At 1899 Indoor Golf, it's always a perfect day to play 18 holes.
That’s because you can golf the world’s best courses year-round — without ever leaving Stark County. The area’s premier indoor golf experience offers virtual access to more than 70 championship courses, along with upscale bar food, handcrafted cocktails, and live music.
Brian Lindenbaum, co-founder of 1899 Golf and managing partner of the Canton-area location, brought the concept to Belden Village two years ago, after seeing research about the popularity of golf in Ohio and the impressive skill level of the players.
Across the state, the average handicap of Ohio players is the lowest in the country, and the average amount of rounds played is among the highest in the country. Despite the winter weather, Ohio ranks fifth in the nation, coming in just behind Texas.
“People in Ohio love golf and play a lot of it and Canton didn't have any indoor golf solutions,” Lindenbaum said.
The name 1899 is a nod to the year the first public golf course, Ottawa Park in Toledo, was established in Ohio. But while 1899 Golf embraces the history of the game, it also treats its customers to the most progressive software in the industry.
All the courses are powered by TrackMan technology, which is used by the world’s top players and coaches to track impact and ball-flight factors, such as speed and carry.
The technology also brings dozens of simulated courses to Stark County golfers. Some of the favorite courses to play at 1899 Golf are Muirfield Village in Columbus, The Old Course at St. Andrews Links in Scotland and PGA National in Palm Beach, Fla.
And more courses are coming. “There are a few very exciting courses in the pipeline we hope to have this winter that will no doubt get the most play,” Lindenbaum teased.
For those looking to improve their skills, the accuracy of the TrackMan equipment can help. So can resident PGA professional Tony Adcock. Adcock has taught golf in the region for 25 years and offers one-hour lessons at 1899 Golf.
The feel inside 1899 Golf was designed to be “cocktail lounge meets country-club casual,” with lots of wood, dark green and brass. With five simulators and a bar area, there is plenty of space for large groups to take over for the night in a socially distanced manner. Groups looking for more privacy can book the simulator hidden in the VIP speakeasy.
To go along with its world-class courses, 1899 Golf also serves up elevated bar food, local beer, wine and craft cocktails, making it a great date-night option for golfers and non-golfers alike.
“We have a lot of regulars that just come for our food and cocktails and never swing a club,” Lindenbaum said.
The Canton kitchen was recently revamped to allow for new menu items. One of the most popular items lately has been wings, coated in a choice of flavorful dry rubs. Lindenbaum recommends the signature wing with a cinnamon chipotle rub for the delicious combination of heat and sweet, although you can’t go wrong with one of 1899’s flatbread pizzas, or the new charcuterie board.
At the bar, the staff at 1899 Golf serve up a rotation of Ohio craft beer and golf-themed cocktails made with hand-squeezed juices, thanks to mixologist and bar manager Kate Lewis. (Think “Inverness” and “Double Eagle.”) The whiskey, scotch, tequila and Mezcal menus are extensive. Can’t choose? You can order a flight instead.
And if you don’t drink, don’t worry about being left out — the staff will invent a special “mocktail” just for you.
For people who are looking for more than great food and golfing, 1899 Golf also features live-music events, wine and bourbon nights, and movie nights for kids, complete with 14-foot movie screens.
1899 Golf in Canton is one of two locations in the state. Lindenbaum is excited about opening a third and fourth spot somewhere in Ohio next year.
“We've seen the community really embrace 1899 and spread the word to their friends and family,” Lindenbaum said. “It has been amazing to see the growth in rounds played and foot traffic in general.”
The Canton location of 1899 Golf is at 4700 Everhard Road NW in Jackson Township and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Expanded hours are available upon requests.
Reservations to play can be made at 1899golf.com. Clubs are available on-site for rent if needed.