Golf simulator bar to swing into downtown Cary for new nightlife option
If you are an avid golfer, or just learning to tee up the ball, you’ll soon be able to practice your swing in downtown Cary — and have a fun day or night out.
The Albatross is opening on East Chatham Street this summer with two golf simulators, various mini games, including putt-putt golf, and a curated menu of gourmet hot dogs and beverages.
The simulators can be tailored to each player’s experience level, from beginner to advanced.
The venue will occupy the former location of the Crosstown Pub and Grill, which moved next door. The Albatross’s co-owners Sean Ryan, 34, and Paul Wasmund, 32, are Cary residents with histories in the town’s dining scene. Ryan’s family opened the Crosstown Pub, and Wasmund was one of the first brewers for Bond Brothers Beer Co. on East Cedar Street.
The Albatross will follow the opening of new downtown Cary bars like Graffiti: Spirits, Axes and Art, The Walk Up, and RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar.
In golf, the Albatross represents a score of 3 strokes under par and is the rarest score in golf, Wasmund said. The co-owners selected the name to represent the uniqueness of the venue to downtown Cary.
It is set to open in August.
A new destination spot
Wasmund said they want to embrace the growing nightlife in Cary, which he said is becoming more like Asheville, where he used to live.
The Albatross’ hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“The night and day difference we’ve seen in downtown Cary in the last seven years has been incredible,” Wasmund said. “We perceive downtown Cary becoming a destination spot all and of itself, where people come and spend an afternoon or evening, or even a night. ... We’re excited to be part of that.”
Construction has already begun at The Albatross, which Ryan said has been nostalgic for him.
When his family opened the pub in 2015 it was one of the first restaurants with a bar in downtown Cary.
“It was hard to rip out the bar,” Ryan said of demolishing the former location. “But it was necessary, as Paul put it, as a Phoenix rising from the ashes for something new. I’m glad to be back here. The location, you can’t beat.”
State-of-the-art technology
The Albatross is like the Top Golf driving range in Charlotte and Drive Shack in Raleigh, which also operate as entertainment venues and bars.
Ryan and Wasmund wanted to tap into the golf market in Cary, which has two clubs: The Lochmere Golf Club and the Prestonwood Country Club.
The simulators are like the ones professional golfers use and are PGA Tour approved, Wasmund said.
Visitors will be able to reserve private rooms, or bays, for an hour to play games or swing at the golf balls. Inside the simulator, there is a 10- to 12-foot range from where you strike the golf balls to the 4K resolution projection screen.
Additionally, two golfers can complete 18 holes in under two hours.
The simulator bays will be available to book by the hour, with rates to be determined. There will also be social leagues on weeknights and a monthly membership program. Players will get unlimited golf balls.
Wasmund said the bays have been designed to provide suitable access for wheelchairs, walkers, or paragolfers, but knowing the needs of guests will be unique, they want to ensure it’s an experience everyone can enjoy.
“We’re proud to be a part of the Cary community and can’t wait to open our doors,” Ryan said.
