Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
About 30 friends, family members and Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce representatives gathered Oct. 6 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Salem Golf Simulator, a new business launched by local entrepreneur Daryl Manns.
Manns, who recently left his position at Integer to pursue his dream of owning a business, said his inspiration came both from his Christian faith and from a tournament at Hanging Rock Golf Club two years ago.
“After hitting a ball you would just about never get a flat lie,” Manns said. “So, I asked myself, how do I practice hitting on non-flat surfaces? I did tons of research and that’s when I stumbled upon Golfzon, where the technology allows you to practice on different lies.”
Mayor Renee Turk attended the ribbon cutting and expressed the city’s support for Manns and his new business.
Amanda Livingston, president of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, said the facility is already making an impact.
“Salem Golf Simulator brings a fresh, innovative spark to our community’s recreation scene,” Livingston said. “It’s a game-changer for colder months, offering an authentic golfing experience that feels like you’re right on the fairway. As the only facility of its kind in Salem, it’s a hole-in-one for golf enthusiasts and anyone interested in practicing their swing and honing shots.”
Located at 200 East Fourth Street in Salem, the facility features two virtual golf bays with launch monitors, impact screens, projectors and advanced software that replicate a real golfing experience. Players hit actual golf balls into a screen, with sensors tracking speed, spin, launch angle and club path. The technology provides instant feedback, swing analysis and virtual play on world-famous courses such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.
Manns said his goal is to “bring entertainment, happiness and to provide golfers of all skill levels, a year-round high-tech environment to practice, play and improve their game while being indoors.”
What sets Salem Golf Simulator apart, he added, is the moveable swing plate with 80 possible lies, the auto-tee system that eliminates chasing or bending for balls, and the fully mapped-out courses licensed by Golfzon to reflect real terrain. A touchscreen kiosk also allows customers to easily set up rounds and view replays with just a few minutes of instruction.
While starting the business, Manns said his biggest challenges were financial hurdles, building a website and booking system on his own, and balancing family responsibilities. “Nothing in life is easy, so I don’t choose to see it that way,” he said. “All these challenges were overcomeable by the motivation of my kids, family, and my Lord and savior.”
Looking ahead, Manns said he hopes to expand to his own commercial building and offer more services. He also wants to give back to the community by sponsoring scholarships, hosting school tournaments and supporting local events.
Salem Golf Simulator is available for birthday parties, corporate events, tournament preparation and off-season practice. Customers can make reservations online and pay by the hour.
