Tucked into a cleverly designed tiny home on Bow Street, the Unreal Clubhouse is bringing a whole new golf experience to Raglan. Using state-of-the-art simulator technology, players can practice their swing, play famous courses from around the world, or enjoy a social round with friends. We Chat to Deane Parkes to hear all about it.
Can you describe your new business?
The Unreal Clubhouse is a purpose built golf simulator inside a tiny home. It has the latest state of the art equipment for people to practice, play and even mini putt inside. From the practice side there is an amazing amount of data to show you what’s good and what’s not about your swing. Or you can play a round of golf at almost any course in the world with over 2000 courses available. Ever wanted to play at Pebble Beach, Augusta or even Kauri Cliffs in NZ? Now you can!
How did you come up with the idea and why is Raglan a good location?
Karma Tiny Homes sponsors the XDL- Xtreme Drivers League – with the New Zealand long blacks, and they were wanting a coaching/club fitting pod. It was quite a challenging build, but it works! Now it’s set up in Raglan for locals and visitors to enjoy, either for fun or to take their golf to the next level. Especially on rainy days!
How was your tiny home business an asset with the set up?
The simulator is based on the smallest tiny home we make (8x3m) and is the perfect platform for a unique build. It is functional, moveable and I think also looks quite stylish. We also custom build golf simulators and the benefits are that it can be towed with a ute and moved easily if you move houses. They are $69,500 fully set up and ready to go.
Can you talk us through the experience for your clients?
So the unreal clubhouse is completely automated. You book online through the website, pay and then just turn up. You basically hit a real golf ball into an impact screen with a projected image on it. There are instructions to help with everything. So you can enjoy some golf in a private, comfortable and air conditioned space, all year round.
What benefits does a golf simulator give a keen golfer?
It’s really cool. Either just for fun with some mates or if you want to come and spend some time perfecting your swing. We are very lucky to have access to such an amazing piece of equipment in Raglan, especially with our long wet winters, and all you want to do is hit a golf ball.
Do you have to be experienced at golf to enjoy it?
Not at all. We have had lots of people who don’t play golf enjoying the privacy or social side of golf in the Clubhouse. There are many fantasy courses like Jurassic Park which are neat. Even for kids. There is a set of right and left handed clubs for people to use for free.
How long are the sessions?
The sessions are 55 minutes each and cost $30/hour regardless of how many people are using it. Extra time can be added online if you and your mates are having heaps of fun or locked in battle and want to finish a game off.
Where are you located?
The unreal Clubhouse is set up at the front of the Raglan Club Inc on Bow St. Hopefully people will support both businesses, as we all know it’s not easy to survive in a small town.
How do people book in and make contact?
Just book online at unrealclubhouse.co.nz. We will be having open days and a winter league, so keep an eye out for what’s happening. Enjoy!
