Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Tyler Linn tests the new golf simulator at Starkeller.

NEW ULM — Visitors to Schell’s Starkeller taproom can now hit the links without going outside.

Schell’s Starkeller facility now has a golf simulator room. Outfitted with the latest TruGolf simulator, a patron can golf indoors on simulated courses. A soft opening of Starkeller’s golf simulator was held Wednesday night.

Golfers hit real golf balls into a specially made projection screen that simulates a golf course. Once the ball hits the screen the computer registers speed and direction to calculate where the ball would go on a real course.

Schell’s CEO Kyle Marti said the simulator comes with over 100 U.S. and international golf courses. Users can simulate playing on some of the most famous golf courses in the world such as Pebble Beach or St. Andrews. Users can also practice their drive on a simulated driving range.

The technology even simulates weather conditions and can be programed for a specific time of day.

Schell’s staff used the soft opening to do a test run of the software. Users indicated the simulator was about as close to real life as possible. The screen will accurately depict how well or how poorly a person golfs.

“As much as I like to say I hit the ball straight, it still tells me when I slice,” Marti said.

The idea to put a golf simulator room at Starkeller was a few years in the making. Marti explained, “Everyone golfs, and no one can do it in the winter.”

Patrons who want to use the course may schedule a tee time. The cost is $50 an hour for four people. A special 10-week golf season will also be available.

Those interested can scheduled tee times now. The first tee times are available starting this weekend, open Fridays and Saturdays.

For rental and sign-up information email starkeller@schellsbrewery.com or call 507-359-7827 during business hours.