
Opened by professional golfer Karen Nicoletti, an LPGA superstar, and her husband Brad Swearingen, a former professional golf caddy, The Cave kicked off its debut on February 4th. With a mission to shake up the golf scene, they’ve creatively combined a bar and tasty food with three high-tech golf simulators. Who could say no to that?
Free Clinics and Specials to Keep You Swinging
To attract all kinds of golfers—from newbies to seasoned pros—the duo is offering free women’s golf clinics every Monday. That’s not all; there are special deals for veterans, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services, and educators. Talk about a community-centric initiative! The Cave is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and if you’re eager to hit the virtual links, it’ll set you back just $50 an hour for a simulator, accommodating up to six players.
Affordable Fun in a Golf-Crazy World
Understanding the challenges of affording a round of golf, especially at premium courses like Pebble Beach, Nicoletti points out the pricing disparity. “It costs just under $800 to play the real course, but hitting the virtual version here at The Cave is far less daunting for the average person,” she said.
With an increasing number of outdoor ranges disappearing—one along Alico Road transformed into an Amazon warehouse and another off Daniels Parkway now hosting a Whole Foods—indoor simulators have a distinct advantage. A golf simulator needs only a few hundred square feet, unlike the sprawling driving ranges of yesteryear.
Building The Cave, One Swing at a Time
After a back injury sidelined Swearingen from his caddying career, he saw an opportunity to create a space where golf lovers could enjoy the game without the outside elements. “When he was recovering, he needed a Plan B,” Nicoletti explained. “He opened The Cave. The Man Cave. He pretty much built it with his own two hands.”
And it doesn’t stop there. The couple is already in the planning stages to add two indoor pickleball courts later this year, promising even more ways to stay active and have fun!
A Non-Intimidating Space for Everyone
What sets The Cave apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere. “Coming here, you don’t have to worry about being intimidated,” Nicoletti stated. “This is a place where beginners and advanced players alike can come and enjoy themselves.” The simulators offer exciting games suitable for kids, ensuring it’s a family-friendly environment.
To demonstrate how the simulator works, Swearingen hit a ball into the screen, and with a satisfying smack, the virtual journey began. “It might take a little getting used to, but it’s so accurate and realistic that you’ll soon feel like you’re really out on the course,” he added.
The Real Deal Inside
Imagine perfectly simulated shots from sand traps or putting greens without having to deal with the heat or rain! “You’ll see; it’s super realistic,” promised Swearingen as he continued to demonstrate the features of their impressive simulator technology.
As the golf community evolves, The Cave stands out as a shining star in Estero, offering a unique blend of gaming, food, and camaraderie. With the rise of indoor golf, it seems they’ve hit a hole-in-one for local enthusiasts!
