A Scottish businessman who sells golfing goods online is opening a £1.5 million centre in Aberdeen where fans of the game will be able to buy kit and enjoy a round on a simulation of an elite course.
Graeme Masterton's Gamola will open a golf-focused complex in the centre of the city in May, in a move that is expected to result in the creation of 20 jobs.
Housed in a granite building that formerly played home to a casino, the Gamola complex will feature a 4000sq ft golfing goods outlet on the ground floor along with a demo area where players can have clubs fitted.
The first floor will have a bar and restaurant and five golf simulators. Gamola said these will provide "virtual" access to Carnoustie Links, the Ailsa course at Turnberry and The Belfry in Warwickshire. The first floor facilities are due to open in early July.
Aged just 26, Mr Masterton has funded the latest investment using retained earnings from the online golf retail business that he runs.
A graduate in electrical engineering from Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University, Mr Masterton launched Gamola Golf in 2005, initially to help fund his way through college. He then decided to go full-time with the business after he graduated in 2007.
Mr Masterton said Gamola has built up a base of more than 30,000 customers through the online business. He will relocate administration of this to the new complex, from Portlethen south of Aberdeen.
The decision to open a bricks and mortar store after starting out online flies in the face of predictions that much retail trade will migrate online.
However, Mr Masterton said: "Some manufacturers prefer a bricks and mortar store presence for some product ranges. The plan is to give us access to these ranges and grow both businesses simultaneously."
Mr Masterton is a member of Stonehaven Golf Club and plays off a handicap of seven.
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