Inside the Strike Lab indoor golf simulator in Dartford. Picture: Antony Gibbons<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Antony, who works as UK Technical Manager at Clearway Environmental Services, believes indoor golf simulators could be the next big thing.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cOne 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn’t be surprised if, in the next 12 to 18 months, we see something like this pop up at Bluewater.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He explained: \u201cI’m certainly not a scratch golfer. I’d probably describe myself as a novice.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Antony Gibbons is behind the new Strike Lab indoor golf simulator. Picture: Antony Gibbons<\/p>\n
The 45-year-old added: \u201cSometimes you just want to get an hour out, relax and go to the range.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we live in a society now where convenience is the main thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Strike Lab officially opened on Thursday, October 8.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sessions cost \u00a340 an hour for up to four people, working out at \u00a310 per person.<\/p>\n
Customers book online and receive access codes for the building and simulator, meaning there is no need for staff to be present.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Visitors can also play 702 courses from around the world or try interactive games designed for families and beginners.<\/p>\n
Visitors can play 702 courses from around the world. Picture: Antony Gibbons<\/p>\n
As a father of four, Antony wanted to create somewhere children and adults could enjoy together.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI struggle to find things that I enjoy as well as the kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe simulator also comes with games and challenges, so there’s family fun there as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can take it as seriously as you like or have as much fun as you like.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He is also exploring ways the venue could support the local community, including offering sessions to men’s mental health groups.<\/p>\n
Although the idea is still in its early stages, Antony believes it reflects what he wants Strike Lab to offer.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cYou 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s somewhere you can relax and enjoy yourself without feeling on edge.\u201d<\/p>\n