St. Clairsville Recreation Department building supervisor Eric Timko swings for the green on the golf simulator at the Unified Bank Jr. Rec Center. (Photo provided)
Golfers who want to keep swinging their clubs even when the snow falls are getting that chance right now, as the first annual Unified Cup Winter Golf League at the Unified Bank Jr. Rec Center is underway.
The five-week league has multiple two-player teams competing on a nine-hole scramble on the Jr. Rec Center’s golf simulator every Wednesday and Sunday, with the first-place team winning $1,000 per player with the second-place team winning $500 per player and the third-place team winning $250 per player.
“The league is the first one that we’ve had and it’s been a huge success. It’s still ongoing at the moment, but I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about the golf machine itself and have had rave reviews about the building itself,” city recreation director Eric Gay said.”It’s something that we are going to 100% host again.”
He added that since it was the first event of its kind at the Jr. Rec Center he had to learn different things along the way.
“I always say and mean this: the hardest thing to do is something for the first time,” Gay said. “We have a really great staff in place that is willing to help over there. We want to make sure that we have as many things as we possibly can to offer to the public.”
The golf simulator is also available to rentl to the public with hourly rentals and pricing information available at Stclairsvilleparksandrecreation.com.
“It’s great for the average golfer, avid golfer, or the beginner golfer to have something to learn on or to play on during the cold season until they can get back outside and play,” Gay said.
He added that the Jr. Rec Center has been open since May and has been a huge success.
“We cannot thank Unified Bank enough for all the support to our city and our department helping us get these events started,” Gay said. “This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our upgrades and what we have to offer.”
He added that a second golf simulator will be coming to the center after the first of the year.
Rec Center staff member Randy Mellot, who is competing in the league, said that he’s found it to be very enjoyable.
“It’s a great way to play the game in the winter. My grandson and I play together and it’s an awesome way to spend time together,” Mellot said.
St.Clairsville-Richland City School District school board member Floyd Marody added that the league is a great opportunity for him to get out and swing a club in the middle of winter. He said it also provides the chance for him to meet new people.
“We always complain that there’s nothing to do to keep you active in the winter, it is wonderful that the city has done something about it,” Marody said. “We now have the options that include indoor golf and Pickleball. The St. Clairsville Recreation Dept. has done great things for residents of all ages.”
President of St. Clairsville Junior Sports Matt Lucki added that the league was well organized, flexible and the perfect blend of competitive and fun.
“I’m already looking forward to the next one,” Lucki said.
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