New South Park private club offers virtual golf — and up to $8,500 in initiation fees
Following the city of Charlotte hosting the Presidents Cup last month, a private social club is set to open in South Park. But this one’s course is virtual.
Intown Golf Club, based in Atlanta, will open early next year at Apex SouthPark, according to the company’s brochure online. The 13,000-square-foot ground-floor space includes a covered patio and outside putting green. It will join the mixed-used development by Childress Klein and Ascentris off Sharon Road near SouthPark mall.
The new golfer social club enters a field of simulation golf players in the Charlotte area with competitors Topgolf, The Puttery and X-Golf America.
Last month, some of the best golfers in the world competed in the four-day Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.
Just 10 miles away, in April The PGA TOUR Superstore opened 35,640-square-foot store specializing in golf, tennis and pickleball accessories and equipment at 5341 Ballantyne Commons Parkway.
Intown Golf Club offers the private club experience in a convenient and weather-proof setting, CEO and found Michael Williamson said in an open letter on the company’s website.
There are four membership levels: social, individual, individual plus and family. Initiation fees range from $5,000 to $8,500 for ages 35 and older, and $3,000 to $6,500 for 34 and younger, according to the company’s website. A note also states fees will increase $1,000 after the opening.
Monthly dues range from $150 to $360.
“We are a gathering place for men and women who share a passion for this game and a desire to play more golf,” Williamson penned.
Intown Golf Club, with two locations in Atlanta, opened last year and is expanding to Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; Nashville, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; and Scottsdale, Arizona, according to the company.
What to expect at Intown Golf Club
The club has 10 bays with seating, televisions and Trackman simulators to practice and play on over 40 courses, such as St Andrews and Sea Island. Trackman provides instant feedback, data collection, and live shot analysis about club head speed, smash factor, spin rate and attack angle.
Golfers can compete with fellow members in tournaments, weekly events, contests, and season-long leagues.
Club members and non-members can take golf instruction available daily from full-time PGA instructors and club fittings are available by True Spec Golf. There’s also golf fitness training and free group instruction.
Intown’s architecture and design firm is ai3 in Atlanta.
Hours will be 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, according to the brochure.
According to the company, there’s already a waitlist to join. The club will release a few memberships each month.
To apply for membership, visit intowngolfclub.com/membership-application-charlotte using password NoMatterTheWeather.
More than golf
The social hub includes a full-service kitchen and bar with menus created by Frederico Castellucci III, president and CEO of Castellucci Hospitality Group, according to Intown’s website.
Other amenities include a locker room with steam showers, conference rooms, phone booths, high-speed WiFi, cub rental and bag storage, valet and bag drop, access to green grass courses, outdoor terrace and putting green.
The Charlotte Ledger first reported about Intown Golf Club’s Charlotte plans.
Other simulated golf venues
Several golf entertainment venues have recently opened in the Charlotte area.
In December 2021, The Puttery, by Drive Shack, opened its adults-only golf entertainment spot in South End and Brookhill neighborhoods. Puttery Charlotte features two themed golf courses, two bars, garage-style doors for an indoor/outdoor patio experience, and several lounges and seating areas.
In June 2021, Topgolf, where players aim for targets, opened its second Charlotte location on Macfarlane Boulevard, near Ikea off Interstate 85. The multi-level, indoor-outdoor 65,000-square-foot venue includes a restaurant and bar.
Topgolf opened its first site five years ago in Steele Creek.
Also in June 2021, X-Golf America debuted at 1177 Stonecrest Blvd. in Tega Cay, S.C., about 10 miles from uptown Charlotte.
The site includes a restaurant and full-service bar. It offers indoor golf simulator technology that replicates golf shots, including short games and putting, through camera systems, infrared lasers, impact sensors and advanced gaming software. X-Golf offers virtual golf competitions, leagues and lessons for all skill levels.
This story was originally published October 13, 2022 at 5:46 AM.