Golf enthusiasts have something to celebrate. A business offering an indoor golf simulator will open soon in the old Amvets Post 42 building, 690 Joachim Ave., in Herculaneum.
The business, called Post 42 Golf, is expected to open in the next two to four weeks, said Rick Simpson, 68, of Herculaneum, one of the owners.
The other owners are Ricky Thomas, 54, of Festus and Kaleb McCain, 37, of Crystal City. Thomas is an Amvets member, and Simpson and McCain are Sons of Amvets members.
Simpson said the owners were looking to lease the building from the Amvets to start a business and knew it had to be a business that wouldn’t be devastated by water, as the area is prone to flooding. So, the three golf enthusiasts came up with the idea for an indoor golf facility that can operate year-round, rain or shine.
“We couldn’t figure anything else to do with the building since it floods. This was the best option,” Simpson said.
To prepare the building for the new state-of-the-art golf simulators, he said, the three men repainted the inside and outside of the building and stripped and waxed the floors on the inside.
Simpson said those who have previously been in the building will notice another large difference.
“It smells a lot better than it did,” he said of the previously smoking-friendly building.
Simpson said no smoking will be allowed inside the facility now.
Post 42 Golf currently has two simulators and will soon have two more.
He said the golf simulators are perfect for golfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and for golfers of all ages, from children to senior citizens. The simulators are also good for people just looking for entertainment and fun, as well as for those looking to improve their golf game.
The simulator uses real golf balls and clubs, so golfers may practice using their own equipment. However, the business will offer equipment for those who don’t bring or have their own.
When using the simulators, golfers will hit their balls into a vinyl screen with a realistic golf course projected onto it.
After the golfer hits his or her shot, a list will appear on the screen showing statistics, like distance, launch angle, club speed, ball speed, backspin, smash factor and club face. A slow-motion video will be taken from above the golf club hitting the ball so golfers may see where and how their club is making contact with the ball.
Simpson said the simulators offer more than 150 golf courses to choose from, including many real courses from all over the world.
Besides being visually realistic, both Simpson and Thomas said the feedback from the simulators is accurate to real life.
“It’s very, very comparable to how I do on the golf course,” Simpson said.
“It’s a good training tool for golfers who want to improve their game,” Thomas said. “And it’s fun once you get in here and you get going. It’s a good time.”
Different games and modes of play are available, such as driving range, chip shots, putting, closest to the pin, demolition driving range and many others. Players may also connect to each other online.
Simpson said customers who sign up for the E6 Connect mobile app will be able to see their stats over time and see their improvement.
He said the facility currently has two simulators, but the owners hope to have an additional two ready for play within the next month.
Simpson said while prices have not been decided yet, they will be close to what other similar businesses charge and will be based on an hourly rate.
“It will be very reasonable,” Simpson said.
Memberships also will be offered, offering members cheaper rates for play.
Simpson said the business hours are not set in stone yet and will be subject to change after getting customer feedback and monitoring usage for the first month or so.
“We’re going to let the customer base dictate what we do,” he said.
Simpson said the business also plans to hold golf leagues, tournaments, hole-in-one challenges and other competitions.
He said those interested should follow the Post 42 website, Post42golf.com, or its Facebook page for opening date updates, booking information, giveaways and grand opening details.
The Herculaneum Amvets moved from its old post at 690 Joachim Ave. to a larger, newly constructed building at 555 Joachim Ave. in May of 2024. The new building also has a larger parking area.
The Amvets Post had been at its previous location, which at one time housed a Foodliner grocery store, since 1997. The location flooded about five times in the past decade. The new location is out of the flood plain.