SOMERS, N.Y. - A round-the-clock indoor golf and training facility is teeing up to come to Somers.
The owner of a Back Nine Golf franchise appeared before the town’s Planning Board on Wednesday, June 10, seeking its approval of a “change of use” within an existing 3,624-square-foot commercial suite at the Somers Commons shopping center in Baldwin Place.
The space previously housed an AT&T store.
Gary Gangi is proposing to build four bays, three for public use, and one for private use.
All will be equipped with Full Swing Simulators, which Back Nine says are known for their patented dual-tracking technology and realistic ball-flight tracking.
As the official simulator of the PGA TOUR, they are famously used by top professionals such as Tiger Woods to practice indoors, Gangi said.
The fit-out will also include two ADA-compliant restrooms.
Members will use proprietary software and an app to book tee times. They will use a card key to access the facility.
Memberships run from limited to basic to premier/unlimited. According to Gangi, the average monthly cost is $250.
Back Nine, which started with 10 facilities in 2023, reported having more than 100 in 2025 and at least 300 more scheduled to open by the end of 2027.
The business model is designed to operate 24/7 with minimal or no staff.
Chair Vicky Gannon wondered how many folks would be trying to get their swings in “in the middle of the night?”
Gangi assured the board that 97 percent of Back Nine bookings take place between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The 24/7 availability appeals, he said, to players who can’t otherwise get out on the green during the day, such as nurses and doctors, police officers, and firefighters.
“They just want an hour or two to work on their game or just let off some steam,” Gangi added.
Although it won’t be staffed at night, the facility will have all the security bells and whistles.
Gangi said he will get alerts on his phone and computer and “if something, God forbid, does happen, we’ll have it well documented.”
“Let’s face it, this world is a little crazy,” he added.
Snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks will be sold, but no food or alcohol. That’s not to say that Gangi won’t apply for a liquor license in the future. It won’t be a full-fledged bar either, just beer and canned cocktails. And staff will be present when and if that happens.
Board member Damien DeSantis asked what would happen if members brought in their own booze after hours.
“From what I understand in New York State I have to get a liquor license for that, a BYOB type thing. So I’m definitely going to have to get a liquor license regardless, just so everything’s insured and everything else like that. Obviously I’m not going to be able to control that, but it’s not going to be a place where people are sitting there drinking like crazy,” Gangi replied.
The franchisee doesn’t anticipate putting any pressure on local first responders or town resources. There have been “zero” incidents at any of the other Back Nine franchises, he claimed.
Furthermore, Back Nine won’t become a noisy nuisance to neighbors, such as a restaurant next door, because it’s installing soundproofing.
“Nobody’s going to hear anything,” Gangi promised.
He didn’t see more than 25 customers at the facility at a single time. The section where he will be located has about 60 parking spots.
Christy Hooper, a representative of Regency Centers of Westport, Conn., the owners/operators of Somers Commons, confirmed that there will be “plenty of parking” available.
Eventually, Gangi wants Back Nine to promote youth and adult sports leagues and tournaments and host charitable events, such as golf outings.
He also plans to give seniors, first responders, and veterans discounts.
A PGA professional will be hired to give lessons, he said.
According to the town’s planning consultant, David Smith, the project qualifies as a “Type 2” action under SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act), meaning that it won’t have a significant adverse impact on the environment and therefore won’t require further environmental review.
Because all construction activity will take place “within the envelope” of the building, the board also voted unanimously to waive site plan requirements, a public hearing, and a site walk.
The board directed staff to prepare a “confirmatory resolution” approving the change of use. It will then be signed by Gannon.
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