CG Indoor Golf Guide

The Flatstick Pub (Kirkland location shown here) brings a local flair to each location.

BY TONY DEAR • CG EDITOR

The Bellingham Business Journal posted a story in March of 2020, announcing a new business coming to town — the Flatstick Pub. The website revealed that the pub would be taking over the 6,000-square foot space at the southern end of State St. that had previously housed the New York Pizza Restaurant & Bar.

With four existing locations — two in Seattle, a lively spot on W. Main St. in Spokane and the original site in Kirkland just a few hundred feet from Lake Washington, Flatstick would be bringing to Bellingham the now familiar mix of golf, locally-brewed beer and food that had worked so well elsewhere.

Flatstick Pub was founded in 2014 by brothers Sam and Andy Largent. A graduate of Washington State University and former accountant, Sam had pushed numbers around for 15 years and was ready for a change of scene. So, he cashed in his 401K and became his own boss, opening a dog-friendly pub that offered guests two dozen Washington beers, pizzas and snacks, TVs, a table game named duffleboard that was a hybrid of mini golf and shuffleboard the Largents had invented themselves, and an entertaining, purpose-built, nine-hole mini-golf course.

That the company was able to open its second location — underground at Pioneer Square with nine holes of mini-golf whose shape spelled out S-E-A-T-T-L-E and which ended with a 12-foot-high model of the Space Needle — a little more than a year later showed how the Flatstick formula was working.

The South Lake Union pub then opened in July, 2018 in an 11,000-square-foot space that had been a car showroom and is now part of the building that houses the Allen Institute. Flatstick retained the old building’s original exterior façade and installed a mini-golf course complete with elevation changes, moving kegs as obstacles and, instead of a Space Needle, a 12-foot-tall Sasquatch to avoid.

A similarly large space was needed for the Spokane pub that welcomed its first guests a few months later in November, and then plans for Bellingham were drawn up.

But COVID scuppered any chance of its opening on the desired date in July of 2020, and it wouldn’t be until March 3 this year, in fact, that its doors could open, and then only at 25 percent capacity (it’s at 100 percent capacity now). Brie Braun, former assistant manager at the Kirkland pub, was appointed general manager and two new games were introduced — dufflepong (a mix of duffleboard and beer pong) and pockets (a blend of minigolf and pool where the winner is the first to putt all six balls into all six pockets before sinking the 8-ball).

Andy Largent, the company’s CEO, has been buoyed by business so far. “We’ve been really busy, which is very encouraging given everything we are still dealing with in regards to COVID,” he says. ”We are excited to be in such a wonderful community and excited to see what the future holds for us in Bellingham.’’

As with South Lake Union and Spokane, the Bellingham pub partners with Ethan Stowell Restaurants to provide pizzas plus snacks and salads. The number of taps

Tcurrently stands at 32 with 21 beers (all Washington — it’s not quite the company’s slogan, but the words ‘Drinking local does good’ is very much the ethos, including six beers from Bellingham breweries), four ciders, three wines, two cocktails, one hard seltzer and one ginger beer. The mini-golf course ($8 per player – book tee times online) doesn’t feature a 12-foot model of Mount Baker, the magnificent old City Hall, Ryan Stiles, Jake Locker, Glenn Beck, Hilary Swank, Ken Griffey Jr. or anyone else who was born, raised, lived or played pro baseball for one season in Bellingham, but it’s a hoot nonetheless. Western Washington University students are fast becoming regulars at the Flatstick, which offers a great Happy Hour (drinks and pizzas) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3-6 p.m. “Having students back in town and on campus has been awesome,” says Andy Largent. “I think we are still really trying to get our name out there to reach more of the student population, but those that have been into the pub always seem to have a great time.” I visited one Sunday afternoon in early November with a group of friends and was driving so I stuck to soda while the rest enjoyed some of the more exotic beers (sour apricot and plum sour). We ate good pizza, had some competitive moments on the table games, entered raffles to win Kraken tickets and, of course, played mini golf. It was a blast, and we’re going to do it again soon — this time with wives, kids (over-21s only after 7 p.m.)… and dogs!

BY BOB SHERWIN • CG STAFF WRITER

During the shutdown last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, golf emerged as one of the few activities that could be safely enjoyed. Folks gathered and played at area golf courses, confidently assured of adequate social distancing space along with an abundant outdoor expanse.

That wasn’t the case, however, for a quite specific and unique version of golf — Lounge by TopGolf in Kirkland. Four walls can change the parameters.

Kirkland was the first location in the Seattle area – in fact, first of its kind in the world – licensed by TopGolf, a global company with more than 70 locations around the U.S. and the world. The company, now owned by Callaway Golf Co., features two types of facilities. One is colorful outdoor multiple-bay driving ranges in which customers attempt to hit various targets stretched out over hundreds of yards. The other is indoor facilities in which customers swing away using simulators with realistic virtual images.

It was those indoor facilities that were subject to COVID restrictions. Kirkland TopGolf, located on the second floor of the Kirkland Urban center off Central Way, opened in mid-March 2020. Less than a month later, it closed due to state mandated restrictions on indoor facilities.

