The perfect early Christmas present has arrived for Belfast’s legion of fair-weather golfers in the form of Colin Glen Golf Centre’s new partnership with TrackMan.
Already one of the city’s finest driving ranges, a recent £130,000 cash injection has taken things to another level with the installation of the market-leading technology used by the likes of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.
Indeed, it’s the first TrackMan range to open in Northern Ireland, and only the third across the island of Ireland.
Each of Colin Glen’s 15 outdoor bays offers users a host of virtual games and challenges to spice up their practice routine, providing feedback on ball speed, carry distance, launch angle and much more.
The fact each bay houses an overhead heater only sweetens the deal for those of us who are prone to hitting those thinned four irons that numbly reverberate all the way up the club and shiver your funny bones.
An indoor suite is available for anyone needing an extra layer of protection from the elements, or for those who like to really drill down into the data their swing generates.
As someone who doesn’t like to get the sticks out unless the thermometer shows double digits, I fall into the former camp, and while I can’t claim to fully comprehend the battery of numbers that flashed up on the screen after every shot, it was clear where I was - and am - going wrong.
There is also the option of ‘playing’ over 100 virtual golf courses including local gems like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, with sessions available to book for corporate groups, events and birthday parties, as are lessons with Colin Glen’s resident PGA pro, Peter Martin.
Speaking at the launch of the new TrackMan range, Martin said: “This is a hugely innovative step for Colin Glen as we open one of the most advanced driving ranges in the country.
“As the first TrackMan driving range in Northern Ireland, we are offering golfers a truly innovative and unique experience right on the edge of the city.
“TrackMan technology offers Colin Glen golfers enhanced accuracy for serious players, along with more features and games for kids and beginner golfers. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new facilities to try TrackMan for themselves.”
For more information, visit: www.colinglen.org.
