Is there anything better than spending a day on the golf course? The answer is no for Shane Ritch and Alicia McDaniel, owners of Albatross Indoor Golf. After months and months of hard work and planning, they opened their doors in Denton, Texas with a positive reception. Albatross is a veteran and first responder-owned and operated business with big dreams. What’s more, they provide some seriously awesome giving-back opportunities to their community.
Shane, a former Marine who served two tours in Iraq, calls Denton home with his ten-year-old son and girlfriend and business manager, Alicia. Alicia manages the day-to-day operations at Alabtross but that's not all. She is currently in the Marine Corps Reserves and works as a first responder for the Fort Worth fire department when she’s not at Albatross or taking care of her five-year-old son. Together, they built a beautiful home but felt that something was still missing from their lives.
“I love my job but I needed to build something of my own. Something to pass on to our kids,” Shane said about why he decided to open Albatross Indoor Golfing.
Shane is no stranger to the business industry. He tried his hand at a few businesses before settling down here in Denton and finding his stride with Albatross. This is more than a passion project or a business, though. This is a retirement plan. Shane has loved golfing since he was in high school. Since moving to Denton, he’s noticed that there weren’t many places to play golf recreationally or semi-professionally in the county. One of the few public golf courses in the city limits was closed back in 2003 leaving just four in the city and a handful throughout the county. Because of this, there is an overwhelming number of golfers with no place to play. While there are still several options, they are either private or too far of a distance to justify going for most. They are also outdoors. While many love that aspect of the sport, not everyone enjoys trying to drive down the green against twenty-mile-an-hour winds in a forty-degree wind chill. Shane saw this and felt he had the opportunity to bring a wonderful new amenity to the golfers of Denton.
The name albatross refers to a kind of score golfers can make on a course. It makes sense that Shane would name his business this. In golfing, you have to play aggressively. If you play it safe, you'll never make an albatross. Shane took a chance with this business and it seems to have paid off.
One thing that is important to note: Albatross is not minigolf nor is it the popular indoor/outdoor golfing facility around the metroplex. It is also not a video game, though VR is something on the horizon for the business. Albatross Indoor Golf is meant to be a simulation of the outdoor golfing experience. Inside, they have six golf simulation bays available for rent where you able to hit a real golf ball every time so you can get a feel for the action. Each machine can tell you your strengths, weaknesses, and even offer tips for improvement. But don’t think this is only for the pros! Beginners, like Alicia, are more than welcome to come in and play for fun or improvement. If you are interested in learning more about your technique, Shane has employed two local experts, Joel Van Der Sloot and Terry Davidson, to be on-site.
If you’re reading this thinking that golf isn’t really your thing, that’s okay! There is something for everyone here. Shane and Alicia have taken their vision of Albatross further than what might be expected. Opposite the golf bays are a series of couches where players can rest and chat while someone is up at the tee box. There are large TVs everywhere so you can even watch a tournament or a movie while you play. Where else can you do that?! Along with those features, they have a few putting ranges set up for those who are waiting or want to work on their skills. You can rent bays for one hour during the week or on the weekend and the best part is, your rental fee won’t change based on the number of people you invite!
“We built it the way we thought it should be,” Shane explained about his vision for the business.
The ultimate goal for Albatross? To be a cornerstone of the community where everyone can feel comfortable spending quality time with friends and family. Around the corner from the bays is their clubhouse. Everyone is welcome to hang out there playing arcade games, pool, ping pong or foosball after they’re done with their round. When you’re here, Shane and Alicia want you to relax and have fun.
Though they are extremely happy with the grand opening of their business, both Shane and Alicia have big goals for the foreseeable future. Currently, they operate on a bring-your-own-bottle basis though their liquor license is on the way. According to their website, they hope to bring additional features such as interactive putting greens, food and drink, as well as the opportunity to host events large and small. They’ve even discussed the possibility of offering memberships. Right now, they are simply happy to be open and playing golf with the community.
For Shane, this chapter of his life has been one for the books. Opening up Albatross has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. No matter what, though, he’s thankful that he took the chance. He really did apply the phrase, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” a fact that Shane does not take for granted. He has said repeatedly that is he grateful for the chance to build a life and a business out of his hobbies. To make it even more special, he gets to share all of this with his children and his partner. It's safe to say that Shane is a very, very thankful man.
“We are grateful for the ability to provide this facility for the golf community of Denton County and share the experience with our kids,” Shane said.
That gratitude has been put back into the community through various outreach and giving programs hosted by their team. Both Shane and Alicia are dedicated to paying forward kindness, generosity, and hospitality. They hope that anyone who walks through their doors, whether they be new to the sport or not, feels welcomed and excited to be there. Though they did structure their business to emphasize instruction, their goal remains to offer so much more to the community.
To learn more about the facility or to rent a bay for yourself, visit the official website www.albatrossdenton.com. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out all their social media accounts including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for fun content and important updates!
“I love my job but I needed to build something of my own. Something to pass on to our kids,”
“We are grateful for the ability to provide this facility for the golf community of Denton County and share the experience with our kids,”