A dad of four who admits he’s far from a professional player has opened a new indoor simulator centre, which he believes could become as popular as padel.
Antony Gibbons, from Chalk near Gravesend, has launched Strike Lab at Crossways Business Park in Dartford, offering golfers the chance to practise their swing in private without worrying about being watched or judged.
Inside the Strike Lab indoor golf simulator in Dartford. Picture: Antony Gibbons
The self-service venue uses TrackMan technology, allowing visitors to play hundreds of courses from around the world, improve their skills and take part in interactive games.
Antony, who works as UK Technical Manager at Clearway Environmental Services, believes indoor golf simulators could be the next big thing.
He said: “One of the conversations I had with TrackMan was that they see themselves as being about two years behind padel. I think it has the possibility.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the next 12 to 18 months, we see something like this pop up at Bluewater.”
The idea for Strike Lab came after Antony became frustrated with busy driving ranges, where he would often find himself waiting for a space and feeling self-conscious about his abilities.
He explained: “I’m certainly not a scratch golfer. I’d probably describe myself as a novice.
“You go to something like a driving range, it’s always busy, you can never get on and you always feel like you’re being watched and judged.
“I’m quite conscious of it as well, so I thought, let’s create somewhere that’s your own private studio, where you can do what you like.
“I think the biggest thing is that it’s a private, self-service venue where you have the comfort and relaxation of not being watched or judged.”
Antony, who has played golf on and off since his early 20s, says he enjoys the sport despite admitting that only about one in four of his shots goes straight.
Antony Gibbons is behind the new Strike Lab indoor golf simulator. Picture: Antony Gibbons
The 45-year-old added: “Sometimes you just want to get an hour out, relax and go to the range.
“I think we live in a society now where convenience is the main thing.”
The business came about after Antony discovered that the landlord of the building, where he already works upstairs, was struggling to find a commercial tenant.
He began exploring alternative uses for the space, including hairdressers, nail bars and Pilates classes, before realising it was ideally suited for an indoor golf simulator.
Strike Lab officially opened on Thursday, October 8.
Antony hopes business will pick up as the weather turns colder and wetter, with the indoor venue offering golfers somewhere to play throughout the year.
Sessions cost £40 an hour for up to four people, working out at £10 per person.
Customers book online and receive access codes for the building and simulator, meaning there is no need for staff to be present.
The technology allows players to analyse their ball speed, clubhead speed and other aspects of their swing, while an accompanying app can track their progress.
Visitors can also play 702 courses from around the world or try interactive games designed for families and beginners.
Visitors can play 702 courses from around the world. Picture: Antony Gibbons
As a father of four, Antony wanted to create somewhere children and adults could enjoy together.
He said: “I struggle to find things that I enjoy as well as the kids.
“The simulator also comes with games and challenges, so there’s family fun there as well.
“You can take it as seriously as you like or have as much fun as you like.”
Golfers are expected to bring their own clubs, however, Antony is considering providing equipment for families and those wanting to try the sport for the first time.
He is also exploring ways the venue could support the local community, including offering sessions to men’s mental health groups.
Although the idea is still in its early stages, Antony believes it reflects what he wants Strike Lab to offer.
He added: “You can focus on the TrackMan technology and the interactive side of it, but I think the biggest thing for me is that you’ve not got anyone judging you.
“It’s somewhere you can relax and enjoy yourself without feeling on edge.”
To learn more about Strike Lab and book sessions, click here.
The new interactive golf simulator is based at Fountain House, Crossways Business Park, Anchor Boulevard, Dartford.