'Wanted to have a driving range': How a Connecticut man made his childhood dream a business

Bears Virtual Golf in Danielson transports players to courses all over the world via its Trackman golf simulators.

The business has two simulators, which display courses on 10-foot by 15-foot projection screens. Golfers shoot toward the screens and their shots are reflected on screen as they play through a virtual course.

However, the business is more than just a virtual golf course. They pride themselves on being a golf shop, offering lessons, fittings, club repairs, and golf accessories.

The business is a dream come true for owner Jerre Fillmore.

“When I was younger, I always wanted to have a driving range,” he said. “For whatever reason, that was just one of the things I thought about as a kid.”

The dream came true when Fillmore and his wife Robin Deary Fillmore bought the building at 31 Commerce Avenue in Danielson in June 2020. His wife’s business Deary’s Gymnastics occupied the front section of the building, however, the back space was vacant. Fillmore decided to utilize the space as a virtual golf course, opening Bears Virtual Golf in June 2020.

“I just figured out a great use for it,” he said.

Fillmore’s business has grown in the three years it’s been open. During its first year, there was one simulator, with the rest of the space being used as an office for a software company Fillmore worked for.

More growth came in year two for Bears Virtual Golf. Fillmore decided to move on from the software industry and added a second simulator to his virtual golf course business. Around that time, Bears expanded its services, becoming a golf accessory shop.

Now, any evidence of the space being an office for a software company has been erased. A variety of clubs and golf bags fill the room by the entrance. Pictures of famous golfers such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus can be found throughout the store. Fillmore earned his nickname “Bear”, as he is a big fan of Nicklaus, who was nicknamed “The Golden Bear.”

In addition to working on their long game at Bears, players can hone their putting skills. The business has a room with a putting green where golfers can work on their short game.

Customers can even practice putting while they are waiting to use a simulator. Bears has another putting green, which offers people a chance to improve their short game or simply pass the time.

As a Danielson resident for more than 50 years, Fillmore has always wanted to give back to his community. He found a way to do just that through Bears Virtual Golf.

Sales from Fillmore’s business have gone toward the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson. His fundraiser last month raised $3,500, which the food pantry will use to pay for its heating bill as well as the purchase of additional groceries.

Bears has also opened its doors to many youth golfers in the area, giving them a place to practice, so they can improve their game. Moving forward, Fillmore plans to continue to help the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry as well as youth golfers in eastern Connecticut. He also hopes to build brand recognition for his store, as it is one of the only golf shops in the area.

“Folks that live in the area have to travel a good distance for the services that we provide here,” Fillmore said.

For more information on Bears Virtual Golf, visit the business’ website.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Bears Virtual Golf in Danielson: What to know about this CT business