When TV begins to broadcast live golf tournament coverage from places like Hawaii and Palm Springs in January and February I develop annoying and involuntary muscle reactions. An unwary butter knife may become a substitute for a golf club on which to practice my overlapping grip. I stand in front of mirrors and mimic a golf swing. Checking the position of my hands at the top of my backswing, full complete turn of my torso, and that syrupy smooth follow through. Yep, just like Freddie Couples. In other words I get an uncontrollable yen to get onto a golf course. If your stimulus check got lost in the mail and the current economy doesn’t allow room in your overstretched budget for a quick get away to warmer climes here are some solutions that you can afford right here in snowy and cold northwest Ohio.

How would you like to play Pebble Beach, The Old Course at St. Andrews, or even Spyglass without ever leaving town? It is possible at Tamaron Country Club’s Indoor Golf Center. This oasis in the heart of Toledo is not a mirage. Through the wonders of technology 38 different courses can be dialed up for you to play. The Indoor Golf Center is equipped with About Golf Simulators that are manufactured right here in Maumee, Ohio and are the leading graphic and golf simulators in the United States. In addition to providing an enjoyable golf outing these simulators offer a learning opportunity. Golfers can receive feedback on swing speed, spin rate and launch angle. All of which can help when you buy that new $500, 460 cc, graphite shafted, weapon of mass destruction that will take 5 shots off your game and make you the envy of your foursome next summer.

Weekday rates are only $25 per hour, slightly higher on the weekends. You and your favorite foursome can split the cost, which makes this outing even more affordable. Call Tamaron at 419-474-0501 for more information or to make a tee time.

Another option for a golf fix is the Dome at South Toledo Golf Club on Heatherdowns. Even if the wind is howling and the snow is blowing The Dome provides an enclosed and protected driving range with individual stalls to work on your game. It also offers a putting green, a sand trap for bunker practice and one of the most complete pro shops in Toledo. The dome is an excellent place to concentrate on your short game or full swing trajectory. Pick a spot on the wall or in a corner and groove your swing to make a consistent ball flight at the target every time. Owner, Greg Fish, or Head Professional, Nick Szymanski, are available for club fitting or lessons.

So cheer up, April showers are just around the corner, and northwest Ohio’s golf courses will be green and lush before you know it. Lay down that remote, get off the couch and go hit some golf balls. It will do wonders for your attitude and help to prevent those uncontrollable twitches and muscle cramps between your ears. I’ll catch you on the “Back 9.”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 9:57 am and is filed under Sports, The Back Nine.
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