Indoor Golf Facility Proposed for Former IGA/DFO Building

A Canton resident and his business partner have proposed an indoor golf facility for the former Discount Food Outlet/IGA building in the Canton Village Plaza.

Chris Maher of Canton has filed an application with the town’s land-use office and the plan will go to a zoning commission hearing April 20. 

Maher and Kevin Ebner of Harwinton are planning to open a multifaceted business with two main components – a black light, or “glow cove,” mini-golf course in one side of the building and high-definition golf simulation in the other.  Each would have separate entrances.

All uses are permitted by special exception, according to land-use office paperwork. 

Although the business would require a significant investment of “well over $1 million," Maher believes both golf features will fill a niche in the area.

“With both, it’s kind of a no-lose proposition,” he said.

On the miniature golf side, Maher said he is looking to provide a fun place for kids and a much-needed birthday party option in the area.

In fact it was part of his inspiration. After being frustrated about the lack of birthday party options for older children, he ended up with his own kids at the Monster Mini Golf in Windsor Locks.

Being an avid golfer, it helped get the wheels churning. Soon the two were thinking of a golf business for kids and adults.

“We were running with that theme and embellishing it a little bit,” Maher said.  

The two looked into a Monster Mini Golf franchise but decided to go with a custom-made, irregularly shaped course with a fun theme.

“We kind of wanted to do our own thing,” he said.

An ice cream parlor and arcade games would add to the fun for kids.

The other key part to the business would be the High Definition Golf Simulation and Sports Bar.

That part of the business will have more of a country-club feel and the simulation will be the best available, according to Maher.

“We’re getting the best stuff you can possibly get,” he said.

That will provide a very realistic experience of 30 of the world’s greatest golf courses, he said.

Maher also plans to install a sports bar with light pub fare and potentially offerings from area restaurants. He said it will offer another dimension to the business but is not designed to be a hangout and will have a “lightly” enforced dress code.

Some retail is planned as well. 

Maher said the facility would be a premier golf center in the state and even New England with top-of-the line equipment and a unique mix of offerings.

He believes a wide range of people will make use of it. For youth, it will offer a place for parties, fundraisers, summer campers on a rainy days and school groups.

Adult golfers will have a chance to play in twilight leagues, work with golf pros and improve their game after work and in all types of weather, he said.  The facility plans to be open late. 

“People who get out of work a little later will still have the opportunity to come play in a league,” Maher said. 

Maher also plans to cater to seniors who may want to play miniature golf, use the golf simulator or enjoy a selection from the ice cream parlor or glass of wine from the sports bar. 

The facility plans to offer membership and walk-in opportunities. Maher hopes to open in August.