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As the weather begins to warm up in Pittsburgh, one of our favorite times of the year returns, GOLF SEASON! Golfing is a very unique sport and pastime because it is truly healthy and ageless. You can start golfing from a young age, or wait and pick it up in retirement — there is no “age limit.” If you haven’t made your debut on the course yet, there are places right here in Pittsburgh where you can learn to golf or practice your skills. At OnPar Now, you can get affordable, professional assistance with golf – no matter your age or skill level. While golf is often seen as a historically male sport, during Women’s History month we are here to show you that with the help of places like OnPar Now, females have a place where they are empowered to practice their golfing skills in a comfortable, inclusive environment.
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OnPar Now is an indoor golf space where you can learn, practice, or play, in a space free of intimidation. Located in the newly renovated Strip District Terminal, this indoor golf instruction and practice space boasts state-of-the-art technology and is perfectly placed for folks from all over the city to come and visit. Whether you are looking to build and sharpen your golf skills, or for a way to blow off steam and have a good time with friends, OnPar Now is your destination. The founder and CEO, Jan Receski is quite the female business owner —aiming to make everyone feel comfortable within the walls of OnPar Now. Coming from a background in corporate America, Jan understands the importance of golf as not only a fun pastime but as an important networking tool. Throughout the years, she has witnessed first-hand the discrimination against females when it comes to golfing. Oftentimes, charitable or company golf outings, 9 holes after the workday, or a round of golf on the weekend are different ways professionals bond and network. In Jan’s experience, she has seen women get left behind purely because of their gender, regardless of their skill level. By opening OnPar Now, her goal is to encourage women and men to embrace the game and reap the many benefits golf brings to business relationships, as well as personal relationships.
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We were lucky enough to attend the Beginner Basics Clinic, which is a 4-week clinic designed to cover everything you need to know to get started in the world of golf! The first session is focused solely on language and etiquette. You’ll meet in the mezzanine at OnPar Now and Jan will talk you through the basics with assistance from a local golf professional. You’ll cover each type of club and its uses, dress code, key terms, and more. While golf courses and country clubs have dress codes, at OnPar Now you are welcome to wear whatever you are comfortable in! After you learn the basics in the first session, the next three sessions of the Beginner Basics Clinic will be filled with trying your hand at golf under the guidance of their in-house Golf Pro & Master Club Fitter, Rhiannon Ray, using industry-leading technology that gives you the chance to experience what it will be like to play the game out on the course.
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OnPar Now has four Trackman simulator bays where you can choose from 92 golf courses around the world. This is perfect for practicing your game at different skill levels, having a serious round of golf, or choosing from one of the more casual games on the simulator and bringing your friends for a happy hour. OnPar Now is BYOB, there is just a $10 corkage fee per group. If you want something more structured for your groups such as a networking event or business meeting, you can also rent out the full space at OnPar Now.
If you’re looking to work on your short game, OnPar Now has two putting greens you can practice on. One of the putting greens contains a sand trap as well as rough to practice chipping your ball up from certain hazards. This is the only place where you can find an indoor sand trap in Pittsburgh! The other putting green uses PuttView technology to move the green from beneath. What does this mean? It means you can simulate any putting scenario by using the touchpad to select what you’re looking for. Maybe you have issues with dips to the right or left. The PuttView technology completely customizes the green for your practice.
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As OnPar Now welcomes all skill levels, you are welcome to bring your clubs or use the clubs at the facility. If you’re a frequent golfer, it’s helpful to bring your own clubs to hone in on your skills compared to the course. If you don’t have any idea what clubs are right for you, OnPar Now also offers club fittings! Remember, no one is too much of a novice for this experience.
Jan does a fantastic job helping others feel welcome and comfortable within this space. As a certified Women-Owned business by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, there’s no time like Women’s History month to support this local business. Whether you are looking for a fun evening out or a membership with structured lessons, OnPar Now is here to fit your unique needs. We promise if you give it a try, you won’t regret it!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.