When Kathy and Michael Kellis first considered opening a business together, the idea wasn’t fully formed. Kathy, a veteran bartender with 25 years of experience, had long dreamed of owning her own bar. Michael, a lifelong golfer, had been refining a home golf simulator setup in their garage for over a decade.
Their first attempt — a bar concept at the Lake of the Ozarks — was put on hold after Kathy’s back injury kept them from moving forward. About a year later, Michael suggested a new idea: What about a golf simulator bar? Kathy stayed up researching until 3 a.m. When Michael got up for work the next morning, coffee in hand, she looked at him and said, “Okay, let’s do it.”
From that spark, Indoor Par Fore was born. Opening in March 2023 in Blue Springs, the space combines state-of-the-art golf simulators with a laid-back, neighborhood-style bar. In just a short time, it’s become a go-to spot for league play, date nights, team-building events, and casual drinks with friends.
Indoor Par Fore has grown into more than just a business. It’s a thriving blend of their passions — a place where good drinks, great swings, and community connection come together.
“This was always a dream,” Kathy said. “I just didn’t know it would look like this.”
A business built on balance
Kathy runs the bar, and Michael manages the golf simulators — but over time, they’ve learned each other’s roles. Kathy recently joined a local golf league, and Michael doesn’t hesitate to jump behind the bar when things get busy.
“He’s the golf guy, I’m the bar girl,” Kathy says. “But we’ve learned to blend it.”
That teamwork carries over into the space itself. Guests can choose from four high-tech simulator bays with access to more than 1,800 courses worldwide. The technology provides real-time feedback, including ball speed, swing analysis, and shot playback. There’s also a pool table, and plenty of space to relax with a drink..
Indoor Par Fore hosts several leagues, including “Fore the Ladies,” men’s leagues, and co-ed weeknight options. But guests don’t need to be seasoned players to enjoy the experience.
“People come to hit balls, celebrate birthdays, hang out with friends, or just grab a drink,” Kathy said. “We see it all.”
More than just a bar
While the golf bays are a major draw, many come for the drinks and the welcoming atmosphere. Kathy takes pride in crafting cocktails that are both Instagram-worthy and intentionally curated. The bar includes a “skinny” cocktail menu with low-calorie options and features top-shelf selections like Blanton’s, Weller, and Buffalo Trace.
“I love making ingredient-intensive drinks in a warm, inviting space,” she said. “It’s about creating a vibe where everyone feels comfortable.”
That approach keeps people coming back. One longtime guest raves about Kathy’s old-fashioneds. Others stop by just to catch up. Some even lend a hand when needed. “People love this place so much, they treat it like it’s their own,” Kathy said.
Designed for connection
Before opening Indoor Par Fore, Kathy bartended everywhere from dive bars and sports grills to high-end lounges, wedding venues, and large events. That broad experience now infuses every corner of the new venture.
“I’ve been able to take little pieces from all my past jobs — the best parts — and build something that really works,” she said. “We treat people like family.”
That sense of family isn’t just for guests — it’s deeply personal. Kathy and Michael’s two grown daughters, Tiffany and her husband Tanner, and Tori and her husband Corwin, along with their grandson Sylas, are some of their biggest cheerleaders.
“They’ve heard me talk about opening a bar for years and have seen their dad hit the course every chance he got,” Kathy said. “To combine those passions and thrive has been inspiring to them. It hits different when your kids are proud of the life you’re creating. Who knows — maybe one day this will be theirs.”
That same spirit extends beyond family and guests. Kathy and Michael give back through causes close to their hearts, including the UMatter Movement, H8 Cancer, the Tony Wilcox Foundation, and the Salvation Army. They also host themed events and private parties throughout the year.
Where good vibes meet great swings
Indoor Par Fore is located at 1326 NW Hwy. 7, and it’s open year-round for guests of all skill levels. Whether you’re chasing your best round or just looking for a laid-back night out, the Kellis’s have created something more than a bar or golf lounge. They’ve created a place where everyone feels at home.
“We’re always looking for ways to level up,” Kathy said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about people. That’s what makes this place special.”