Flyte Golf Studio, Cork

Cork has just gotten its first dedicated Trackman studio, and we were lucky enough to be the very first customers through the doors at Flyte Golf on the Marina. Here is our full review of what is set to become one of the most talked about new openings in Cork's growing sport and leisure scene.

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@corkxtra Flyte Golf Definitive Review New Trackman Studio In The Marina #golfstudioreview #golfreviewcork #trackmancork @FLYTE Golf ♬ Luxury, Elegance, Refined - Ted D’souza & Dani Audiomix

A Warm Welcome From Two Serious Golfers

We were greeted warmly at the door by owners Rob and Ben. Both are handy golfers with low handicaps who have spent time caddying in the USA before returning home to Ireland to set up Cork's first dedicated Trackman studio.

It is an ambitious project, and one that genuinely fills a gap in the Cork market. Anyone who plays golf in Ireland knows the winter months can be brutal, with limited course availability and ranges getting battered by wind and rain. Flyte Golf is aiming to bring year round golf to Cork, and on the basis of our visit, they are well set up to do exactly that.

The Setup

The facility houses five premium, spacious Trackman bays, each capable of holding up to four people. The bays themselves have a properly premium feel, with good quality mats and plenty of space to swing.

The studio also serves local Three Fools coffee, which is a nice Cork touch, and the lads are planning to bring in catering options for corporate customers and larger events down the line.

On The Course (Sort Of)

We played Bandon Trails in Oregon and the K Club Palmer North course, which I can confirm is just as hard on the simulator as it is in real life.

The Trackman has a huge library of major courses from around the world, and you can spend hours just flicking through the options before deciding where to play. There is also a practice range so you can warm up before getting into a proper round.

One thing worth flagging: I was a little paranoid about hitting the projector overhead with the driver and had to contain my swing a bit. That can mess with your tempo when you get back out on a real course, so it is something to be aware of. You may also catch the tee under the projector on occasion.

It is worth saying that simulator golf is genuinely a different sport to real golf. The feel, the read, the pace, it all changes. The only way to know if you will enjoy it is to try it for yourself.

The Putting

The putting setup is really good, with multiple options from manual to automatic. I actually really enjoyed the putting, although getting the distances right takes some practice. It is one of those things that becomes addictive once you start dialling it in.

Lessons And Coaching

For anyone looking to actually improve their game, Flyte have professional golf coach Colin McGuire offering lessons at €110 per session. With Trackman data behind you, this is the kind of coaching setup that can genuinely move the needle on your handicap, regardless of weather.

Pricing

The bay costs €60 for one hour and accommodates up to four people. If you can fill the bay with three or four mates it is genuinely good value. For solo players or pairs it does start to feel premium.

The off peak membership is €200 per month for unlimited use before 5pm, which is excellent value for anyone with daytime flexibility. There are also weekend competitions alongside winter and summer leagues, which adds even more value to the memberships.

What This Means For Cork Golf

This is a genuine first for Cork. None of the main driving ranges in the city have incorporated Trackman or TopTracer technology yet, so Flyte is the first place locals can really experience what proper simulator tech can do.

The facility will be a major boost for winter golf in Cork when the weather makes real golf impossible. It is also ideal for large groups, parties, corporate events, and team building. We would say two hours is more realistic than one if you want to get a full round in, particularly if there is any chat going on, which there always is.

The Verdict

Flyte Golf has landed in Cork at exactly the right time. Padel is exploding, the new Trackman studio adds another premium sport offering, and Cork's appetite for these kinds of experiences is clearly there.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, wish Rob and Ben every success, and will absolutely be back.

• Overall Score: 7.4/10 (74/100)

For more information and to book, visit flytegolf.ie.