It’s always perfect weather to hit the links at a soon-to-open indoor golf simulator in Indiana Township.
Swing 412 is scheduled to launch in March with 500-plus virtual high-tech golf games for all-ages interested in improving their game, learning golf play or just looking to celebrate the sport with a party or special event.
The new business venture was hatched among friends enjoying craft beer, wine and cocktails at Sip Taproom, located next door to Swing 412, under the same room and separated by a door.
Think of it as a one-stop-sip-and-swing experience for all ages and skill levels — all under the same roof.
Swing 412 features three separate golf simulator bays available for online bookings at $60 per hour.
Friends and family
Maria Larson-Edwards of Cheswick is not a golfer, but she’s married to one.
Her husband, Mike, and fellow friend and Sip Taproom owner, Kevin Quijano of Fox Chapel, were searching for just the right business to complement Quijano’s specialty beer, wine and craft cocktails lounge, open since 2021 in Hartwood Towne Centre.
Swing 412 is co-owned by the Larson-Edwards, Quijano and Quijano’s wife, Dr. Kim Howard-Quijano.
Sip Taproom has developed a customer base that includes plenty of golf enthusiasts.
Quijano said when patrons were joining in and mulling possible new business ideas that would vibe well with the taproom, simulated golf garnered much interest.
“The idea of this spawned in 2024, and the golf simulation idea perked up everyone’s ears,” Quijano said.
Larson-Edwards and her husband took about a year to renovate what was a former gift shop into a state-of-the-art golf destination.
Larson-Edwards works in the finance industry, and this is her first foray into running a business.
“I plan to be busy 24/7,” she joked.
Quijano assisted the couple with their commercial collaboration, and customers visiting Sip Taproom for their drinks can walk between the two businesses.
Swing 412 doesn’t have a kitchen, and food options for customers will include eats offered at Sip Taproom and other businesses in Hartwood Towne Centre — such as cheeses, charcuterie boards, pizza and other items from B&Z Deli, Upper Crust Pizza, Swaagat and Churn.
Patrons also can bring in their own food but not alcohol.
The friends are excited to offer indoor golf in an area that is lacking indoor golf play.
“It was an appealing aspect — bringing something social to the Fox Chapel community,” Larson-Edwards said.
The virtual golf selections are suitable for novice and skilled golfers.
Customers can choose from more than 500 virual golf games powered by TrackMan technology.
TrackMan uses ceiling-mounted camera and radar tracking to measure ball and club data with precision, all without markers and with instant feedback.
Customers are encouraged to download TrackMan to track swing data, track a handicap and participate in global tournaments.
Couches near the three simulators and dining tables and chairs add to the casually homey decor. A large golf mural by Zelienople artist Michelle Nortier is prominently displayed.
Bay rentals are reserved online via TrackMan and are $60 per hour, per simulator.
Memberships are offered at three monthly price points — Birdie ($159), Eagle ($189) and Founders ($299) — and include guaranteed simulator time each month plus discounts on additional hours.
The Founders annual membership runs $2,988 and includes 10 hours of simulation each month.
“We’ve sold memberships to folks that belong to golf clubs for the sole purpose of enhancing their game, particularly during the off-season. The technology allows you to statistically track and monitor your play,” Larson-Edwards said.
Practice PGA virtual courses include the iconic Oakmont Country Club and Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Bays are padded and insulated and the ball is returned to the player after each play.
Quijano is married to Dr. Kimberly Howard-Quijano.
He loves the idea of combining sipping and socializing with sport.
“Golfing and beers go hand in hand, and that appeals to everyone,” Quijano said. “I thought about Sip Taphouse as an adult Starbucks, and, with Swing 412, this checks a lot of boxes for social meetups, meetings, casual celebrations and fundraisers.”
A part-time staff of four or five employees will rotate Swing 412 hospitality duties and help patrons navigate their game experience.
“It’s exciting and something different, and a lot of my customer base are golfers,” he said. “The customers are what make the business, and it’ll be nice to offer something with a bit of competition.”
• Swing 412, 3394 Saxonburg Blvd., Indiana Township; swing412.com
• Sip Taproom, 3394 Saxonburg Blvd., Indiana Township