INDOOR 18

Story and photos by Erika Williams

Whether you’re playing a quick round with a group of friends or hitting the driving range to work on your swing, golf is one of the most popular warm weather activities for people of all ages. But when the Oklahoma heat and humidity reaches its peak during the summer months, it can be hard to imagine spending a day on the golf course. Indoor 18, a climate controlled indoor golf facility located in Edmond, offers golfers the chance to practice and play using the latest technology.

Indoor 18 opened in May 2020 and is a PGA recognized facility. Owner Steven Metcalf says he has had the idea to start this business since college with the goal of helping golfers of all ages and skill levels. For Steven, accessibility has always been an important part of his business model.

“When my wife and I developed the idea and really got going with everything, our goal was to put a piece of equipment that’s usually not accessible for people because of the price in everybody’s hands. That was kind of our big goal with everything, and to allow junior golfers to use the same stuff the guys on tour use and ladies on tour use,” said Steven. “It gives a really good opportunity for people to get access to stuff that they historically probably have not had access to.”

The facility features TrackMan technology which is a top-of-theline system used by professionals to examine their form and practice golf without interference from the weather.

Using this technology, Indoor 18 golfers can get data on their technique and improve their game one swing at a time. Steven says this technology allows people to see data points and metrics as they work on their form.

“We can honestly say this is one of the top two systems in the world. It is definitely what the pros use and they trust. And there’s a reason that when you look at these tournaments on TV, you’re going to see the same technology out there,” said Steven. “We use the most current model. It gives everybody club and ball data so that they can get really every swing mechanic or component that they’re looking for.”

For those new to golf or TrackMan technology, Steven and his staff can assist in helping understand the information it provides. The system is also set to mimic Oklahoma weather so that the results can be replicated on a typical local golf course.

“Typically, we see within about 1 percent accuracy. Which for, I would say, 99.9 percent of golfers, that’s probably plenty. There are very few people that probably need more accuracy than that 1 percent. We do love the fact that it is very, very accurate,” said Steven.

In August, Indoor 18 is moving to a new facility located at 17516 N Western Ave. in Edmond. This facility will be larger than the current location and will feature a state-ofthe-art putting lab.

“We really want them to get their putters dialed in and kind of work on the short game side a little bit more,” said Steven. “We’re really spending a lot of time and effort building a facility that’ll support that along with what we’ve built the last two years.”

The new facility will also feature an outdoor area open only to Indoor 18 membership holders.

Said Steven, “The outdoor space is going to allow people to chip, putt, hit off the grass, and different things like that. It’ll be a mem-

ber-only area, so there is going to be a membership required in order to access that portion of it.”

Walk-ins will still be welcome to use the other services at Indoor 18’s new facility. Steven is working to finalize the details of the membership but says it will be very beneficial to those who decide to sign up.

“The membership will give people access for a certain number of hours within the bay each month and it’s a month-to-month membership. We don’t do long-term contracts. We realize that times change quickly for people and we don’t want people to be stressed about that,” said Steven. “We will still be open to the public. We’re not going to restrict that at all, but we do want to try to get people in as a member because they will receive a few more benefits out of that side of it. It’s going to be a really good option. It’s a very low break-even point for people.”

Indoor 18 accommodates both groups and individuals. Bays are rented by the hour and groups of up to four can come in and play on one of the many courses TrackMan system offers.

“We’ve got over 120 courses available all over the world that people could play. We’re constantly getting new ones added. That’s definitely a popular feature a lot of people really like,” said Steven. “Our most famous courses are probably St. Andrews Links Old Course, Muirfield Village, PGA National are a couple of our most popular ones.”

Individuals are also welcome to play the courses, but most come in to use the shot analysis system used by PGA and LPGA golfers. Steven says this system collects about 30 different data parameters to help golfers analyze their swing.

Those interested in working with a coach can schedule lessons through Indoor 18. Steven is currently working to become a full

PGA member, and there are four fully-certified PGA coaches who teach lessons at Indoor 18 or at their home courses. Indoor 18 is Oklahoma’s PXG hub and offers club repair services on all types of clubs. “We’ve got over 120 courses Indoor 18’s staff works efficiently to get clubs returned to customers as available all over the world soon as possible. Steven says they can usually complete most repairs in only that people could play.” a couple of days. “We’re a full-service club -Steven Metcalf repair center now. We do everything from loft and lie adjustments to reshafting,” said Steven. “Most of our services are a one to two day turnaround at most. Gripping is typically done the same day. We try to really get things knocked out quickly. We know people don’t want to be without clubs for very long.” Indoor 18 is open year-round, and even though winter is their busiest season, Steven wants people to know that summer is a great time to visit Indoor 18 and get some practice while beating the heat. “We’re here to help you throughout the entire year, whether the weather is perfect or brutal outside because of the heat, rain, or whatever it may be,” said Steven.