Last fall Geoffrey Schwartz led a tour through an empty, white-walled shell deep inside a Commack strip mall, pointing to where he planned to set up golf simulators, a full bar and a mezzanine for events. Six months and a full transformation later, the space -- previously part of a closed Toys 'R' Us -- is filled with two rows of hitting bays, clusters of cozy lounge furniture and the high hopes of Long Island's latest cutting-edge addition to the local golf scene. X-Golf Commack, the first New York location for the California-based franchise, will officially open to Long Island golfers next week.
Its arrival follows other combined-experience golf venues that have debuted on Long Island in the past year, most notably Topgolf in Holtsville last summer. Birdies, a golf and cocktail bar in Patchogue, opened in February. X-Golf's appeal is in its state-of-the-art simulator technology, which features advanced innovations like automated ball retrieval, personalized tee heights and adjustable ground slope.
The Commack location has nine bays, including one exclusively for lessons and two for private parties. But what sets his venue apart, Schwartz says, is the VIP-style treatment players can expect when they step inside.
"We want everyone to feel welcome when they come in," Schwartz says. "They'll check in at the pro shop, leave their bag and have a drink at the bar or sit and relax. We'll set up their bags for them so they're ready to warm up and start playing."
Unlike in other simulators, players are free to admire their shots without having to chase their ball and re-tee for themselves or a playing partner. X-Golf's retrieval system does the work -- balls funnel into a slot in front of the tee while a new one pops up at the kick of a button. Tees automatically adjust to each player's preferred height, and when part of a league, player preferences and handicaps are maintained in the X-Golf system.
The biggest game-changer, Schwartz says, is X-Golf's superior short-game technology. Sensors around the tee pick up ball path and speed and translate chips and putts onto the virtual green with unprecedented accuracy. "Putting is usually an afterthought in most simulators," Schwartz says. "But nobody playing in a league wants to just guess at how to putt and take gimmes from eight feet."
X-Golf's network of 50-plus locations around the country (and growing, including a Westbury venue due to open later this year) allows local players to participate in national and regional competitions and tournaments, in addition to in-house leagues. Paige Spiranac is the company's most notable brand ambassador, though a hefty appearance fee might prevent a visit to Commack in the near future. ("Maybe one day," Schwartz says.)
Phil Barnhart, previously the pro at Willow Creek in Mount Sinai, will be on site for lessons and instruction.
Outside the hitting bays, a U-shaped bar will turn out beer, cocktails and small bites like wings, wraps and chicken fingers. A second-level mezzanine offers lounge space and a private room for corporate meetings and events. To reach it all, visitors first walk down a lengthy corridor lined with photos of famous players and murals depicting courses from around the world. Even before its official opening, the long hallway has drawn curious strip-mall shoppers given X-Golf's convenient location amid heavy foot traffic from the adjacent Whole Foods, Harbor Freight and Five Below.
Hourly rates range from $49 on weekday mornings and early afternoons to $69 on weekends. A full 18-hole round takes about 45 minutes to an hour per player. The list of nearly 50 courses -- with more to come -- includes a selection of highly regarded American classics (yes, Bethpage Black is there) and several lesser-known Asian layouts.
Reservations can be made at the X-Golf Commack website. Follow X-Golf's website and social media accounts for information about an official grand-opening date.
Phil
Really appreciate your time and effort in putting this article together. I definitely feel our conversation coming to fruition in print here. Look forward to seeing you at our space!
Posted by: Geoff | June 06, 2022 at 10:19 PM