There’s a new indoor golf venue making its Texas debut: Called BirdieBay, it’s a golf simulator concept founded in Tulsa opening two locations in the DFW area: Richardson, at 1002 N. Central Expwy. #579; and Hudson Oaks, 25 miles west of Fort Worth at 3017 Oakley Trail, next to the H-E-B.

Richardson is slated to open first in early 2025; Hudson Oaks just broke ground, and will open in August 2025.

BirdieBay was founded by brothers Keaton and Kennedy Lockhart, who opened the original in Tulsa in 2020. Their goal was to create a venue where anyone, at any level, could enjoy the game of golf, regardless of skill level, whether beginner or PGA professional, and also create a place where golf could be played regardless of the weather.

BirdieBay uses Golfzon, a pioneering simulator technology founded in Korea in 2000 that uses software to mimic playing on a real golf course. There are other Golfzon franchises in Austin and Houston, but this will be the first in Dallas.

Golf simulators are similar to other sports simulators such as baseball, and are a growing trend. Dallas currently has only a few such facilities such as the virtual TopGolf Swing Suite at the Hilton Anatole.

Bringing the concept to Dallas-Fort Worth is franchisee Peter Weldon, an SMU graduate and golfer, who calls BirdieBay the best golf simulator in the world.

"This is something that appeals to both avid golfers and families alike," Weldon says. "It bridges the gap between video games and golf, and that's something I'm excited about — being able to offer something that's for everybody. There are both competitive and noncompetitive activities to keep our members engaged."

The Richardson location will feature five bays where players can choose from mini games or traditional golf play. The bays are available for $50 an hour for a round of indoor golf, which takes about 45 minutes.

For those seeking a group experience, there will be leagues and a Golfzon pro tour in which the top three players compete at other Golfzon facilities across the country.

Amenities will include golf course classics including a pro shop and an in-house bar with food you’d find on a golf course, such as hot dogs, pretzels, and power bars; they’re in the process of getting a mixed-beverage license. They'll also partner with local businesses such as Tacos Y Mas and Ten50 BBQ to bring in tacos and BBQ.