Playing the Legends

Fall is coming. Can winter be far behind? Colder, wetter days mean golf courses will close and golf clubs will go into the closet.

But there is hope.

The Zollner Golf Course at Trine University in Angola can help that case of off-season links withdrawal with its new Trackman 4 golf simulator.

“You can play some of the nicest golf courses in the world on the simulator; Pebble Beach, St. Andrews and Muirfield Village, to name a few,” says Jon Busscher, director of golf operations and head golf professional at Zollner. 

“We had a simulator that was used by the Trine golf lab and the golf team for winter practice, but we decided it was time to get something in-house at the course for both members and the public.”

Not only can golfers play selected courses, they can also partake in lessons with the simulator providing suggestions for club selection and shot improvements based on club speed, attack angle, club path, spin loft, ball speed and ball-flight tracking.

Busscher says the simulator helps golfers from beginners to pros with all aspects of the game, including driving, chipping and putting. 

The Trackman 4 simulator is also used for fitting golf clubs. “Some people think custom clubs are too expensive, but the fitting process helps you learn what clubs work best for you, and are fitted to your grip, height and swing. That way you can order as many clubs as you need and want, and you’re not paying for clubs you’ll never take out of your bag.”

For those who want to play one of the 120 courses available on the simulator, individuals and groups can reserve a tee-time to play 9 or 18 holes. “They can split the cost of the simulator for the length of time they’ll play,” Busscher adds.

Monday through Friday, rates are $45 per hour with a special senior rate of $32 for players 60 years and older. The weekend rate is $55 per hour. Play-pass punch cards are also available for $349 for 10 hours and $499 for 20 hours of play.

Zollner offers an Indoor Ultimate Pass for $399 for November through February, and $499 for March through October. This gives access to the simulator for play or practice and allows a guest to play for $12 per hour. Couples receive a 50% discount on the second membership. 

Lastly, there is a monthly $29 membership available. Members and their guests pay $12 per hour, per person.

“Just think — you could save your plane ticket and greens fees by playing our simulator instead of going to Florida for the winter,” Busscher says. The simulator is located inside the course’s club house, Club Z. “It’s a cool environment with a bar and restaurant, and sports on the televisions. In winter it will be especially nice.” 

A full-year membership at Zollner includes free access to the golf course with a cart, the golf simulator, bowling alley and fitness center for an annual fee of $1,499.

Busscher says he is planning to organize some winter golf leagues that will use the simulator for play during the off-season when the course is closed. 

Additional upcoming events at the Zollner Golf Course include the final Birdies, Brew and BBQ of the summer, featuring live music and great food. This will take place on Aug. 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Gifted by the Board of Trustees of then-Tri-State University in 1971, the public course is located on the Trine University campus in Angola. Designed by Ernie Schrock, Zollner is an 18-hole, par 71 course. 

For more information about all of the services at Zollner Golf Course, visit zollnergc.com. 

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