“We were closed for a year because indoor gaming was not allowed, until April 2021,” said Hum Kim, Kirkland’s TopGolf manager. He had to disband his staff, turn out the lights and, like the rest of us, hunker down until it was reasonably safe to interact indoors again.

“We had to start from the ground up again,” Kim added. “We managed to pull through. People are still a little apprehensive but we’re starting to build confidence again.”

Reservations are now required to reserve one of the five high-tech bays that offer the TopGolf Swing Suite technology. You can bring your own clubs or rent a set. Players can choose among more than 100 golf courses to play, or simply shoot at the target areas, like the outdoor ranges in simulation form.

The Lounge attracts a wide variety of customers, particularly families. Kids can use the simulators for other sports choices including soccer, football, dodge ball, baseball, hockey and even a dunk-a-clown game.

Kim said golfers come in, solo or in groups, before and after work to hone their golf skills. There is a data readout for every shot, which serves as self-analysis. As winter approaches, traffic should increase. “With inclement weather,’’ Kim added, “it’s more popular.”

Among the customers that the lounge welcomed back recently was Seahawks John Schneider, who hosted a private party for many of the players, staff and families.

The 9,200-square foot lounge is built around a circular bar. The Lounge prides itself on its cocktails and smallplate specialties.

There is another golfer entertainment center in Bellevue, Forum Social House on Bellevue Way. It offers TopGolf Swing Lounge technology but cannot bill itself as TopGolf. Forum offers more than 80 golf courses and other computer sports games as well as pool and table tennis tables.

Oregon has the only outdoor center in the Northwest. It’s in Hillsboro, near Portland. TopGolf is building another outdoor golf facility in the Seattle area at the Landing in Renton. It is expected to open next spring.

Kirkland’s Lounge is open seven days a week, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., 11 p.m. on the weekend.

Go to swingsuite.topgolf.com/locations/map/ to get directions and info on all the locations above.

What’s the one element of indoor golf (or covered outdoor ranges for that matter) that often gets forgotten? We see the colorful, data-packed simulator screens with beautiful renditions of our favorite courses, the incredibly efficient launch monitors and, if it’s a hospitality/ entertainment venue, the lounge seating, cool lighting, large-screen TVs and bar.

Little thought is ever given to the surface we actually hit balls off (or on if it’s an artificial putting green) even though it’s probably as crucial to the success and reputation of the facility as everything else — how popular would a high-tech fitting studio or virtual game lounge be if the impact mats gave a totally unreliable feeling of club/turf contact?

Based in Woodinville is a company that supplies the most advanced synthetic turf in the industry to a wide range of clients in Western Washington, both residential and commercial. Synthetic Turf Northwest was founded in 1996 and is now run by Mike VanDeveer who purchased it from his friend with whom he played regularly at Snohomish Golf Course. VanDeveer, now a member at Everett Country Club, always saw the company’s potential and has turned it into a multi-million dollar enterprise employing close to 30 staff. “We have 500-600 clients between Arlington and Kent and do a lot of outdoor residential installations,” says VanDeveer, adding that, currently, about 35-percent of the business is golf-related.

They can customize an installation to your budget and needs for indoors or outside. Visit syntheticturfnorthwest.com for more information.

BY BOB SHERWIN • CG STAFF WRITER

When it comes to golf in Seattle’s north end, four friends from Edmonds have become quite an impactful foursome.

They made golf a virtual reality.

The four peers, all 40-something, saw the need for an indoor facility in the area and brought together a space and the latest in golf simulator technology. They operate the Back9 Parlor in the Alderwood Towne Center, in what used to be the Clubhouse Golf Center. It is at 3105 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Suite A, in Lynnwood.

The four are investors and have taken on various roles. Scott Taffera and Brian Remington promote the business, lining up and arranging folks to play in the various leagues. David Bowman is the numbers guy while Rian Cool is the digital marketing genius and ‘Mulligan Specialist.’

Back9 Parlor opened in March 2019 and, like so many businesses, had to endure the starts, stops and insecurities of dealing with the COVID-19 protocols. But with restrictions easing and winter approaching, this time of year is in the Parlor’s wheelhouse, or in this case, its swing zone.

The rainy, chilly weather over the next few months will mean folks will have trouble getting on their regular outdoor courses but the Back9 Parlor is open seven days a week (Mon.-Thurs., 1-10 pm; Fri., 1-11 pm; Sat., 10 a.m.11 p.m.; and Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.).

The Parlor uses Full Swing technology, in which the golfer hits balls – in one of six bays -- into a screen. High-speed cameras and infrared lighting trace the impact and ball flight, projected onto on-screen animation. Data from every shot is shown so the golfer has instant feedback to aid his/her swing process.

There is a video replay that shows exactly where that specific club head made contact with the ball, a valuable instructional tool. Weather such as rain and wind, and even atmospheric conditions such as high altitude, also can be programmed into the system for more realistic elements.

“Our business model runs really the opposite of the golf season,” Cool told Golf Talk Washington. “The core of our business runs September, October through till May.”

