4 minute read
Mulligans
Mulligans
A New Swing on Main Street
Words by Major Rogers | Photos by Topograph
Kismet best describes the fate that is bringing Main Street, Visalia, one of the best golf simulator scenes for miles around. Two partners, two visions, one goal. Shane Moss is an Orange County transplant, moving to the area from SoCal in August of 2019. Shane had served as a pastor for 30 years before the move. He brought with him a vision of opening a business that attracted a diverse range of people to enjoy time together. He also has a love for golf, and a dislike of the hot afternoons that can ruin a round of golf in the Valley heat. He eventually had a revelation. In 2020, Shane started his business plan for opening an indoor golf simulator attraction. His path wasn’t smooth, trying to find a suitable partner, investors, and a location. “I almost gave up 10 times,” he says. There were so many no’s along the way, Shane wasn’t sure it was ever going to come to fruition. About that time, a mutual friend introduced Shane to Scott Wright, believing the two were on the same path. After Scott had recently experienced the thrill of a golf simulator in Cabo San Lucas, he too started the search for creating something similar back home. Over the passing months, Shane and Scott got to know each other, making sure they were a solid fit to partner. Soon after, it was apparent they clicked and haven’t looked back. Shane brought his business and marketing mind to the table. Scott brought his creativity and construction knowledge into play. Scott has extensive building experience as the owner of Supreme Construction, out of his hometown of Tulare. As a result, Main Street has yet another destination, in a cutting-edge golf simulator attraction called Mulligans.
← GOLF ALL YEAR ROUND →
Two partners, two visions, one goal.
After searching prospective locations in town, the old Visalia Theatre came into play, when another buyer's attempts fell through with the city. Shane knew of the theatre’s turbulent past ownership, including the city’s purchase of the property, which resulted in the Enchanted Playhouse Theatre Company losing their performance house. When Shane became aware of what the Playhouse crew went through, he reached out to them to create a relationship. “They’ve been invited to the grand opening,” he says earnestly, showing his empathy for what happened to the troupe. The children’s theatre group ultimately got an upgrade, now performing in the historic Fox Theatre.
The next concern: Property cleanup. When the partners toured the facility, they saw the heavy work ahead. The theatre was in disrepair, with everything from a pigeon problem to asbestos. The work was nothing Scott couldn’t handle, and he went to work. And what is it? An 8500-sq. ft. property that specializes in group activities. There are seven golfing bays, with two available as executive suites for private or business gatherings. Participants hit an actual ball into a 170-degree curved screen, while pressure plates below your feet register your form. The ball then enters the interactive world, landing on any of nearly 100 world-famous courses, like St. Andrews, Spy Glass, or Pebble Beach. Other planned activities and services within the complex will include golf lessons, summer camps, golf club fittings, and tournaments. You can bring your own clubs, or rent from the complex.
The scene is described as a merger between the spirits of the Waste Management Phoenix Open (zero-waste environmentally friendly tournament), and the class and tradition of the Augusta, Georgia Masters. “We will be serving high-end bar food,” Shane says of the cuisine, describing the care and quality that will go into their offerings, such as sandwiches, sliders, and other sharable items. There is a full bar with lounge seating, or you can have your order delivered to your golf group while staying in the action.
With a place to go, you can have a fun time with family, friends, and community, no matter your golf ability. Fore!
- CLASS & TRADITION OF AUGUSTA, GEORGIA -
Grand Opening July 2024
307 East Main Street, Visalia, CA | playatmulligans.com | @playatmulligans
