THUNDER BAY - A former grocery store on Golf Links Road is the site of Thunder Bay’s next golf course.
On The Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar is set to open in the fall after local entrepreneur Chris Ferguson leased one half of the building for his new business venture.
“I think it’s going to be a big draw because there’s so many golfers here. You can’t do this anywhere else with the golf, food, and drink all in a sports bar setting,” Ferguson said.
The first-of-its-kind recreational restaurant comes nearly seven years after Quality Market announced it was closing its Golf Links Road location, and its second location in Centennial Square.
The ill-fated Golf Links Road location was only open for about one year after it was constructed. It has been unoccupied since.
Now, the building will feature four golf simulators, with the option to play historic courses like Pebble Beach or Augusta National, all while enjoying a drink.
The inspiration behind the idea came to Ferguson during a wintertime trip to Windsor roughly five years ago. He and a group of friends visited an indoor golf simulator which featured the option to eat and drink.
“We had that experience of playing golf, watching the Montreal Canadiens, and eating and drinking. It was just a great combination it was a lot of fun,” he said.
That’s when Ferguson decided to contact Hank Wilke, president of Thunder Bay Golf Association, and pitch the idea.
“We’ve always hoped for a facility that junior golfers can come work at their game so they can be more competitive during the summer,” Wilke said.
“These simulators are very, very accurate. It’s a good tool for everybody to use to help improve their game.”
Wilke said golfers had limited options to work on their game during the winter, especially after the Sports Dome - which featured a driving range and simulator - collapsed in 2016.
The goal of the facility will be to serve multiple functions. Competitive golfers can use the facility during non-peak restaurant hours, while casual golfers can work on their game at night while enjoying food, drink, and a sporting event.
“A lot of my friends do shift work, so they’d maybe come in the morning. Others that are nine-to-five maybe they’ll come out in the evening and have a drink and enjoy some food,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson says he anticipates the bar will host tournaments, men’s nights, and ladies' nights just as regular golf courses do.
“I believe there’s going to be a lot of excitement with this facility,” Wilke said. “It can work as a lounge and sports bar, and also a place to play a round of golf on one of the major golf courses you’ve never seen before.”
Only one of the half the building will be occupied by On The Links, while Ferguson is hoping to attract other businesses to occupy the empty space.
The bar will be open for seven days a week when it first opens.
Construction is expected to be completed in the fall, according to Ferguson.
