GOLF GUIDANCE: “Back Nine is the new indoor golf simulator facility that offers guests the opportunity to work on their golf game in a variety of ways.” Geoff and Sheyda Spies, owners of Back Nine (and both Princeton High School graduates), look forward to welcoming golfers to their new facility.

By Jean Stratton

Golfers take note! An intriguing new opportunity is available at the Princeton Shopping Center.

Back Nine celebrated its Grand Opening May 30, and is now ready to help golfers of all levels of ability hone their skills.

A franchise owned by Geoff and Sheyda Spies, it is an indoor golf simulator facility that offers a variety of opportunities, including technological feedback, to improve one’s golfing abilities.

A Princeton native, Geoff Spies had a successful corporate career in New York City, but was looking for a change. “I really wanted to have my own business,” he explains, “and I was interested in something with sports. I looked into franchises, and found Back Nine. It took about a year to accomplish it, and open as an independently owed franchise.”

New Industry

Back Nine was founded in Utah two years ago, and there are now 40 franchises nationwide. The Princeton location is the second in New Jersey.

“This is a new industry,” points out Spies. “We expect it to increase all the time. Golf is very popular now, and this will be a great addition. With the indoor facility, this will be a great way for people to practice all the time, whatever the weather or season.

“Also, it is great for all levels. The technology gives you instant feedback about your swing, and other skills. You can accomplish a lot in a short time. You can actually play 18 holes in one hour!”

A golfer himself, Spies is enthusiastic about this new opportunity and the special technology that offers such complete information to the player.

Three hitting bays with oversize screen simulators (16 feet wide) are available for golfers to access as a driving range or individual golf course (simulated actual golf courses all around the world). There is also a non-tech putting green, intended as a warm-up and practice area.

“Back Nine is not a replacement for traditional outdoor golf,” says Spies. “It is a complement to what golfers are already doing. It’s a way to practice using data and technology to improve your golf game. It’s a way to play some of the best and most famous golf courses around the world without leaving Princeton.”

“It’s a way to fit golf into a busy schedule,” he continues. “It is conveniently located in town, with ample parking. Plus, practice or full rounds of golf can be done in less time than outdoor golf.”

Membership-Based

Also, he explains, Back Nine is a membership-based facility. “A primary benefit of membership is that the facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to members. They can come in the morning before work, during their lunch hours, late in the evening, or whatever best suits their schedule. Members also do not pay each time they use the facility. They can book as many tee times as they would like.

“Also, Back Nine is weather-proof. It can be hot and humid outside in the summer, but Back Nine is air conditioned, and no sun block is required! We will also have league nights and tournaments for adults plus kids’ camps and clinics for the younger golfers. We have the ability to do private events, either corporate or personal, including holiday and birthday parties.”

Different types of memberships include Par, Birdie, and Eagle, he adds. “Par is intended for the solitary golfer looking to work on their game. It offers the lowest financial entry point, and still allows unlimited tee times. It does require additional expenses for guests, and tee times are maxed at 60 minutes” says Spies.

GOOD FOR GOLFERS: Back Nine offers an opportunity for golfers of all levels of ability to practice at its indoor golf simulator facility. Just opened at the Princeton Shopping Center, Back Nine provides a variety of golfing options. Shown is the modern new location, with the putting green area in the left foreground.

Tee Times

“Birdie, the most popular membership option, is a single golfer on the account, but it allows the golfer to bring guests and book longer tee times, up to two hours,” he continues.

“Eagle is the most robust membership and is intended for two golfers to use the account simultaneously. It is ideal for a husband and wife who like to play either together or independently, or two friends who want to share the benefits of Back Nine. It allows both golfers to make their own tee times and each to bring their own guests.”

In addition, corporate memberships are available, which also offer the opportunity for members to bring clients to the facility. Members sign up for their tee time online and will receive a text message to confirm the time.

Back Nine’s modern setting and decor offer a comfortable environment. Seating is available in front of the screens for those who may wish to watch the golfers practice their skills.

“We were trying to fit the Princeton audience and create a place where people would be comfortable, and also have it feel premium and unique,” reports Spies. “The seating at each hitting bay makes it feel like the ultimate place to hang out with friends while also playing golf.”

All ages are enjoying this new opportunity at the Princeton Shopping Center, including teens and members of school golf teams. Beginners are welcome to see how they can do on a driving range or learn to navigate an actual course — all via simulation.

Excitement and Interest

Instruction is also available, says Spies. “Lessons with PGA professionals can be arranged.”

“It’s just great way to learn golf or improve your game,” he emphasizes. “Playing a course is more challenging, but you can practice and improve your skills on the driving range too. Even in the short time we have been open, there’s been an excellent response and a lot of excitement and interest.

“Also, we are the only Back Nine in the area, so we expect not only Princeton members, but people from all around the region. As I mentioned, we are a new industry, so we want to get the word out. We want to introduce this terrific new concept to everyone! We are sure they will appreciate the great benefit Back Nine offers.”

Back Nine is open seven days, 24 hours a day. Members will receive emails and texts, which will enable them to enter the facility at any time. Public tee times are also available at certain hours. Consult the website for details.

For further information, call (609) 380-9997 or visit the website at thebackninegolf.com/princetonnj.