MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Most Minnesota golfers get through the winter by flying south. But that’s not exactly needed, even in an extended winter like the one we’re in right now.

Just step inside The Bunker Indoor Golf Center and you’ll be transported to a warmer place, where talk of sand traps and birdies is par for the course.

“We have indoor golf,” said head golf pro Edward Boeve. “Bring your clubs and play in here just like you’d play one outside.”

With 80 world-class courses to choose from, you can golf anywhere in the country and be home in time for lunch.

“We’ve played pebble beach, it was very nice there,” said Tom Freeberg. “Where else have we played? Arizona, Florida, California. We’re just all over.”

Freeberg is part of a Tuesday morning league. They play the same course the PGA tour is playing — the only difference is their course is virtual. A projection screen shows the course as if you’re standing in the tee-box. Once you hit the ball, a simulator finishes the swing showing its flight, or how it’d roll, just like you’d see it on the fairway.

“These simulators are so accurate and sophisticated that it’s just like playing outside,” said Ken Karpinski, a league member. “It’s so similar that it’s a terrific way to play golf during the winter and now have to be someplace other than here.”

A round of golf is $30 per person.

Another benefit to playing indoors: The golf center is open from 8 a.m. to midnight. Boeve said most Friday and Saturday nights they’re open until 2 a.m. or later because of the late night tee-times.

While playing indoors isn’t a replacement for the real thing, it does help keep golfers in shape and ready for when spring finally comes to town.

“As soon as it gets warm enough out — as soon as that snow leaves — we’re gonna be out there,” Freeberg said.

For more information visit: http://www.bunkerindoor.com/