A New Golf Simulator is Now Open in Laurel, MT

Indoor golf in Laurel has arrived.

An empty building in Laurel, MT has found new life as an indoor golf venue. Off The Cart Path opened on Halloween at 709 East Main. The 4,000+/- sq. foot building is next to the Railside Diner. We popped in today to check it out.

Perfect timing for winter golf practice in Montana.

Owner Marcus Buechler grew up in Joliet and now lives in Laurel with his wife and two young children. He said he was inspired to bring something new to the tight-knit community; a place where people of all ages can spend an afternoon or evening doing something fun.

Golf fun, year-round.

A hardcore golfer will play in inclement weather, but for most Montana duffers, golf is a very seasonal sport. A handful of other places in the Billings area offer golf simulators; The Back 9, and Mitchell Golf come to mind. Off The Cart Path provides another option for far West End residents or those in Carbon and Stillwater County.

Marcus started playing golf at age 24, joking that he's "not a pro, by no means" when I inquired about his skill level. His golf score was his inspiration for the business name, saying that it's where his shots typically land... Off The Cart Path. My kind of golfer.

Two golf simulators with a third multi-sport machine coming soon.

Off the Cart Path currently has two golf simulators and mini golf. Buechler said a third, multi-sport simulator will be arriving soon where customers can hit a baseball, play basketball, football, cornhole, and a variety of other games.

Grand Opening planned for 12/7, with fun tournaments and prizes.

Off The Cart Path's pricing model is $40 per hour to rent a simulator bay. Not bad, especially if you play a foursome. Monthly memberships are also available.

They're planning a Grand Opening on December 7 with a food truck, contests (including a long drive completion, a mini golf tournament, and a closest-to-the-pin tournament), and more.

Can you BYOB?

At this time, the facility is completely non-alcoholic. Buechler is researching his insurance requirements for those who may want to bring a six-pack or a bottle of wine for their indoor round of golf. In the meantime, Sid's and The Palace are just down the street.

The facility is not just for those who aim to drop their handicap or practice their swing in January, but also a fun option for birthday parties, kid parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, team-building events, etc. Most golfers will bring their own clubs; a limited selection of rental clubs is available too.