Simulator at Mastodon Golf Club adds ‘realism’ to winter

On Feb 9, 2023

HEATH — Annetta Macedonia received just a taste of the golf course last fall, returning from a long eight-month layoff after spinal surgery.

Another long wait through the offseason to pick up the clubs was frustrating, but Macedonia now has an outlet. She is a player in the Monday night ladies league at Mastodon Golf Club, using the course’s new virtual technology.

“I see it maybe a little differently as someone, but I hope to keep my flexibility and come time for golf season, I don’t feel like I am trying to regain my strength, my rhythm and my tempo,” Macedonia said. “For someone that is recovering over the winter, this is a good alternative.”

Rickie Sue Grunden, front, watches her drive while Annetta Macedonia prepares to hit on the new GSPro simulators at Mastodon Golf Club on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Tee times are available for leagues or events.

Mastodon, which is under new ownership from the previous Burning Tree Golf Course on Ridgely Tract Road, installed three GSPro simulators at the end of the fall season. The room in the clubhouse was completely remodeled and with a wall and door added that can be closed from the bar area.

The ladies league each Monday has been a winter gathering spot for a dozen women who play in the summer at Whitetail Ridge in Thornville. It also is an opportunity to knock off the rust.

“We’re all enjoying it. We just love it,” said Julia Ellis, a player in the league. “Absolutely this is a way to stay in touch. When I first started, it was kind of claustrophobic for me because you are used to being out on the course. … It helps my swing at my age, trying to keep a rhythm going.”

The technology allows the ladies to split into groups and compete on the same course with the same conditions. It also can be changed to a variety of locations and conditions on the course to have driving, chipping or putting practice or competitions.

“The realism of it for sure is a hit. It really plays similar to outside and as close as you can get in today’s world,” said Austin Phillips, Mastodon’s clubhouse manager. “It really looks like you are standing at the tee box on a professional course. The practice abilities are really limitless. It really depends on how in-depth you want to get into it.”

Phillips, a 2014 Lakewood graduate, has particularly enjoyed hosting the Lakewood girls team twice a week. Phillips played for the Lancers when girls coach Rob Englert then led the boys, and it has been a natural fit for the Lancers, who are the reigning Licking County League champions, to continue to hone their game.

Mastodon has men’s leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, but tee times are aplenty on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day on weekends. An ideal number is a foursome in each bay, and the area has been used for a variety of birthday, bachelor or staff parties.

“I definitely recommend a tee time,” Phillips said. “Weekend play is really good. We open up at 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. usually. There are a lot of opportunities. We run pool tournaments on Thursdays and Fridays, so we do tend to stay open a little later. Definitely availability on those nights.”

While Monday’s ladies have previously made plans to meet for lunch and joined a bowling league this winter, Ellis noted the enjoyment to be able to get back together on the “course” through the winter months.

Macedonia acknowledged frustration when the shot that feels great off the club but doesn’t go quite as far, according to the technology. Still, it beats sitting inside simply waiting for the temperatures to rise.