XL Golf debuting additions during weekend celebration

HERMON – When Len Cole started XL Golf in February 1995, he wanted to offer more than what was currently being offered in the indoor golf market.

He had golf simulators, an 18-hole putting green, an indoor hitting area, and more to try to meet golfers’ winter desires.

Now he is expanding, not only in terms of space, but also time.

“Our slogan now is `All golf all year,’ ” said Cole, sitting in his office Wednesday amid the fruit of his fertile business imagination.

Boxes of brochures sit next to one wall, a packet of UMaine hockey posters nestles on the couch, an empty chair is a luxury.

He was only slightly removed from the bustle of remodeling still taking place as he prepared for today’s opening of a three-day celebration to show how he wants to cater to golfers’ summertime needs as well as their winter ones.

The celebration will be highlighted by a poster-signing session from 6-8 tonight by members of the NCAA national champion University of Maine men’s hockey team.

Four of the five graduating seniors are expected to be there – Bobby Stewart, Marcus Gustafsson, David Cullen, and Jason Vitorino. Steve Kariya had to leave Thursday morning.

The celebration includes free lessons and club fitting from 5-7 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and the grand opening of his Caddyshack Lounge, which will offer food, drinks, and a big-screen TV in the corner where the indoor hitting area used to be.

Fear not, because part of the outdoor range next to the building can be moved under cover in case of inclement weather.

While those 20 mat hitting stations remain, a new 20-station lighted grass tee has been added. The grass tees have a 2- to 3-foot sand base, which Cole said allows water to drain off so well that it can be used even in the rain.

“I want to add an outdoor putting green and a chipping green with a sand trap,” said Cole, looking farther ahead. “An 18-hole putting course is what I’d like to see.”

A new ball machine makes the ranges even more useful, Cole believes.

“You can buy your tokens [in advance] and hit at sunrise or whatever,” said Cole. “Some people like to meet somewhere before they play. This way they can hit a few balls before they go.”

As part of the weekend celebration, people can get the outdoor range membership for free, normally a $49 program. The program includes discount prices for the buckets of balls, discounts on pro shop purchases and individual lessons, and other services.

Cole is also expanding the group lesson program. Three days a week, Tuesday through Thursday, Cole and Chris Lander will be offering lessons for various groups, one for women only and others for men and women, and the XLent Practice program which will meet three times a week.

According to Cole, the difference between these group lessons and others offered is a person doesn’t have to attend each week. A person could attend one week, pay their $10 plus the cost of a bucket of balls, and receive instruction.

If the next time the person could attend is three weeks later, no problem. The player receives help for their particular need. It’s individualized, but in a group setting.

XL Golf will also conduct junior lessons, including a golf camp.

“We worked with the Hampden Rec Department originally, but I thought it would be good if we opened it up to everybody,” said Cole.

Since flexibility is good for golfers, Cole is also allowing licensed occupational therapist Angela Greene to conduct her Full Impact Therapy program, adding to the XL Golf menu.

“We would like to be the Bangor Mall to golfers, as far as what we offer,” said Cole.

Skip Chappelle, tournament director for the R.H. Foster Energy/Mobil Paul Bunyan Amateur Golf Tournament, said entries have reached about 350.

The tournament, set for June 18-20, can accommodate 468 golfers. More than 75 Maine golf courses are represented, Chappelle said, and entries have come in from Arizona and Hawaii.