While playing virtual golf indoors, Eric Auer thought the experience would be even better if he could have a dedicated space to enjoy his hobby.
Auer, a Killingworth resident who is a builder by trade, had the idea of creating sheds specifically for simulated golf, or “SIM Sheds.” Now, Auer and his friend and fellow golf-enthusiast, Chris Salafia of Killingworth, are launching a business around the idea.
“We play simulated golf, and we just felt there was a need for this shed,” Auer said. “People won’t have to sacrifice a room in their house, and they’ll be able to play year round. It will give you a man-cave or a she-shed feel.”
He said their product will give customers a place not only to play golf, but listen to music, play video games or watch movies. The sheds can be customized and can come with a home theater system, a bonus for entertaining family and friends who don’t play golf.
Their company, SIM Sheds, has office space at 1321 Boston Post Rd. in Madison, while all manufacturing will take place in Killingworth.
The men will launch their indoor golf business officially at the Connecticut Golf Show, held March 22 to 24 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. A fully-functioning demonstration shed will be at the convention.
SIM Shed golf simulators will allow people to play or practice golf year-round in their own backyards, according to Auer. The sheds will be custom-designed and prefabricated, and can be delivered and installed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
Once delivered, a buyer will only need to hook a shed up to electricity and the Internet. According to Auer, the company’s sheds will have resale value. While the sheds won’t be on wheels, they can be disconnected from utilities, lifted onto a truck, and transported anywhere.
Customers can choose from sundry sizes, with the smallest shed at 12 by 24 feet, and the largest at 14 by 28 feet. They will have heating and air conditioning systems for year-round use.
Prices will vary depending on the size of the shed and custom features, but will start at around $50,000.
According to Auer and Salafia, they conducted market research for two years in advance of launching the business, and the golf simulation or “screen golf” market has been growing in popularity.
“Playing a round of golf outside is a pretty significant time commitment that typically competes with family or work time, not to mention the challenges that New England weather brings,” Auer said. “With a SIM Shed, golfers can play a round in December after the kids go to bed. The technology is so good now, it’s amazingly close to real-life golf.”
Salafia also noted that finding time to play a four-hour round of golf can be a challenge when juggling work and family.
“Couple that with the short season and weather challenges we face, and there’s simply not enough time for golf,” Salafia said.
With the sheds, customers will be able to play real-time online tournaments against golfers of all skills around the world, on virtual courses resembling legendary courses such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.
“Eric and I very excited to introduce SIM Sheds to the golfing community,” Salafia said. “We think there’s an untapped market of golfers who would love the chance to play more golf, especially when it can be done at their convenience. It’s our hope that SIM Sheds can help golfers extend their season, improve their game and get more enjoyment from golf. Personally, it’s been really fun for Eric and I to build a business based on something we really enjoy.”
The company’s new website, at www.simsheds.com, is in progress. It will be fully launched following the Hartford convention, when customers can order and customize units online. The units will be available for delivery starting in April.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@NewHavenBiz.com
