Raising the par: Golf simulator bar swings toward being hang-out spot

Dec. 24—Golf enthusiasts, along with those who have never picked up a club, have a new place in Kalispell to take a few shots on virtual greens.

The Clubhouse Lounge sports bar opened this summer in the former Sears store location on U.S. 2. Owners Levi LaPrath and Jarred Griffis were looking to take their shared passion as avid golfers and provide an indoor golf experience.

"Most places you go and have a drink, but there's nowhere you can have that drink and then hang out with friends," LaPrath said. "We wanted a place where you could hang out and not have to leave. You can play golf and hang out."

Griffis said the popularity of golf courses in the Flathead Valley made it a natural fit to open a place where golfers could play the links even during the winter months. The friends toured several different golf simulators before opening the business.

The sports bar features four TrackMan golf simulators that provide the opportunity to play golf courses all over the world. The simulators, used by the PGA Tour, can track within one foot and offer the chance to play on 300 different worldwide golf courses.

Popular courses include The Reserve at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Saint Andrews Golf Club and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Golfers stepping up to the tee tend to select private courses that most would never get the opportunity to play at if not for the simulator.

"Moonlight is also popular because the elevation changes in the course," Griffis explains. "There's a lot of detail in the simulator; you can see the homes right along the course."

Serious golfers can track stats and even compete in worldwide tournaments through TrackMan.

The simulators also offer family games like putt-putt, and with a large screen double as a place to watch a game.

The bar has several entertainment options beyond the golf simulators, including TVs, a pool table, Big Buck Hunter and Golden Tee arcade games, and cornhole.

"We're open to all levels of golfers," LaPrath said. "This is an inviting environment and a stress-free environment where there's no rush. Some couples come in for date night, especially if one is a golfer and the other is not. This is for people looking to do a fun activity and have a beer."

The Clubhouse has beer and wine with 15 beers on tap including local brews from Bias Brewing and Sacred Waters Brewing Company. The food menu includes pub fare burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings and a kids menu.

The bar also hosts private events and birthday parties.

Tee times can be booked online through the lounge's website. Busy times are after 3 p.m. and on weekends when the owners recommend signing up in advance to play a round.

The lounge has also launched a golf league. Its next 10-week session begins in January.

Two-person teams compete in the league which is capped at 50 participants. Play occurs once a week when it fits into the players' schedule with different formats each week on selected courses.

The Clubhouse Lounge, located at 1105 U.S. 2, is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 406-314-4160 or visit www.the-clubhouse-lounge.com.

Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com.

Interior of The Clubhouse Lounge in Kalispell on Thursday, Dec. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

The bar area at The Clubhouse Lounge in Kalispell on Thursday, Dec. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

The Clubhouse Lounge in Kalispell on Thursday, Dec. 14. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider