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Home 'Fore' The Holidays: Hi-Tech Golf

The Glasgow Courier Gift Guide

With supply chain issues threatening holiday gifting and the annual Shop Small Saturday in Glasgow this Nov. 27, locals searching for a gift for the golfer in their life would do well to look to a hidden gem in Glasgow: Hi-Tech Golf.

Tucked away at 403 3rd Ave S. is a locally-owned business featuring two state-of-the-art golf simulators, offering experienced and new golfers the chance to play the game they love year-round regardless of weather – a true treat for residents of northeastern Montana – and play courses from around the world.

The business began as a private venture for Dan Daubner, co-owner of Hi-Tech Electric with Spencer Marsh. The two began golfing at Sunnyside Golf and Country Club a few years back and Daubner wanted "something to do in the winter."

Marsh explained that as his partner looked at options, he decided to invest and make it a business. Tens of thousands of dollars later, Glasgow is home to the nicest golf simulator on the Hi-Line from Shelby to Fairfield.

The set-up includes the two simulators with over 100,000 courses from around the world and some fantasy courses to boot. Hi-Tech Golf's clubhouse is BYOB and includes a lounge area, lockers for rent and flat screen TVs. Eugene's Pizza offers delivery service for golfers. For the more nostalgic, Daubner and Marsh installed a Golden Tee arcade game.

Nathan Dale, who is also relatively new to golf, credits his virtual membership with helping his game. "Even swinging throughout the winter helps a lot," he said while getting in 18 holes on the Florida Innisbrook Copperhead course during a cold and overcast Montana late afternoon. Dale, whose men's league team placed second this past season, noted Hi-Tech Golf is an ideal place to work on your game.

Indeed, the simulators' advanced club and ball tracking allows golfers to see where and how they are hitting the ball. Lift, distance, back spin, side spin and more, the simulators provide a wealth of information unavailable on an IRL course.

"Hi-Tech Golf is incredible! Being able to swing clubs all year round is a huge game changer for all Glasgow golfers," said Sunnyside Golf and Country Club manager Andy Newton. "I noticed, running leagues and tournaments, the improved scores and lowing of handicaps at Sunnyside. Not having to spend a month 'knocking the rust off' at the beginning of the season is the key."

"This is really good for the high school kids in the winter," enthused Glasgow High School golf coach Todd Truscott. Golf as a spring-time sport in Montana seems a particularly cruel joke since golf courses here usually do not show their verdant greens during the school season.

Scottie golfers are able to hit the virtual links regardless of weather and course conditions at Sunnyside due to the generosity of Daubner. That the establishment offers discounted student membership prices is not a surprise. But Daubner offered even more to GHS – free use of the facility for the golf team's practices in the spring. The owner shrugged off his generosity, saying it was "just to help with Scottie sports. Around here they can start golfing earlier."

"To get the option to golf all year round, it affects us when the season starts. It matters because other kids get the option to swing clubs before the season starts," said Kylie Lagerquist while explaining how the option allows the Scotties to start on even footing with other teams.

"I'm looking forward to my senior season and spending time with the team," she said, "and hopefully getting to go to state again my senior year." Lagerquist hopes to take advantage of the facilities at Hi-Tech Golf before her season starts.

Truscott said some of his team members are already taking advantage of their student memberships and getting in the equivalent of open gym on the virtual courses. Scottie golfers also have the option of using Coach Truscott's or Coach Joel Smith's memberships.

Members of Hi-Tech Golf point out that they get their money's worth. Dale and Truscott try to get in rounds at least three times a week. If the two golfers averaged three games a week for half a year, the cost per game would come out at just over $5, far less than any greens fees, not to mention travel costs to get to an open course during the winter.

Those who plan winter golf trips may also want to make use of Hi-Tech Golf. Truscott golfed a virtual 18 holes in Glasgow before hitting TPC Scottsdale recently. "It was the exact same – what I saw on the screen to what I played in Arizona," he said.

Dennis Honrud, who recently joined Hi-Tech Golf after shooting a virtual round, is happy to have another option for golf as well as something to do in Glasgow.The northern Valley County resident (and this reporter's father) can often find himself with time to kill between meetings in town. Hi-Tech Golf offers a perfect way to spend an hour or two for him.

"These guys need to advertise in the tournament books," he said. "Those parents who come in from all over can come down here between games or matches." Honrud also pointed out that Hi-Tech Golf, being open year-round, offers a back-up plan for when Mother Nature interferes with summer golfing plans at Sunnyside.

Daubner and Marsh offer winter league golfing, as well as tournaments and scrambles. "We keep leagues to about 10 weeks so it doesn't get overwhelming," said Marsh. He added that leagues are easy to set up and can be done for any level of skill, from kids to experienced golfers, from mixed leagues to men's and/or women's only. The first two-person winter league will start the first week of December.

Hi-Tech Golf is also available via hourly reservations for non-members, whether for parties, practice or test-driving new golf balls or clubs. With easy-to-book reservations online and 24-access for members (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for non-members) Hi-Tech Golf is an excellent option for golfers in northeastern Montana.

Truscott endorsed the facility both as a golfer and a coach, "This is as real as it gets." Newton feels much the same, though laughingly added, "My slice and terrible putting transfers over a little too realistic if you ask me."

Newton added, "The ease of tee time booking and unlimited infections laughter every time I visit Hi-Tech will keep my golf game at a high level and my abs sore from all the fun. Can't wait for winter league to start!"

"Everyone is welcome," stressed Marsh. Interested golfers and gift-givers can contact Hi-Tech Golf at 230-2539 or via the website https://hi-techgolf.com.

 

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