By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

How many times have you peered out your window and thought about playing golf even though the weather is not ideal?

You may have a cart cover and a heater, but, naturally, ice on the greens or left over snow keeps the course unplayable.

And sometimes the golf course just closes over the winter months despite the weather.

The Fairways at Twin Lakes has the answer every golfer is seeking: A way to play golf all winter in the comfort of the clubhouse no matter what the weather is like outside.

A NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART SIMULATOR

It is difficult to miss when you walk into The Fairways at Twin Lakes clubhouse in Kent. A new indoor simulator with state-of-the-art technology from Foresight Golf has been installed on the main floor and is ready to use.

Bryan Harvey, in his fifth year as manager of the former country club and the successful Kent Roosevelt varsity girls golf coach for 13 seasons, wanted a winter option for golfers, including his high school golf team.

The indoor simulator provides the perfect opportunity whether practicing on the range, chipping or playing nine or 18-holes.

“Golfers can choose from the best courses in the world or simply practice and work on their game,” said Harvey.

Courses include Firestone Country Club, Harbour Town Links, Pebble Beach and TPC Scottsdale, among hundreds of others.

Available starting Thursday, golfers only need to call the Fairways clubhouse at 330-673-7888 to make an appointment.

Couches behind the simulator allow for the comfort of watching the golfers in the pairing play their game. Individual stats are available while playing.

“It takes approximately one hour per golfer to play 18 holes on a simulator, with minimal putting,” said Harvey.

Don’t let your game suffer because you don’t touch a golf club during the winter season. Now you can play golf with your friends or enjoy a practice round in the off-season to keep the golf game sharp and have a great time.

The Fairways at Twin Lakes golf course is also open, weather permitting, throughout the winter. Call for times available.

THE FACTS

Primetime pricing is available Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is $30 an hour for one player, $17.50 each for two players, $15 each for three players and $12.50 each for four players.

Off-peak hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is $20 per golfer or $15 per senior for a one-hour range session. One hour of course play is $25 for one person, $15 each for two golfers, $12.50 for three golfers or $10 per person for four players.

After the fourth player, additional golfers are free. The simulator might be closed when the outside course is open.

In an effort to maintain punctual use for all golfers using the simulator, golfers will be asked to gather their clubs and belongings at the 55-minute mark, for instance 3 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. Primetime billing hours begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday no matter what time the individual or group tees off.