Article written by Carrie Rengers from The Wichita Eagle
Eric and Annie Johnsen already own a couple of businesses, but when an Omaha friend opened a new golf simulator franchise, they decided to start another one. It made sense “being the golf fanatics that Annie and I are,” Eric Johnsen said. Swing 365 Golf – Wichita is opening May 1 at 12627 E. Central, which is just west of 127th Street. Johnsen described it as “a private golf studio for people to either play with other members, or they can just use it to practice at their own leisure in a private setting.”
The 1,400-square-foot space will have an 11-by-16 screen for practice or playing on various courses. “The space is your space when you’re there,” Johnsen said. There are no employees, coaching or food and drinks. Johnsen said that makes this simulator a little different from some others. “They’re really an entertainment-driven concept.” He called Swing 365, which is open 24 hours a day every day of the year, “an improvement studio.” Members can book the space for an hour and a half a day and bring a guest for $25. Memberships vary from $150 to $400 a month and are month to month with no contract. The different levels of memberships are based on how far out can make your tee times. For instance, for $150, members can book up to 48 hours in advance. For $400, members can book up to seven days in advance. There are four levels.
Johnsen, who helps coach at Kapaun Mount Carmel, also still has Insurance Partners of Kansas.
Annie Johnsen also still has Invio Fine Furniture Consignment. The two have bought the rights to potentially open more Swing 365 sites in Wichita and the surrounding areas. Annie Johnsen said they’re wanting “it to feel like you’re at home when you’re there.” Eric Johnsen said he’s already hearing positive feedback from friends wanting to try the business, including one who works second shift. “I can’t go anywhere and hit balls when I get off work,” the friend said. “This would be perfect.”
