LONGMONT - Golden Rueckert, the owner of one of Longmont’s newest bars, Ironwood (700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 105), has been a member of The Fox Hill Club golf course for nine years. He loves that the club cultivates a sense of belonging for himself and other golf lovers. This feeling of community is what inspired Rueckert to open Ironwood, a sports bar and golf simulator business, in November.
“I wanted to bring the culture that I felt at Fox Hill to an indoor setting,” Rueckert said. “It transcends the game of golf, it’s about making this our home.”
Besides being a hub for watching live sports (including Premier League soccer matches, some of which the bar will open at 7 a.m. for), Ironwood has state of the art golf simulator equipment that allows golf lovers and novices alike to play the sport indoors, all year round. The simulator uses cameras, sensors, and a screen that mimic the experience of playing golf on an outdoor course.
“It feels strange to swing a club inside,” Rueckert said. “But you still get to chase the perfect golf shot. When you see the ball flying through the air, it’s a feeling people chase for their entire lives.”
To use a golf simulator at Ironwood, customers can schedule a tee time online. Simulator bays can be rented from between $35 to $55 an hour, depending on the time of day. Up to four players are allowed to play per bay. Monthly memberships are also available for $200 per month. Ironwood also hosts indoor golf leagues and golf lessons.
Players are encouraged to bring their own clubs, but clubs can also be provided by Ironwood. Clean golf balls are also provided by the bar. Using the simulators, customers can also play football, dodgeball, cricket, and more, for which Ironwood also provides equipment.
Besides draught beer, wine, and cocktails, Ironwood serves burritos, sandwiches, and cookies from Longmont’s Spruce Confections. The bar also shares a courtyard with the Parkway Food Hall, from which Ironwood servers can pick up and deliver food for you while you watch the game or play golf.
“The people who have the best time at Ironwood are people who come through with a good attitude and are excited to be here,” Rueckert said.
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