Ocean Drive Indoor Golf Opens on Upper Matecumbe Key, Islamorada
Patti and Brian Lindback Jr. opened Ocean Drive Indoor Golf on December 2, 2025 in the former Lions Lair building on Upper Matecumbe Key at mile marker 82 oceanside. The climate controlled facility uses high end multi screen TrackMan golf simulators, offers lessons, membership and event bookings, and is positioned to serve locals and seasonal visitors year round.
Ocean Drive Indoor Golf began operations on December 2, 2025 in the former Lions Lair building on Upper Matecumbe Key at mile marker 82 oceanside. Owners Patti and Brian Lindback Jr. converted the long vacant commercial space into a climate controlled indoor golf venue equipped with multi screen TrackMan simulators and space set aside for lessons, memberships and party and event bookings. The couple also hired a local golf professional to lead instruction and programming.
The opening provides a year round practice option for local golfers and seasonal visitors who often face weather related interruptions to outdoor play. By offering simulator based coaching and group bookings, the facility creates a steady demand stream that can smooth revenue swings tied to tourism seasonality and storm related closures. For residents the facility offers a predictable place to take lessons and practice during the offseason, while event bookings may attract small groups and corporate gatherings from across the Upper Keys.
From a market perspective the investment in high end simulation technology signals a shift toward experiential indoor recreation that can extend visitor stays and disperse spending beyond traditional beach oriented activities. Indoor sports venues capture per visit spending on lessons gear and food and beverage, which can support adjacent businesses in Islamorada. Hiring a local golf pro keeps payroll in the community and builds a coaching pipeline that can serve youth and adult players.
Adaptive reuse of the former Lions Lair building limited new construction and returned an unused property to commercial activity, an outcome that aligns with local development priorities for revitalizing existing corridors. The facility also contributes to economic resilience by providing a weather resistant amenity that remains operable during tropical storms and heavy rains.
Long term, Ocean Drive Indoor Golf fits broader trends in niche recreation and technology driven sports training. If membership and event bookings hold steady, the venue could become a small but durable contributor to the Upper Keys economy by generating employment opportunities, supporting ancillary spending and expanding the range of year round recreational options for Monroe County residents and visitors.
