It is a one-of-kind business in the Upper Ohio Valley that allows local golfers to play courses from throughout the world all from the comfort of Fore Seasons at The Highlands.
Brothers Chris and Ricci Zambito opened more than a restaurant and bar on June 1, and that is because the establishment features two Trackman bays that simulate play on more than 80 courses. The cost is only $60 per hour for as many players that wish to play.
“My brother came up with this idea a couple of years ago, and we have a mutual friend who lives in Columbus and has a business like this,” Ricci Zambito said. “That’s when he asked me if I was interested, and there is nothing cooler than being in business with my brother. We are excited for this venture because there are so many people in this area that like to golf.
“Our goal is to keep golf season going through this winter, and this situation is perfect for the cold months and also when folks feel it is too hot to play during the summer months,” he said. “We also have months when it rains a ton, so those people can come here on those days and still get to play.”
Fore Seasons is located at 355 Wharton Circle at The Highlands near the West Liberty University branch. The business is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. most days, but on Fridays and Saturdays the establish remains open until 11 p.m.
“The Highlands just continues to grow, and that’s why we felt this would be the best location for Fore Seasons,” Zambito explained. “We looked at some other spots, but with Menard’s opening and all the other businesses up here, we were sold on this area. We are really happy to be here.
“Right now, we have about 80 different courses from throughout the world that people can play,” Zambito said. “Most of the courses are PGA courses, but there are also some fictional courses that can be played, as well. There are different games that people can play, too, that involve closest to the pin and things like that.”
League Play
In honor of The Masters being held this week in Augusta, Ga., Fore Seasons is having a “Closest the the Pin” challenge, and when golfers visit they can also sign up for the adult league that begins very soon.
“We believe having the league in the winter will allow those avid golfers to get out any day of the week if not more,” Zambito said., “So far we have about 20 folks signed up, and the season will be six weeks long for the adult league, and there will be weekly prizes for the low score. It will be in the best ball format that you can play with a buddy of yours, and it will be nine holes each week.
“The overall winner of the league will get a champions party, and that will feature free play and a bunch of food,” he said. “There will be a cash bar, too, and the winner’s name will be engraved on a plaque that will hang here in Fore Seasons.”
Zambito and his brother also are considering a second league for players in high school.
“There have been several younger players who have expressed interest in that league, so it’s our hope that more local kids, whether they play for their high school or not, will want to come here and compete in that league,” he said. “Once we know there is that interest, we’ll get that scheduled, too, and that way they will have a place to play during those times when they can’t be on the regular courses.
“When you first walk in here and see other people playing, it looks like it is totally different than playing on a real course, but once you start to play, you realize how realistic it actually is,” he said. “The technology we have here is incredible, and anyone who golfs knows how long their drives are, and you’ll be surprised at how accurate this version of golf is.”
A Safe Environment
The Zambitos have implemented several precautions including masks, social distancing, a limit to the number of patrons at one time, and staff members are sanitizing everything once a group is finished playing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There is a full bar, and several panini sandwiches and mac-n’-cheese bowls are on the menu. Tee times can be reserved online, or by stopping by to speak with a staff member.
“Our ultimate goal right now is that we eventually grow out of this space and move to a large facility in the future,” Zambito said. “Right now, we have two bays, but our goal is to get as many as five of them so more and more people can enjoy these courses. We can play the great courses that we have here in the Upper Ohio Valley, but here you can play the most famous courses in the world.
“We had great weather during the summer, and so far the fall hasn’t been that bad, but we all know what kind of weather is coming in this area,” he added. “Our hope is that when we do have that cold weather, golfers will come here for the first time and realize how much fun it is to play these courses with the friends they go golfing with in the area.”
