I only golf about once a year, on average. That’s just enough for me to appreciate the skill, as well as the frustration, of playing the game. I even have my own set of clubs! But I seldom ever get out to a course.

Though I have driven past several golf shops over the years, I have never stopped in to one. My assumption was that not much was going on at these stores in the wintertime. But visiting the Tennessee Golf Station changed my perception of just how much fun one of these places could be.

This place has everything you need to improve your game and have a blast while doing it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie just starting out, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to test your skills and have a great time. The Tennessee Golf Station is a state-of-the-art practice facility with three simulator bays.

There are simulated golf courses from around the world you can play on. But this isn’t a desktop computer with cheesy graphics. What you see on each large screen is video footage from places all over the world, such as St. Andrews in Scotland. People who have played some of the actual courses say the simulators are right on the money! Plus, it’s a great way to play golf no matter what the weather is like outside.

You need not even be a golf enthusiast to enjoy these simulators. Several other games can be played on them as well including baseball, football and lacrosse. There is even a special electronic ball for bowling. And just around the corner are (real) dartboards. It just wouldn’t be a bar without darts.

Tennessee Golf Station also has a full bar and grill. They have a wide selection of national beverages on tap but promote local breweries as well. You can sit back, relax and swap stories with fellow golfers while you enjoy some delicious grub—try the tater-tot nachos from the kitchen and you will be hooked!

What really sets the Tennessee Golf Station apart is the atmosphere. This place has a real sense of community and has been called a golfer equivalent of the fictional Boston bar in TV’s Cheers. It was founded by J.P. Brown a little over a year ago. Mr. Brown is a true golf pro who toured around the world with the Professional Golfers’ Association for several years. When he retired, he had the idea of buying a professional simulator to help coach other players. But one thing grew into another.

“I started teaching back in California and my best friend moved out to Tennessee and loved it. So I came out here as well and was originally going to open up just one teaching bay. But my buddy suggested I have two bays: one to teach from and one to rent out. Then another friend suggested I have a little wet bar and the dream just got bigger and bigger,” J.P. says. Well, the dream is now a reality, and it is pretty cool.

I asked this entrepreneur who or what has been instrumental to helping him get started. Surprisingly, he mentioned the competition! The staff at Champy’s Chicken next door was a real source of encouragement when he was just getting started, he says. They reminded him a business is always difficult to get up and running, and advised him to enjoy the process.

I asked Brown what advice he would give to other small business owners.

“As an entrepreneur, if you’re not hitting some speed bumps, you’re not doing it right,” he says. “Just keep your head down and keep going. If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

That’s exactly why most people will never start a business. But come to 1276 NW Broad St. in Murfreesboro, see for yourself what J.P. has done to the old Payless Shoe Source building, and enjoy a round of golf. There’s always something different going on inside, from DJs to live bands. Tuesdays are trivia night from 7–9 p.m., and they host league challenges as well.

Find out more or set up a tee time at tngolfstation.com.