Indoor golf simulator opens Jan. 1
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Tony Tatro, PGA professional and Titleist Performance Institute certified and certified golf fitness instructor, demonstrates how to use one of the golf simulators located at the new Frog Hair Indoor Golf Experience, 7800 Transit Road, set to open Jan. 1. Photo by John Rusac

7800 Transit Road has been recreated into an indoor golfing, entertainment experience for the serious golfers to those out for an evening of fun.

Frog Hair Indoor Golf Experience will open on Monday, Jan. 1 and features eight simulators each with several options for virtual rounds of golf.

Tony Tatro, PGA professional and Titleist Performance Institute certified and certified golf fitness instructor, has been overseeing the development of the facility in the former Club Evolution building.

"There is such a thriving Western New York golf community, and it doesn't stand to reason that it would be dormant for half the year," he said. "But Frog Hair isn't meant to be merely an escape from the cold. It's going to be a hold spot for golfers who want to fine tune their game or just have a night out with friends and family, no matter the season."

Golfers aim at a 12-foot by 9-foot screen. The simulator comes with a variety of courses or precision training in which the golfer aims at a target.

"It's the perfect place for new golfers, and children," Tatro said about using Frog Hair to learn the game.

The simulator collects data from each player analyzing the quality of the swing, speed of the ball and club, angle, distance of the shot and spin rates. Regulars at the Frog Hair can create a file with all the data on their shots and use it each time they visit.

Tatro said discussions about starting up indoor simulators made him question, "Why wouldn't that work in Buffalo?"

The idea grew to include a bar and restaurant to complete the whole experience. In addition to solo golfers, small groups and business associates can rent the bays for events.

"It has a comfortable country club feel," he said. "It's a place to hit balls, have fun and get better."

Possible future plans include installing a putting green on an outdoor patio. A neighboring building will host a golf academy.

"The academy will use the greatest technology available in the game right now," he said. "The full service (program) is like nothing else in the country."

The academy is set to tentatively open the end of January and will be taught by Eran Kabakov, a local fitness instructor, and his company Physability.

Tatro said this will be the only facility of its kind in the area. With Buffalo's short golf season and number of golfers, Frog Hair is able to find a niche in this region, he said.

Tatro said the facility will draw in users from hundreds of miles away, from college and high school teams, to professional athletes.

The majority of the instructional staff is PGA credited or currently in the process of achieving the title.

The simulator time varies and costs of use compares to regional outdoor courses, Tatro said.

Following its grand opening Frog Hair will begin to offer junior camps, men, women, seniors and couple leagues. Clubs are available at the facility.

The simulators are available from 8 a.m. to the last reservations being taken around 10 p.m. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to close, which includes the bar.

Applications are still being accepted for wait staff and dishwashers. For more information call 839-FROG or visit www.thefroghair.com.