Keep your swing in swing this winter

By Jay McKinney

Don’t let the snow end golf season. The struggle of relearning your swing every spring is no longer an issue thanks to these indoor alternatives that have nearly everything a traditional golf course experience can offer - and sometimes more.

GC Lounge

Recently opened in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood on 17th Street, the GC Lounge features state-of-the-art golf technology and a full-service bar and restaurant. The rise in golf’s popularity, coupled with its prime location and colder temperatures, will require every inch of the 3,849 square-foot location to accommodate the guests that are flocking to this place.

And there’s fun to be had for all skill levels. Four TrackMan golf simulators will allow guests to play rounds of golf on some of the world’s premier golf destinations such as Pebble Beach and Shangri-La Golf Course. For those less interested in keeping score and more interested in bragging rights over who can hit the ball farthest, the simulators also offer games such as a long driving contest, capture the flag and closest to the pin.

Three of the four TrackMan simulators are available to rent on a reservation basis for $60 an hour ($40 for every additional hour), while the fourth simulator is available for one-hour sessions to walk-in guests. Clubs are provided with each bay, but guests are also encouraged to bring their own clubs if they would like.

Photo courtesy South Broadway Country Club

Aside from the golf experience, the GC Lounge will also lure visitors with its incredible food menu that will include country club staples such as a club sandwich, roasted chicken and crab cakes. The bar and kitchen program is led by Chef Toby Prout, who brings over 30 years of restaurant experience to this indoor country club’s menu.

After a series of challenges that delayed the grand opening, Founder and Principal Partner for GC Lounge, Michael Burbage is thrilled about this new “eat and play” concept that is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“This is just the beginning for GC Lounge,” Burbage says. “I am looking forward to seeing the impact we can make on the golf and hospitality communities through our attention to detail with the menu and programming, all the way to our focus on mental health for our staff.”

South Broadway Country Club

With two Denver locations and a new location opening in 2022 in Fort Collins, the South Broadway Country Club is not a typical country club. Unlike the exclusive upper-class country clubs, this one proudly displays the words “non-members only” on the company’s website where guests can rent out TrackMan simulators and order a variety of golf-inspired cocktails. Grab some friends and book a tee time at either the Tennyson Street location in the Berkeley neighborhood or the original location on South Broadway and Iliff Avenue. For those who’ve never had an ace, order “the hole in one,” made with John Barr Scotch, sweet vermouth, lemon juice and orange bitters.

X Golf

Located in the Denver Tech Center, X Golf is a golfer’s winter haven. The amazing simulators, lesson opportunities from PGA professionals and even leagues for golfers to join, will ensure that they stay sharp through the cold months.

It’s also available to cater to events both big and small, so keep X golf in mind for an upcoming birthday party, company outing, or any other occasion that calls for friendly competition and lasting memories.

Optimum Golf

Optimum Golff was established in 2019 and is dedicated to growing the game and helping people of all skill levels find passion in the sport. The company has two indoor locations in Park Hill and RiNo, where golfers can enjoy simulator rounds, receive instruction and get clubs fitted or repaired.

Optimum Golf is proud of the high-quality instruction it provides, and guests can choose between individual lessons, group classes or private clinics. The one certainty in the game of golf is that there is always room for improvement.

Tom’s Watch Bar

Aside from being one of the best new bars in downtown Denver to post up and watch sports, Tom’s Watch Bar located within McGregor Square also offers three Topgolf Swing Suites. From 11 a.m to 5 p.m guests can rent the suites for $25 an hour. After 5 p.m. the rate doubles during the peak hours until the bar closes.

In addition to the Topgolf target game, guests can enjoy other games including zombie dodgeball, hockey shots and baseball pitching.

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who recently graduated from Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loves spending time outdoors, playing golf and hiking.