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Golf store expands and adds simulators

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Fore: Scott Roy tees off on one of the three hi-tech golf simulators at the new Island Kaddy store in Hamilton's Reid Street (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

A Bermuda golf store has expanded into a new and bigger location.

Island Kaddy, formerly on Front Street, now boasts three high-tech golf simulators, programmed with some of the world’s top courses like Gleneagles in Scotland and Canada’s Banff Springs, among the 40 different challenges on offer.

The new shop and golf entertainment complex also features a bar, food and luxurious seating, as well as virtual reality golf games using special goggles.

Anne Marie Forbes, co-owner of Island Kaddy with keen golfer husband Ian Forbes and golf professional Scott Roy, said: “The simulators work using sensors — players hit the ball and sensors measure the club’s head speed and the angle to work out where it would have gone.”

Ms Forbes — a keen golfer and member at Port Royal — added: “If they slice the ball, it will slice the ball on the screen. It’s amazing technology.”

She added the new store, at 94 Reid Street in the former headquarters of broadcasters VSB, was ideal for corporate events or individuals looking to brush up on their techniques or who are new to the sport.

Mr Roy, former director of golf at the now-closed Riddell’s Bay Golf Club, said: “It’s for average golfers to more seasoned golfers and people can use their own clubs on the simulators or use our ones.

“The simulators can be used for teaching and fitting for clubs as well.”

He added: “Golf is a great game — everybody can play it and we wanted to make it more accessible. People can come here and play for an hour or an hour and a half.

“Players can pop in for lunch and play for an hour for stress relief.

“We have food service and beer — we want to create a fun, social atmosphere in golf.

Mr Forbes added: “It’s very important to send the message that we want to work in co-operation with golf courses.

“We’re not in competition, we want to create a synergy.”

He added: “Non-golfers can come here, get trained up and get sent out to courses on the island. We’re here to help the entire industry.”

The virtual reality goggles feature mini-golf, as well a rollercoaster ride and hiking and nature walks.

Mr Roy said: “We’re open for corporate events and parties. People don’t have to be golfers but swinging a golf club for an hour is a good workout.”

Island Kaddy opened on Front Street two years ago and the new store features the same top brands, including electronic gadgets like GolfBuddy and GPS, as well a top clothing brands and kit for men, women and children from designers like J Lineberg, Greg Norman and Nike, as well as electric Powakaddy golf trolleys.

The new store is open from 10am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from noon to 6pm on Sunday.

More information at islandkaddy.com

Golf duo: Scott Roy and Anne-Marie Forbes outside the all-new Golf Kaddy store on Reid Street. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Island Kaddy: Scott Roy and Anne-Marie Forbes at the new bar and restaurant at Island Kaddy, complete with golf simulators and virtual golf. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Top kit: Some of the clothing and equipment for sale at the new Island Kaddy store on Hamilton's Reid Street. Island Kaddy (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Top kit: Some of the clothing and equipment for sale at the new Island Kaddy store on Hamilton's Reid Street. Island Kaddy (Photograph by Akil Simmons)(Photograph by Akil Simmons)