Golf-O-Max: Ottawa’s Winter Hideout for Golfers
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My grandfather hits a ball towards the green on one of golf-o-max’s simulators
After the golf season ends in October (early November if we’re lucky), golfers across Ottawa are forced into winter hibernation. But what if I told you there was a way to keep playing—and it doesn’t involve a trip down to Florida… Join me as I recount my experience golfing in late-November.
Getting Ready for Winter Golf
My dad and grandfather stand outside golf-o-max, on baxter road
It was two degrees and rainy when I awoke that morning—any colder and there would have been a few centimetres of snow on the ground. I went down to the basement and grabbed my golf clubs out of the closet they are stored in for the winter.
As I walked to the car with my clubs on my back, the cold nipped my hands, and rain sprinkled my hair. I loaded them up and got in the car with my dad, and we headed off to our noon tee-time.
After a 20-minute drive, we arrived at an industrial plaza that sits under the shadow of the Ikea at Pinecrest Shopping Centre. After driving past Bowen Windows and Doors, and Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, we arrived at Golf-O-Max, Ottawa’s winter hideout for golfers.
Initial Thoughts
Walking up to the building, it felt like we were about to enter some business to order industrial supplies. Fortunately, as we walked through the doors, we were transported away from the world of custom cabinets and plumbing supplies and into a cozy clubhouse.
To our right sat a bar, behind which, the friendly face of a waitress greeted us. Directly in front of us, golfers were sat around tables, debriefing over a beer in the lounge after their rounds. Behind the lounge, the space opens into a walkway with rows of cubic compartments on either side, all filled with golfers.
My dad warms up on the driving range before our round
From there, we spotted my grandfather, our third group member, and walked over; he was already warming up on the driving range. Surrounding him was our cubby, about six by three metres wide, with a projector pointed at the far wall.
As he hit his ball, a high-speed camera and spotlight—the main components of the simulator—pointed down from the ceiling towards it. We watched as the ball slammed into the screen and appeared on it, flying away just as it would have on a real driving range.
In front of the hitting area was a table and chairs, positioned facing the screen. We sat down and got set up for our round. After taking five minutes each on the range, we were ready to kick things off.
But before we teed off, Golf-O-Max’s head PGA Professional, John Watson, came over to help us get set up. Per Watson’s suggestion, we chose to play TPC Scottsdale, home of the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open. Then, after clicking a few buttons, we were standing on the first tee.
The In and Out
As I prepared to hit my first shot of the day, a rabbit hopped across the screen beside the tee box. It made me pause for a moment, and I noticed the amount of detail in this virtual course: clouds floating amongst the blue sky, the sun shining through them; the McDowell Mountains fixed on the horizon; the Sonoran Desert surrounding us; giant cacti, blue fescue, and Palo Verde trees lining the fairways. The conditions made it easy to forget about the rainy and cold November day outside.
sipping on a triple boger Lager while my dad hits in the background
We had a tough start to the round, all bogeying the first three holes. So, we decided to order a pitcher of the aptly named Triple Bogey Lager and some food. Both were brought to our table, so we could enjoy them while we played. I had an angus burger, which I recommend, while my dad and grandfather got hot dogs.
After the food and beer, we were feeling much better, as were our swings. Over the next couple hours, we nursed our beers and enjoyed the rest of our round—and fortunately none of us were booed, nor subjected to a beer shower, two famed features of the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.
Overall, I was impressed with the accuracy of the simulators and the general experience. It was a much more relaxed version of golf, the kind where you don’t feel like quitting after the first nine holes.
Final Thoughts
Playing a round at Golf-O-Max has always been a favourite winter pastime of mine. Their simulators have allowed me, an amateur golfer, to play courses around the world, while connecting with family during the colder months.
But the true appeal is in its universality. Whether you just want to have a beer (or two) and hit some balls with friends, or continue to sharpen your game in the winter, Golf-O-Max provides a unique experience for golfers of all levels. So, be sure to check it out—before the snow melts!
A lifelong Ottawan, Jack Rhoades has been finding fun in Ottawa for the past two decades. In his search, he has biked across the city, paddled over its rivers, and run across its paths. These activities have turned him into a staunch defender of his city and its underratedness. When he’s not out exploring the city, he can be found playing golf or tennis, and coaching minor hockey.
