The Swing Lab, a new golf simulator opens in Montezuma

       Eli Wilhelm of Deep River practices his swing at The Swing Lab in Montezuma. The new business is owned by Michael and Ashley Reif of Montezuma. The golf simulator gives golfers an opportunity to work on their swing and analysis of their game through virtual software. The business is open week nights and weekend by appointment

​By J.O. Parker
 
        There’s no need to drive to the big city to work on your golf swing.
        The Swing Lab, a new business on the edge of the Montezuma Square, is geared to help golfers improve their swing and game.
         The Swing Lab is a golf simulator featuring software to analysis and improve your game.
          Owners Michael and Ashley Reif opened the business in late January at 403 E. Main St.
       Reif, a regular at the Montezuma Country Club, had been looking for a way to help others improve their game.
         “I enjoy playing the game and I started this business to help people tune up for the season,” said Reif.
          He had been looking for a suitable building when the building on Main Street opened up.
The business is open from 4 – 9 p.m. throughout the week and 12-9 on the weekends by appointment only.
           “All you have to do is reserve your time and come in and play,” said Reif.
           The simulator uses cameras and radar to track the golf ball.
       Golfers have a couple options. They can come work on their swing or utilize the analysis software to tell if their golf ball is going left or right.
       “It determines how the ball is going to fly in a real game situation,” said Reif of analysis software.
         Golfers of all skill levels are welcome to use the simulator. Reif said Montezuma and other school golf teams are using the simulator ahead of the season to improve their games.
            The cost is $30 per hour to play or $40 per hour to utilize the software option.
            In addition, Reif also regrips golf clubs and fixes broken ones in some cases.
           When asked if she enjoys golf as much as her husband, Reif’s wife, Ashely, said riding in a golf cart is more her liking.
            “Mini putt putt is more my speed,” said Ashely.
            Reif said he has been playing golf for about 15 years and loves the game.
            “You can never master it,” he said of golf. “There is always something to learn.”
          “It’s convenient,” said Eli Wilhelm, who uses The Swing Lab often. “It’s something the town has always needed.”
          When it’s cold outside and you have the itch to work on your golf swing, give Reif and The Swing Lab a call or text at 641-295-3453 and book a time slot. You can also message him on Facebook at The Swing Lab. 

      Michael Reif, left, visits with Eli Wilhelm at The Swing Lab in Montezuma recently while Wilhelm takes a break at the golf simulator. The business, which opened in late January, is open weeknights and weekends by appointment.