Purpose-built indoor golf venue opens in Caerphilly with Development Bank backing
A new purpose-built indoor golf venue supported by the Development Bank of Wales is set to open in Caerphilly.
PIN SIM GOLF, based at Afon Court, secured a micro loan of £25,000 from the Development Bank’s Wales Flexible Investment Fund to support the purchase of specialist equipment and provide working capital.
Created specifically for golfers by local entrepreneur Craig Hughes, PIN SIM GOLF offers year-round practise, virtual rounds and competitions in three simulator bays. These include a flagship dual-handed bay using Foresight Sports technology and two additional bays for players of all abilities. Along with the support from the Development Bank, Craig has also invested around £80,000 in setting up the new business, much of which was built from scratch.
Craig has taken a hands-on role throughout, from designing the venue to carrying out much of the fit-out himself, including selecting and installing the new golf simulators.
For Craig, the venture brings together his long-standing passion for golf and technology. He said: “I’ve used golf simulator technology personally for more than 10 years and have followed developments in simulators and software throughout that time. That experience has shaped PIN SIM GOLF. We’ve created a proper indoor golf experience for Caerphilly, not just somewhere to hit balls at a screen.
“We want to create a premium venue where golfers, beginners, juniors, families, societies and groups can practise, play, compete and enjoy the game all year round. Longer term, I’d like PIN SIM GOLF to become a genuine local golf community, with leagues, club nights and group events.
“The Development Bank offered a competitive funding solution, and the process was smooth from start to finish. Their support has been a valuable part of the wider investment we’ve made to getting PIN SIM GOLF ready to open.”
The business has already generated strong interest from golfers across the region, with enquiries relating to memberships, leagues and events received ahead of opening. Craig has also been engaging with local golf clubs, societies and golfing groups keen to make use of the new facility.
Claire Vokes, senior investment executive with the Development Bank of Wales, said: “PIN SIM Golf is bringing a new leisure and sporting experience to Caerphilly while creating a space where golfers, clubs, societies and businesses can come together throughout the year.
“Craig has combined specialist knowledge, technical expertise and a genuine passion for the game to create a business that fills a gap in the local market and gives golfers access to a high-quality indoor facility closer to home.”
Financed by Welsh Government, the £500m Wales Flexible Investment Fund supports Welsh businesses with terms of up to 15 years. Loans, mezzanine finance, and equity investments are available from £25,000 to £10 million.