Indoor 18 offers TrackMan monitors, simulators for fun, game improvement

By Ken MacLeod

Residents of the golf-mad city of Edmond and nearby areas have another option this winter to keep their game sharp during the colder winter months.

Indoor 18, located at 17200 N. May Ave. across from Rose Creek Golf Club, utilizes the highly sophisticated TrackMan launch monitors and simulators to allow customers to either play a variety of worldwide classic courses or just use the data to seek improvement.

TrackMan measures ball speed, clubhead speed, launch angle, spin rates, attack angle, swing path, club direction and other factors useful for professional and amateur golfers alike interested in improving their games.

Indoor 18 offers three bays which it rents on an hourly basis and each can accommodate four golfers although restrictions may be in effect due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Owner Steven Metcalf, a former teacher who changed careers due to his own passion for golf, said at this time his facility has been popular among those seeking sophisticated feedback as well as those looking to use the simulators to play rounds. Unlike a TopGolf or Golf Suites facility, Indoor 18 does not offer food and does not have a liquor license.

“That’s probably the question we get asked most often,” Metcalf said. “But we do have a nice restaurant next door with a full bar.”

Metcalf started toying with the idea of an indoor golf facility as long as eight years ago. A former high school baseball player bitten by the golf bug, he and his wife waited until they felt secure enough to invest in the TrackMan monitors, which are state-oif-the-art and certainly not inexpensive at close to $25,000 each. They then were hit by a pandemic making lots of folks leery of indoor facilities and will certainly welcome a vaccine later this winter or spring.

Meanwhile, golfers are using the bays with social distancing guidelines in place. Indoor 18 is open noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and by appointment on weekends. Club company PXG uses Indoor 18 for many of its club fittings. With both Golf USA and Golf Galaxy minutes away, Metcalf said he has no plans to expand into retail sales.

“Right now we’re a practice facility as well as the simulator play,” Metcalf said. “These type of facilities are very popular in a lot of states in the north but it’s a newer concept here.”

Metcalf said he is exploring working out agreements with local public courses to bring a TrackMan to their ranges in summer months so golfers can get their swing data as well as see ball flight. To learn more or set an appointment, call 405-432-4653 or visit www.indoor18.com.