Among the most popular activities are the weekly leagues during the winter. Two-person teams, playing in an 18-hole, alternate-shot format, generally play a 13week schedule. Handicaps are kept, keeping the leagues competitive. Participants can bring their own clubs, which gives them more familiarity and self-confidence, or can rent clubs.

Full Swing has 85 different courses from around the world that golfers can play. In addition, the simulators can be converted to play sports games, football, soccer, baseball, etc., so whole families can participate. The bays are situated around a full bar/restaurant. Simulators rent from between $40-$50 per hour.

Book an experience at back9parlor.com and read more on their programming.

BY BOB SHERWIN • CG STAFF WRITER

When Echo Falls Golf Club underwent its million-dollar renovation during the winter of 201920, the owners of the 29-year-old public course decided that it might be a smart idea to add a dash of Pebble Beach to it. Perhaps even toss in a measure of St. Andrews or a more familiar Bandon Dunes.

Those courses are just three of the 27 notable courses that Echo Falls makes available — all in one place — at the touch of a switch. They are part of the E6 Connect system, which has a library of more than 100 courses from around the world.

Players can dial up one of the legendary courses on the simulator and play a complete virtual round in little more than an hour, without the mulligans, gimmes, foot wedges or lost balls.

“Most people want to play Pebble Beach,” said Greg Morris, Echo Falls’ assistant pro. “It’s realistic. There’s a lot of detail there. The distance is pretty accurate. The graphics are all good.”

The E6 system was initially installed as a teaching tool. Every swing generates a readout of measurable data, impact angle, club speed, ball flight, and spin ratio. This all allows the player to adjust the swing for more perfect contact.

Morris said all the data, readouts and various mea-surements, “can make your swing better in a half hour.” It also can help the instructor better fit the golfers with clubs. But the system’s hidden benefit is its high entertainment value, not just the ability to seemingly play the great golf courses in the world but also to play other games such as hockey, soccer and football.

The club has found that many of its members – particularly during the winter or inclement weather – have rented out the room, formed leagues and sharpened their rejoinders. League play began last October with at least 20 players on an eight-week schedule.

“We rented it out quite a bit in the (last) winter,” Morris said. “We expect a little more this winter.” Many of the folks who rent the simulator are Echo Falls members but it’s not limited to them. Anyone in the community can make a reservation and enjoy the experience.

The renovation was designed so that the E6 system would have a room of its own in the clubhouse, adjacent to the full-service restaurant/bar. That puts the participants at minimal risk of hunger or thirst during their rounds. The nearby restaurant patrons also can feel safe from being hit by an errant drive.

Visit echofallsgolf.com for information on the indoor and outdoor golf there in the woods of Snohomish.

BY TONY DEAR • CG EDITOR

If there’s one thing about golf equipment that’s become abundantly clear over the last decade or two it’s that clubfitting works. Actually, the late, great Karsten Solheim, who grew up in Seattle and founded Ping from his Redwood City, Calif. garage in 1959, recognized the value of being fit as early as 1972 when he introduced Ping’s iconic color code system that helped golfers identify their clubs’ most suitable lie angle.

Today’s clubfitters are able to determine so much more than the correct lie angle that Solheim focused on 49 years ago. And though there are numerous excellent fitters in western Washington, it’s doubtful any of them can fit you better than the professionals at Puetz Golf.

Puetz labels its professionals the ‘Kings of Clubfitting,’ which seems reasonable when you consider the accolades — Mizuno Top 100 Fitter, Ping Top 100 Fitter, Callaway Top 100 Fitter, Golf Digest 100 Best Clubfitter and TaylorMade Certified Fitter.

Though each of the company’s four locations specializes in a certain club brand’s fitting process or is sponsored by a particular brand — Seattle (Ping), Bellevue (Callaway), Tukwila (TaylorMade) and Tacoma (Ping), it’s important to know each store offers thousands of head/shaft/grip combinations from every manufacturer to ensure the customer leaves with a set of sticks that will elevate his/her game. “Each performance center just gives a little more emphasis on the brand name associated with it,” says Mike Livingston, Puetz Golf’s General Manager. “You can be fitted for any clubs at any location, but they might offer more demos, more training, and a wider scope of offerings for the sponsor brand.”

Though a fitting company might offer an enormous range of club options, ensuring exactly the right mix of components for you or any golfer can really only be found by a trained, experienced fitter of which Puetz has at least four in each studio. Together, those fitters perform roughly 5,000 sessions every year — an average of close to 14 every single day. To guarantee the precise measurements that help them make educated recommendations, each Puetz fitter relies on either Foresight or Trackman launch monitors to capture the golfer’s performance metrics. The Foresight GC Quad is a ‘stereoscopic camera system that precisely captures and analyzes ball characteristics at the most critical point of measurement — impact — to deliver the most accurate values of ball performance available’. The Trackman device is equally impressive, showing the shot’s actual 3D trajectory in real time whether it be a 40-yard pitch or 400-yard drive, and ‘pinpointing the landing position with an accuracy of one foot at 100 yards’.

Sessions in either of Seattle, Bellevue or Tacoma’s two fitting bays, or Tacoma’s three, are by appointment only and last about an hour. The cost is $49.99 though the fee is waived with any new club purchase.