Though golf has seen some declines in interest and participation in recent years, according to local tourism experts, Sonoma County still remains a top golfing destination. The year-round mild climate, lush vineyards, rolling hills and vast beaches offer golfers a refreshing experience.
Even so, while the rest of Sonoma County is peppered with places to golf, the Sonoma Valley’s only golfing club is considered unaffordable by many of the locals.
Enter Sonoma Golf Studio, 989 W. Spain St., Suite 102, which opened its doors Dec. 1. Launched by Amanda Dougherty and Jennifer and Jason Palter, it is the Valley’s first indoor golf studio.
Jason Palter was born and raised in Sonoma. He, along with wife, Jennifer their and two kids live in Boyes Hot Springs.
After working in flooring for 15 years, Jason started his own business and opened Valley of the Moon Flooring in 2017.
Palter used to take golf lessons in Walnut Creek and then Napa but found it difficult to balance the travel travel time with his day job and being there for his family.
“I figured that I couldn’t be the only Sonoman struggling to golf here, so I was inspired to take the plunge and open a golf simulator business right here in town,” he said.
The studio was in planning for almost a year before launching at the end of 2025.
It is equipped with three bays that have Trackman golf simulators installed, and is also equipped with a small putting green and a lounge. The studio is staffed and is open to all experience levels.
The business offer several membership options and golf lessons, as well as options for non-members seeking to use the facility.
Mike Heffelfinger practices driving the ball at Sonoma Golf Studio in Sonoma Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)
Mike Heffelfinger practices driving the ball on a simulated driving range at Sonoma Golf Studio in Sonoma Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)
The lounge area at Sonoma Golf Studio in Sonoma Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)
Co-founder couple, Jennifer and Jason Palter at their studio in Sonoma. (Sonoma Golf Studio)
Co-founder Amanda Dougherty at her studio in Sonoma. (Sonoma Golf Studio)
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Mike Heffelfinger practices driving the ball at Sonoma Golf Studio in Sonoma Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press-Democrat)
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“We’re one of the first to make it a place that you’d want to come and spend some time and also golf as opposed to a warehouse where you’re just hearing the flacking of balls for hours,” said Jennifer Palter.
During the last week of January, the studio hosted its first tournament as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma Valley.
The studio raised $2,000 that was then matched by Jason Palter’s business, before being donated to the Boys & Girls Club.