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by John Basilesco, Eagle Tribune
ATKINSON — Three high-tech studios that open onto
an outdoor driving range are part of a special teaching facility
for golfers opening this week at Atkinson Resort & Country
Club.
Willowcreek Golf Academy, a state-of-the-art facility, is
unique in terms of its features, said Peter Doherty, the club's
golf professional.
The teaching studios, which include 16-foot-high automatic
doors that open onto a large driving range, have an overhead
heating system to keep golfers warm, Doherty said. Advanced
computer software, four cameras and wide-screen monitors will
allow golfers to see themselves in action seconds after driving
a ball. Instructors will pinpoint right on the monitor in
front of them how golfers can improve their game.
Avid golfer Frank Marino of Derry tried one of the studios
for the first time Tuesday.
The four-handicap player whacked balls on the outdoor driving
range while instructor Marc Spencer analyzed his technique.
Using his computer, Spencer showed Marino how to adjust his
posture to get more into his swing.
"It's phenomenal," Marino said of the facility.
"It's a way to understand your golf swing and improve
it. Along with verbal instructions, you can see your swing,
which allows me to make adjustments."
In addition to the three studios, the facility features a
dozen bays under a roof that opens onto the driving range.
The bays also are heated.
Doherty said golfers can work on their swing in the middle
of the winter, no matter how cold it gets, and stay warm.
Even if the outdoor driving range is covered with snow, it
won't matter, he said.
The two-story building, which took about a year to build,
includes a foyer with a massive stone fireplace, a pro shop,
a cafe, an outside patio that will open in the spring, men's
and women's locker rooms, and a function room with seating
for 60 for birthday parties, corporate gatherings and other
events, said Patty King, the resort's sales director.
"We are so excited to open, we can't wait," King
said. "It's quite a unique facility, which is modeled
after the main building."
It is expected to draw golfers of all levels from throughout
New England, she said. |
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