Ohio’s Gary Trivisonno says FSG sims help golfers keep their games sharp—and his facility busy—over long winters

SAN DIEGO, California — Golfers don’t moan much to Gary Trivisonno about long winters in northeastern Ohio.

During the winter months, golfers in his area flock to his Strongsville Golf facility which features two Full Swing Golf simulators to keep their games sharp, play in leagues, and have fun with friends. With the Full Swing Golf simulators, Trivisonno, a PGA professional and competitive player, earns some serious revenue and keeps his own considerable game sharp.

“We would close in the winter if it wasn’t for these simulators,” says Trivisonno, owner and operator of Strongsville Golf.

“I tell people that rather than put your clubs in the corner this time of year and not touch them until April, keep your swing in shape over the winter by coming here to play on our Full Swing Golf simulators.”

Strongsville Golf is a full-service entertainment center featuring two Full Swing Golf simulators, a fully stocked pro shop, a driving range, and mini golf.

A professional for more than 30 years, ‘Triv,’ as he’s known, played the PGA Tour in 1981-82 and counts the 1977 Ohio Amateur Championship and 1979 Ohio Open Championship among his many titles. Player of the Year in the Northern Ohio PGA section seven times, Trivisonno played on the South African and Asian Tours. He holds four course records.

After taking over Strongsville Golf six years ago, Trivisonno says the use of the simulators has steadily increased. His simulators feature more than 35 courses, including Pebble Beach, Firestone, and St. Andrews. “The simulators are great,” Trivisonno says. “You can hit balls and practice different shots on the Full Swing driving range, from chips to drives… it’s all pretty real. Some people say, ‘That stuff doesn’t do anything for me,’ but once they try it a couple of times, they realize how real it is.”

Trivisonno has generated a buzz around his simulators by creating leagues. The Early Bird League, which starts in November, attracts about 20 people, but the January league has about 60 members. “The players in the January group play nine holes one night anytime they want, and we keep track of scores and give out prizes at the end of the year. We also have a playoff system that the guys really enjoy where they can win a driver.

“They have a blast, and it keeps my place busy.”