This dreadful early winter has sponsored much longing for golf and, for that matter, any outdoor activity that can take place when the temperature is above freezing. In years past, the alternative golf activities were limited to visiting one of the three domes in the metro area. Only Currie remains.

My recent visits to the GolfTec store have been for instruction and they have monitoring technology which measures practically anything related to the golf swing/shot which is quantifiable. Couple this data with video of one's golf swing and you have enough information to fortify lessons or to take a client through the club-fitting process with the certainty of being able to demonstrate important differences between clubs, enabling a client to select the product which is best for him/her.

GolfTec also provides its clients with access to a video file of each lesson taken. This amenity that GolfTec provides is invaluable when charting progress or working through swing changes. Taking one's notebook or laptop to GolfTec or another WiFi-enabled practice facility is an efficient practice protocol.

The River Club has two simulators which enables PGA Professional Josh Pius to give lessons and do club fittings as well. Their About Golf simulators also allow participants to select from 45 national and international courses if they want to play a game with up to four players. The favorites include Pebble Beach, the TPC at Scottsdale and the Old Course at St. Andrews. A popular activity is to play a course during the week that the PGA tour is playing at the selected course.

The graphics are vivid and the feedback data is accurate, allowing appropriate club selection for every shot. The simulators are open to members and the public. Refreshments and food are available as well. Non-members can call 242-1400 and ask for the golf shop to set up a tee time.