A new indoor golf simulator opened in Hamilton on Dec. 5, offering year-round play just as winter temperatures began to drop below freezing. The Warehouse Indoor Golf Simulator, located off N.Y. Route 12B just outside downtown, is owned by Ameer and Lisa Riley. The facility features golf simulators for practice and game-based play, attracting both experienced golfers and beginners looking for winter entertainment.
For some Colgate students who play at Seven Oaks Golf Club, Hamilton’s popular course that attracts both local players and visitors from out of town, the simulator has already become a social option during the colder months. Sophomore Ethan Nichols tried out the facility shortly after it opened.
“The simulator was very beginner-friendly,” Nichols said. “It had a range setting to analyze every shot for practice, but the games themselves leveled the playing field so anyone could easily compete and have fun. Even though I am not a frequent golfer, I had tons of fun playing with friends, and I definitely will find myself going back to The Warehouse Indoor Golf Simulator in the future.”
While the range option is great for customers to get in reps during the winter and improve their game, the owners really wanted to emphasize accessibility over exclusivity as the goal when designing the space. Co-owner Lisa described the business’s approach.
“We really want our guests to feel like it’s theirs, that they can come play, compete, de-stress, work on their game or just have fun hanging out with family and friends,” Lisa said. “Guests also love the highly sophisticated software we use for our simulators. It feels as close to playing a real game as you can get indoors.”
The Warehouse uses Trackman iO devices to provide data and accurate feedback on your swing instantly so that you can have focused practice to improve. Offering real courses, 3-D spin and accurate feedback on shot shape and metrics, it is one of the best ways to recreate golf indoors. Co-owner Ameer is an avid golfer and member of Seven Oaks Golf Club, but, like many others, he struggled to maintain his game during the winter months.
“Last year he built his own very basic simulator in our garage,” Lisa said. “We soon realized he wasn’t the only one in our community who really missed golf in the offseason. Everything started falling into place after that.”
While the simulator offers year-round access, it can’t fully replicate outdoor course conditions. Still, for Colgate students and other participants in Hamilton’s strong golf culture, the combination of location, affordability and ease of use makes the simulator especially appealing. Sophomore Magnus Larson also checked out the simulator and shared his thoughts on its affordability.
“I am always looking for new things to keep busy and I love that the simulator in town gives a new activity so close to campus,” Larson said. “It was very easy to schedule a bay online and get complementary rental clubs while there. The simulator was also affordable, and for $30 we rented the bay for half an hour with four people.”
Pricing at The Warehouse varies by time of day, with discounted off-peak rates available during less busy hours. Off-peak tee times cost $45 per hour, or $22.50 for a 30-minute session. Peak hours are priced at $60 per hour, or $30 for 30 minutes. The pricing is comparable to other indoor entertainment options in the area, though it may be cost-prohibitive for frequent use without a membership.
According to the owners, accessibility was a key priority from the start. They intentionally designed the space to welcome visitors of all experience levels, whether they are serious golfers or first-time players.
“From really honing in on your golf game to just having fun with the mini-putt or bowling games, anyone can come and have a good time,” Lisa said. “We see The Warehouse as a natural extension of our community of golfers, families and students here in Hamilton and its surrounding communities. We are excited to launch more tournament/league formats, offer golf club fittings, professional instruction, clinics and special events in the near future.”
In addition to these developments, The Warehouse has already taken steps to make the experience as accessible as possible. Complimentary rental clubs are available for all visitors, and members can take advantage of golf bag storage, making it easy for students or first-time players without equipment to participate.
The Warehouse offers two membership options to suit players at different levels. The casual membership costs $99 per month and includes two anytime hours, a 10% discount on additional tee times, the ability to bring up to three guests and access to bag storage. For more frequent visitors, the $240-per-month full membership provides unlimited off-peak access with advance booking up to 14 days, two peak hours per month, a 10% discount on additional peak bookings, up to three guests per session and complimentary bag storage.
