The Golf Loft: New indoor golf practice and training facility

By Steve Turcotte, Inside Golf Editor

Chris Koch has been in the golf business for years as a PGA Professional. He has worked outside the shop, given lessons, sat behind a desk and crunched numbers – basically he has seen it all.

The one thing that had always been in the back of his mind was running his own golf business.

And now, with the opening of The Golf Loft in Tumwater, Koch is living his golf dream.

After spending 10 years at Salish Cliffs Golf Course in Shelton, Koch decided to take the plunge and go into business for himself. He opened the doors on his Golf Loft back in December and has created a place where golfers can learn, practice and play.

“I had always wanted to do my own thing,” said Koch. “Something where I can have more time with the family.” Koch has twin 6-year-old daughters and a 10-year-old daughter. But it was his wife who helped him find the facility he is in now.

She owns Bloom and Blossom Wellness Spa and together they found a space in Tumwater’s Old Town Plaza that her business is located in.

“The idea for an indoor place had always been in the back of my mind,” said Koch. “It’s exciting to see something like that come to life.”

The Golf Loft features a space with two large hitting areas which can be used for instruction, practice and playing different courses on the simulators. Koch bought GC Hawk simulators from Foresight Sports and they come with every type of number that you need to improve your game. Koch and his professional staff of Eric Fitzsimmons and Gavin Sutherland all offer lessons as well.

But there is more. Golfers can practice and get instant feedback from the simulators. The facility also can host private events or parties where players can test their games on a variety of courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach. Club fitting is another option.

Koch knew he wanted something where the weather would not be a factor. And he came up with a facility that is the only one in the area of the South Puget Sound. “I needed to do something indoors,” said Koch. “I love teaching but with the weather in the Northwest you never know what you are going to get. Indoors, we can teach year round.”

For more information, call the Golf Loft at 360.628.8347.