MARBLEHEAD — Vinnin Square has been transformed into a year-round golf oasis with the opening of Majors Golf, an indoor facility featuring the latest golf simulator technology, providing North Shore golfers with year-round access to the greens.
The facility celebrated its grand opening this weekend, on Jan. 24 and 25, with food, beverages, and friendly competition set against the backdrop of some of the world’s finest golf courses brought to Vinnin Square through Trackman simulator technology.
Owner and Marblehead Resident Chris Walters said he wanted to bring a facility to the area that would allow golfers to work on their skills all year long.
He said in New England, “You have several months a year where our golf courses are shut down, and that takes a toll on your golf game. So really, the thought was just to provide access to local golfers to play year-round and to continue to keep their skill sets in check.”
Walters added he also wanted the facility to focus on developing skills in both beginners and experienced golfers.
In addition to the number of simulator bays within Majors, which can be used by individuals by purchasing a time slot or recurring membership, Clinics are also offered at the location, led by former golf coaches, PGA Professionals from Tedesco Country Club, and Walters’ team of high school and college golfers.
Golf Associate and Recent Salem State Graduate Daniel Dilisio said he wanted to work at Majors to gain experience teaching golf to younger generations.
“I think this is just a perfect avenue for that – a perfect starting point. Obviously, Chris just opened this place up, and in this area, there’s not a ton of places that are doing what we’re doing. This is a more practice and play-oriented facility,” he said.
Walters said Majors currently has 70 members who have already signed up for memberships and has had numerous individuals come in and use the simulators on an hourly basis.
He added that using simulators is a great way to build skills off the course through the technology built into the simulators. Players can track metrics, including ball speed, spin rate, and other statistics, to improve a player’s swing and play on some of the most famous courses globally, including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.
Walters said the simulators also feature artificial intelligence that can offer feedback to a player after 10 to 12 swings with a single club.
“Nothing’s going to replace outdoor golf, right? Where you’re out there for a few hours playing nine or 18 holes, and with outdoor golf, you’re not going to get any of those metrics unless you go to one of the ranges that have a launch monitor. But here you can get 18 holes done in an hour … so it’s pretty efficient,” he said.