The Newest Way to Swing in Estero: Indoor Golf at The Cave!
If you’ve noticed that the outdoor golf driving ranges in Southwest Florida are disappearing like morning dew, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: indoor golf simulators are stepping up to fill the gap! Enter The Cave, a brand-new hotspot located at 9250 Corkscrew Road, Suite 13, Estero. Opened on February 4, this exciting new venue is not just a golf simulator; it’s a full-on experience featuring a bar and delicious food too!
A Trend That’s Taking Off
As golf shifts from open spaces to more confined corners, The Cave is making a name for itself by combining the love for golf with a laid-back atmosphere. The owners, Karen Nicoletti, a professional golfer with the LPGA, and her husband Brad Swearingen, a former professional golf caddy, are riding this wave of change with passion. Karen states, “The pandemic was great for the game of golf. Public golf courses are hitting their all-time high.” Yet she also points out the reality: “It’s tough for the average person to be able to afford the sport.”
With the cost to play at renowned courses like Pebble Beach reaching nearly $800, The Cave stands out by offering a much more affordable experience. Only $50 an hour for a simulator that fits up to six people? Now that’s a steal!
A Place for Everyone
The Cave isn’t just for seasoned pros. Every Monday, free golf clinics for women are held, making golf accessible and fun for all. They’re also offering special discounts for veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, and educators, showing that community matters here!
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., The Cave boasts a tasty menu packed with pizza, wings, and appetizers to enjoy while perfecting your swing. “Coming here, you don’t have to worry about being intimidated,” says Nicoletti. It’s all about having fun, whether you’re just starting out or are already hitting birdies!
Tech with a Twist
Swearingen’s vision of The Cave came after he experienced a back injury that put an end to his caddying career, pushing him to think of a new plan. As the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Or in this case, create an amazing indoor golf experience. “He pretty much built it with his own two hands,” Nicoletti shared, highlighting the love and craftsmanship that went into the making of the venue.
And let’s talk about the simulators! Imagine hitting balls into a screen where the virtual balls follow a realistic trajectory. Swearingen demonstrates as he smacks a ball into the screen, and the audience watches the virtual ball’s perfect landing on the green. “It might take a little getting used to,” he admits, “but it’s so accurate and so realistic that you soon think you’re really out on the golf course.”
More Fun Ahead
In addition to golf, there’s even more in store! The Cave plans to add two indoor pickleball courts later this year, proving they’re all in on the indoor sports revolution.
So if you’re looking for a place to practice your swing, grab some friends, and enjoy some food, look no further than this new gem in Estero. It’s golf without the pressure, and a spot where everyone can join the fun. Whether you’re curving your first shot or putting with precision, The Cave is the place where golf dreams can come true—rain or shine!
