A FAMILY has transformed a disused warehouse in Saltney into a state-of-the-art indoor golf facility, thanks to £100,000 of Start Up Loans funding.
Pro Sim Golf, founded by couple Lucy and Geraint Davies, Geraint’s cousin Carwyn Davies and his partner and Sarah Edwards, has officially opened its doors in Saltney with a mission to make elite-level golf training accessible to everyone – whatever their age or ability.
Using the same training technology found in professional academies, visitors can practise their swing, analyse performance data in real time, and play on a selection of world-renowned digital courses.
The technology replicates different bunker conditions and ground types including rough and fairway, offering a realistic golfing experience all under one roof.
The venue features four high-specification golf simulators, social seating areas, and an upstairs lounge.
The idea was sparked after Lucy and her husband visited a similar centre in South Wales and realised there was nothing of comparable quality across North Wales or northern England.
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“We immediately saw the potential,” said Lucy.
“There’s such a gap in the market for year-round, high-quality golf training in this region, and we knew others would feel the same.
“We decided then that we wanted to make it happen, but without funding, it would have always been a pipedream.
“The Start Up Loan financing made the whole thing possible.”
The £100,000 funding – £25,000 for each director, the maximum currently permissible from the scheme – covered the cost of the simulators, leasing the building, and fitting out the space.
To keep costs down, the team built much of the facility themselves, saving substantially on contractor fees.
“It was scary diving into something completely new,” Lucy added.
“We juggled shift work, worried about borrowing money, and spent long hours building the space, but we believed in the idea.
“The mentoring and support we received through Start Up Loans has helped keep us on course.”
“It’s amazing to see everything coming to life,” added Lucy. “We’ve jumped through hoops to get here, and there were times we panicked about the money we’d borrowed.
“But over the last month, everything has started to fall into place. We’re excited to finally welcome our community in.”
Jessica Phillips-Harris, senior manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said: “This family’s determination to create an inclusive, community-focused sports space is exactly what the programme exists to support.
“We’re proud to have played a part in bringing their vision to life.”
The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme provides government-backed loans of up to £25,000 per individual, alongside free mentoring and support for new business owners across the UK.
