Photo by by Connor HydeWhen John and Amy Parker opened REDeGOLF in Sugar Land in late 2012, the business brought more than 80 world-class golf courses to the community. Whether a renowned stateside course or a course in Japan, Costa Rica or Norway, patrons can play golf around the world all in the comfort of an indoor, virtual setting.
"John has always been a huge golfer," said Troy Proffit, general manager of REDeGOLF. "Not being able to regularly play golf in Houston during the summer or at night, they wanted to let people play the game anytime of day and in any weather."
At REDeGOLF, a player can shoot a full 18-hole course in an hour or so as opposed to the four to five hours it can normally take, Proffit said.
"[The Parkers] just want more people to play golf and enjoy themselves," he said. "They want players to be able to improve more in less time."
REDeGOLF features technology that monitors a player's performance and works as a teaching tool. As the player takes his or her swing, electronic feedback is given in real time. The system tells each golfer their swing speed and path as well as ball speed and spin.
One of the location's four golfing bays uses a slow-motion camera and software to offer direct playback after each swing.
"When you take a swing, you get instant feedback so you can monitor your swing speed, ball speed and balance, and use that feedback to improve your game," Proffit said. "It is like having a private lesson but not having to find a coach with a slow-motion camera."
Rates for golfing vary based on time of day. Each hour of golfing costs $30 before 4 p.m. and $40 after 4 p.m.
In addition to golf, the Par Tee room offers other virtual sports as well. Customers can test their skills against a goalie in soccer, throw a touchdown pass in football or even play a game of zombie dodgeball. Other sports include baseball, basketball, hockey and cricket.
In addition to dozens of courses, REDeGOLF features a full-service bar with a number of locally brewed craft beers, along with a full list of cocktails.
REDeGOLF in Sugar Land is the first location and is a beta store model, Proffit said, but more than a dozen interested parties from around the country have contacted the indoor golf club concept in recent months to learn more about franchise opportunities.
From the clubhouse
REDeGOLF's head chef Pablo Hernandez has been working to expand the location's menu and is adding more traditional clubhouse food this summer. Despite operating a smaller kitchen, much of the menu is created from scratch, and a wide range of fare is available, Hernandez said.
Chef recommendations
Monterrey chicken—Grilled chicken breast topped with Monterrey Jack cheese, sauteed bell peppers and onions served with a mixed-green salad ($8).
Nacho Burger—Topped with jalapeos, tortilla chips and nacho cheese ($11).
19875 Hwy. 59, Ste. 140 Sugar Land 281-343-7333
Hours: Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–midnight
