Up to Par Golf Center provides expert and novice golfers of Ocean County with the total golf experience at its indoor facility at One South Main Street in downtown Toms River. No matter what the weather, outdoor conditions, season, or time of day, golfers can practice their swing or play a full 18-hole course in the comfort of a climate-controlled environment that engages the latest in golf technology. Up to Par Golf’s four full-swing simulators with a choice of over 40,000 golf courses and indoor putting green allow single golfers, pairs, or foursomes to practice or play a full round of golf with their own clubs and balls, all without the down time wasted on retrieving balls and traveling from hole to hole.
“Ocean County has a lot of golfers, but the number of courses and driving ranges in the area is limited compared to other counties across the state,” noted Kevin Askew, an owner of Up to Par Golf Center alongside Chris Nelson, Scott Weikel, and Chuck Fusciello. “We want golf enthusiasts of all ages and play levels to be able to do what they would do outside, regardless of the weather and at a fraction of the time investment. We welcome everyone to come to Up to Par Golf to practice, play, learn, or just hang out and watch in our country-club-like setting, without the high cost of country-club membership.” Up to Par Golf’s convenient morning and evening hours make it possible for busy golfers to come in before or after work to perfect their skill or play a foursome with friends. “Our goal is to supplement outdoor golf rounds, n
A mainstay at Up to Par Golf Center is the lessons provided by Chris Nelson, part-owner and head instructor. Nelson, a New Jersey native, graduated from Kemper Sports Management/ Golf Academy of America with an Associates of Applied Business degree in Golf Complex Operations and Management, achieving a dual area of emphasis in Golf Professional and General Management. At the academy, Nelson passed the Golf Academy Playing Ability Test and observed lessons by professional instructors such as Todd Scones, one of Golf Magazine’s top 100 instructors, and Mike Bender, the 2009 PGA National Teacher of the Year. Nelson attended Monsignor Donovan High School, where he lettered in golf; he is now the school’s assistant golf coach and also serves as the head golf professional at Cedar Creek Golf Course.
“Chris actually wrote the business plans for Up to Par Golf Center right out of high school,” shared Askew. “He is young, dynamic, extremely patient, and excellent with students of all ages and ability levels. I got to know Chris and his teaching talent through his work with my son, who is now one of the county’s top up-and-coming junior players. I can’t say enough about his ability to coach young golfers and improve their games. Chris makes it happen at Up to Par Golf on a day-to-day basis.”
Up to Par Golf offers private and group lessons and clinics that use the latest in technology to teach skills that are difficult to master and to break bad habits that can sabotage a golfer’s game. Technologies at Up to Par Golf include the FlightScope Xi Tour unit, V1 video analysis, swing software, and portable launch monitors. Golf students can log in remotely from their personal computer, tablet, or smart phone at any time to review their personal data and analyses through their own exclusive online video locker. “Our slogan at Up to Par Golf is, ‘Teaching through technology, with a passion for improvement,’” informed Nelson.
Golfers can practice on their own, take lessons, participate in a foursome, or engage in tournaments and leagues, where all players are handicapped to even the playing field and up the competition and fun. Membership packages are available, or golfers can pay per-hour —not per golfer— whenever they feel like playing, sharing the cost among the group. The almost 5,000 square-foot facility also has a social lounge area with flat-screen televisions for relaxing before, during, or after golfing. Up to Par Golf Center accommodates private parties, fundraisers, corporate events, and meetings, complete with catered menus. There is also a club service shop for regripping, reshafting, and other club repairs to keep golfers up and swinging.
To learn more about Up to Par Golf Center, call 732-269-4302, visit their website at www.uptopargolf.com, or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uptopargolf. Up to Par Golf is open seven days a week and extends reservations beyond their scheduled hours of operation.
