Minnesota’s golf season will unfortunately be coming to an end as temperatures continue to drop throughout the fall. But lest you think traveling south is the only way to continue your game, there’s a new Twin Cities option for avid golfers to play during the winter months. To accommodate members during the off-season, Olympic Hills Golf Club recently debuted its winter-ready facility, the Bays at Olympic Hills.
Olympic Hills has become one of the area’s most renown courses since its 2013 renovation. In addition to the course’s magnificent greens, the property boasts fine dining, a fitness/yoga center and an array of social activities. But the most recent addition has quickly become the most impressive.
Completed in June by Aulik Design Build, the 1,800-square-foot structure features two hitting boxes, state-of-the-art technology and high-end finishes. Large retractable glass doors allows players to hit balls directly out onto the range while swinging in the climate-controlled indoors. If exterior temperatures are too grueling, players can close the doors and hit onto a simulated projection screen.
The luxurious atmosphere is what makes the Bays so alluring. Hardwood floors, flat-screen televisions, leather sofas, minibars and a dartboard give the space a social club feel. State-of-the-art technology can be found throughout, including a TrackMan system that provides extremely accurate simulations. One of the hitting mats is equipped with a high-speed camera and extra LED lighting to help players analyze their swing with the assistance of an instructor.
Olympic Hills General Manager Rudy Luther notes that feedback about the Bays has been overwhelmingly positive. “The initial reaction is astonishment at the facility and an overwhelming gratitude for the ability to play golf year-round in Minnesota,” he says. “The versatility of the space and attention to detail definitely came through in the final product. We are extremely excited for our members to enjoy it this winter, when the facility will get the majority of its use.”
Reservations can be made on a mobile app or through an online system. “Members can book their own reservation for up to an hour and ask the golf shop for approval for longer bookings,” Luther explains. After entering, members can check themselves in using built-in iPads. The Bays are currently available for use exclusively by Olympic Hills members.
