Michael Harrold, who has lived in the town for three years after finishing his Army career in the region, has opened Virtual Fairways.
The business, based at Lingfield Way, had a launch party on Friday, February 6, before opening to the public the following day.
Michael, 45, said he was excited but also nervous as it was “nice to see it come to fruition because everything was in my head”.
Michael said Virtual Fairways is for beginners and experts (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He explained where the idea to open Virtual Fairways came from.
He said: “Through the military and other bits, I ended up having surgery on my shoulder. I could not play golf but wanted to get back into it after my surgery.
“I did not want to go out and play 18 holes on a course and I did not want to buy a membership somewhere because I was recovering from surgery and could not get out as much as expected. I also didn’t want to go and stand on a range in the cold and wet.”
Michael explained that he started looking for indoor facilities to practice and improve his game.
Michael conducted market research before opening (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“I noticed there weren’t any in this area, so I started doing some research and looking into that, why there wasn’t or if there had been in the past,” he said.
The former serviceman said he conducted market research with golfers after discovering there had not been a similar business in Darlington.
He said the feedback he received was extremely positive, which is when he started looking at venues.
Michael said it took about six months from having the idea to opening.
Michael Harrold said it took six months to open from the original idea (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He added: “For me, the venue is very much important, location is key because most golfers will arrive in vehicles and have their own clubs.
“We also needed a minimum of three metres ceiling height because with swinging clubs and balls flying around, you need that space.”
He said it is set up for golfers, but anybody can go down and learn the sport.
“The system is set up so it teaches you how to play, it does your analysis of the swing and the ball for you,” he added.
Clubs and balls can be hired from the venue if you do not have your own (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“It is for all ages, beginners and experts, whether you are a serious golfer who knows what they’re doing or if it is your first time hitting a ball.
“It is a great place because you are inside, there is no one rushing you and no external factors that are going to affect you.”
Michael also said the simulators are great for team building.
He added: “You also want to get people together that don’t usually get together. You can do things on the simulators, anything from Angry Birds to other little games where you work as a team to achieve the end goal.”
Clubs and balls can be hired from the venue if you do not have your own.
And Michael said he could not be happier with where he is based on Lingfield Way.
“People are going to come to this location that would never come here and see the other businesses,” he said.
“The footfall is great for everybody that is around here, which adds to the pleasure for me because it is about helping all the businesses out.”
There is a seating area for people to enjoy coffee and snacks, and there are also plans for a licensed bar to be installed.