Play golf anytime, watch sports at this new Lexington simulator, bar
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Winter is coming, but a new Lexington business doesn’t think it means you need to put your golf clubs into storage.
Sand Trap, an indoor golf facility and bar, opened in mid-September at 2532 Regency Rd., offering the most simulators in Lexington.
The three golf simulator bays offer players an opportunity to play 333 courses, including some of the top courses around the world such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews Links.
A full-service bar, televisions and a putting green surround the state-of-the-art simulators, which offer players practice, analytics, games and more.
“There’s kids games too,” said co-owner Eric Bivins. “My 4-year-old comes in here and messes around. You hit, and these little monsters pop out. We’ve got putt putt for kids, closest to the pin. That’s a fun game to play with a bunch of friends. And then you obviously got all the courses.”
Sand Trap offers monthly memberships for $150, or you can pay annually to get a 20% discount. Members get access to the indoor facility without staff — the bar is locked up — from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. After 4 p.m., the bar is open and the simulators are open to the public. Public rates are $50 an hour Mon.-Fri. and $60 an hour on the weekends.
There is no food, but Bivins says you can bring food in, and they have a back garage door for food trucks. Private group rental is available.
Bivins said they are a mix of golf practice facility and entertainment venue, one that includes leagues and tournaments with prizes, the most recent sponsored by DraftKings.
“If you’re spending the money to become a member, I think you’re practicing, you know your game. You’re not just coming up here to have fun. You’re investing in your golf game,” said Bivins. “After 4 p.m., yes, it’s an entertainment space. We have 12 TVs in here, so we watch games. We put the audio on from the TV and it’s a great spot to watch games while you’re hitting golf balls.”
Sand Trap opens as another Lexington golf simulator place closes
The Sand Trap opens after a similar virtual golf place closed nearby at Fayette Mall. Par 6 Social, a bar and restaurant with three Topgolf Swing Suites, closed less than six months after opening. But Bivins points out there are some differences between them and Par 6 Social at the mall, which will soon be the location for a new upscale contemporary Italian restaurant.
“One, rent is way cheaper. Two, it’s not a full service kitchen and staff,” said Bivins. “So our overhead is a lot lower. The bays (at Par 6 Social) were always rented for people playing golf, but then it was just hard for people to eat chicken wings and swing a golf club at the same time. So we’re heavy on the golf.”
Sand Trap
Where: 2532 Regency Rd. Ste 101
Membership rates: Monthly for $150 monthly or pay annually for 20% discount. Member only access 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Public rates: $50 an hour Mon.-Fri.; $60 an hour on the weekends
Hours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. weekends
Reservations: sandtraplex.com
Club rental: Clubs available to use on site but recommended to bring your own clubs
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