Indoor Golf Lounge Coming to Downtown Fredericton
FREDERICTON — On the doors of Par 94 is a quote from Dean Martin: “If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.” Co-owners Cameron McNeil and Casey Glenen are looking to provide a place to golf downtown that is different from your average country club.
Par 94 bar and golf lounge will open as soon as their last licenses are approved. Their setup allows for players to have a drink before or after their round of virtual golf.
“We’re really looking to provide a new fun experience for Fredericton,” said McNeil. “There’s nothing really quite like this downtown.”
The name Par 94 comes from the co-owners’ shared birth year and a time when both got stuck shooting a 94 when golfing. The reference plays into their reason for starting an indoor golf club in Fredericton.
“You don’t have to be a good golfer to come in and enjoy the space with us,” said McNeil. “You can shoot a 72, you can shoot a 94, you can shoot a 104 — it doesn’t really matter.”
Along with a full bar and local beer on tap, they will offer sandwiches from The Happy Baker and a select menu from Rustico.
The 3,600-square-foot space is divided into four green spaces or bays at each corner where players can golf. There is seating for around 120, a lounge area, and a space for pool tables. In the basement, there is room for club storage for members.
“So they don’t have to lug their clubs in the snow downtown,” said McNeil.
McNeil said he expects the business to rely on walk-ins, private events, and bookings. Members will play from Monday to Thursday and will have the same time slot reserved every week.
Friday and Saturday nights Par 94 will turn into more of a traditional bar scene. Golf will shut down at 11 p.m. and the green space will be used for lawn games like washer toss and cornhole until 2 a.m.
For simulated golf, Par 94 uses a TrackMan system that hooks up to a computer and runs software through the gaming PC. The projector serves as an output, projecting the game on the impact screen.
“So you’re hitting real balls and you’re using real golf clubs,” said McNeil. “Everything at the point of impact with your club gets picked up by the actual TrackMan unit.”
The machine uses dual radar technology to analyze a player’s swing. If a player is training, they can use the data that TrackMan picks up to change the way they approach their shot.
Par 94 has hired PGA tour pros that are certified with this technology that will help students improve their game.
Players can choose to golf a round of 9 or 18 on the available courses or participate in mini-games. As a golfer himself, McNeil said he enjoys the accuracy and visuals that come with the golf simulator bays.
“The technology has finally caught up with the user expectation and the experience that it gives is really top-notch,” said McNeil.
On the business side of things, their system tracks statistics like how long customers are golfing, the most played courses, and the skill level of players.
All golfers will have a mobile app to tap into the screen. Players will have the option to save their scorecard after the round, which can result in return offers.
“I saw you had a good time last Friday, here’s all your data from the evening,” said McNeil as an example. “Next time you come in, here’s 10 percent off your next visit.”
Par 94 will have an online booking platform for customers who want to book ahead of time, but there will be times in the week that will be set aside for walk-ins.
The bar and golf lounge has already booked some holiday parties and events for the new year.
Rachel Smith is an intern with Huddle. Send her story suggestions: [email protected].