A new indoor golf simulation center offers residents another way to enjoy themselves in downtown Hillsdale.

A Jonesville business owner opened Seasonal Swing on Jan. 1.

“It’s been a dream of mine for a really long time,” said owner Carter Ballinger. “I just want it to be a nice thing for the whole community.”

The business, located at 47 N. Broad St., features two golf simulators that allow customers to play more than 85 courses.

“The simulators are very expensive pieces of equipment,” Ballinger said. “We picked them because of their accuracy and because of how user-friendly they are.”

Ballinger, who graduated from Jonesville High School in 2014, said he has a passion for golf and entrepreneurship.

After graduating from Central Michigan University, Ballinger returned to Jonesville and opened his first business. The company was called CB Painting, and its success led Ballinger to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in entrepreneurship. 

“My senior project in college was actually starting a golf simulation business,” Ballinger said.

He said he turned to golf after his college wrestling career ended due to multiple injuries.

“When wrestling ended, I needed something else,” Ballinger said. “So I picked up the game anyone can play: golf.”

Ballinger said he loves golf’s accessibility.

“I wasn’t very good when I first started, but through playing a bunch it is something you can get better at very quickly. It’s something anyone of any age can pick up and it just takes time and consistency to get better.”

The center, only open for a few weeks, has already attracted community attention online along with supportive reviews. 

“Great place, wonderful simulator. I think Carter Ballinger has a winner for downtown Hillsdale,” said John Wilson in an online review.

Ballinger said that the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s been outstanding,” Ballinger said. “When people come in, they all say they are definitely coming back.”

While the center serves alcohol, Ballinger said he wants the community to know it is not just another bar, but aims to provide a place in downtown Hillsdale where people could improve their golf game and have a good time.

“The center is open to people of all ages. We’re not trying to be a bar,” he said.“We applied for a liquor license because people like to have an alcoholic beverage while they play golf, but that’s not the focus.”

The City of Hillsdale welcomed the center with a statement.

“The City of Hillsdale also thanks Carter for investing in our historic downtown,” it said.

While rental clubs are available, Seasonal Swing recommends visitors bring their own. 

Both gift cards and reservations are available online at www.seasonalswing.com. 

Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.