Golf Simulator Rolls into Center City

Do you love hitting the links, but are sick of driving an hour in each direction to escape the concrete jungle that is downtown and find some actual grass? Golf fans, I have some exciting news. Five Iron Philadelphia just opened, bringing high-quality golf simulation, along with a hangout-worthy bar and lounge, to Rittenhouse Square.

No stranger to big city life, Five Iron is based in New York City, with locations in Baltimore and Chicago. The new location will boast no fewer than eight full-sized simulators, a studio for lessons, showers for guests… and that’s just the golf stuff. There’s also an expansive lounge with a full bar and food menu. Golf coaches are available on-site to assist guests with their swing and the fine points of putting, and those without their own gear can rent top-of-the-line clubs so they can swing like Tiger Woods. Feeling like a star? Leagues are being organized, so you can give your competitive side as much of a workout as your arms!

As is the case with just about any type of golf, “real” or simulated, play at Five Iron is a bit pricey. From Penn Live:

Simulator rentals will set you back $22.50 per half hour during off-peak times and $32.50 per half hour (or $60 per hour) at peak rental times. Off-peak horus are Monday through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 8 p.m. to close. Peak hours are all day Saturday, Sunday from to 8 p.m. and then from 4 p.m. to close Monday-Friday.

Luxurious golf simulators have been catching a toehold in the Keystone State. Five Iron’s biggest competitor, TopGolf, will be opening a state-of-the-art facility in northeast Philadelphia later this year. Right now, the closest full-sized TopGolf location is in Pittsburgh. Tiny outlets, called TopGolf Swing Suites, are peppered throughout the state. If you fancy a bit of a drive, Harrisburg Golf Simulator is also a fan favorite.