Growing the Game | Five Iron Golf - An Indoor Urban Golf Experience

Anyone and everyone can walk into a 5i and (availability permitting) be hitting balls in minutes; there are no membership requirements. That being said, we created what we like to call a “too-good-to-be-true” membership package giving players unlimited hitting time during our Off-Peak hours and discounts on other Five Iron offerings. Five Iron’s NYC Director of Membership Jeff Ferris has been with us since its inception and is largely to thank for growing our membership into what is now the Five Iron community. Our members play in our leagues, rep our swag on the course, and bring their company events to us. The membership allowed us to build something that others have come to love as a sanctuary and a reprieve from their busy day has been incredibly important to our growth so we caught up with Jeff to discuss what makes the 5i membership so unique.

Can you tell us about the 5i membership?

While membership is not required to enjoy all that Five Iron Golf has to offer… It is the first indication that you share our familial motivation, dedication, and appreciation for this silly and perplexing game. Our goal is to provide an inclusive urban golf experience that allows all walks of life the opportunity to “master” golf. As a Five Iron Golf Member, you are entitled to the following: Membership Perks

Does it benefit players of certain levels more than others?

We are confident that golfers of every level can benefit from a Five Iron membership. Whether you intend to learn the basics, are seeking private instruction, want immediate data-driven feedback, or just a moment to escape the stressors of city living, Five Iron is there for you.

What are some memories that stick with you from your years of managing memberships?

There are too many priceless memories to name. It’s the random introductions that magically evolve into friendships and on-course foursomes, the trials and tribulations of everyone’s pursuit of perfection, the excitement of a career round or individual achievement, the competitiveness, the ongoing inside jokes, the unexpected post-swing profanity, the non-golf networking, the HOLE-IN-ONES, the 6AM money matches, the laughs, the “I need a lesson NOW,” the Five Iron loyalty, the utter love of the game, our team’s dedication, and the fact that it’s all happening in the middle of Manhattan!

Is there anything that makes the Five Iron membership special to you?

I whole-heartedly believe that our shared struggles are what bring us back day to day. Life in NYC will inevitably train you to persevere. And nothing is more inspiring to me than a packed house at 6AM in the middle of winter. This is a testament to the dedication that golf demands. This sport can provide a lifetime of emotion (fear, confidence, elation, disappointment, anger, and humor) in just 18 holes. Real or simulated, we are all searching for our next best shot.

Has managing the 5i membership taught you anything?

Be a friend first. We all started somewhere and this game will drive you mad if you “go it alone.”

What can you say about the 5i members?

LEGENDARY!!!

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Who are you and what you do at Five Iron Golf?
My name is Angelo Errico, and I’m the league coordinator at Five Iron’s flagship location in the Flatiron District of Manhattan

Can you give us an understanding of what the 5i golf leagues are?
The 5i golf league is a weekly opportunity for girls and guys to play the game they love after work on Monday and Tuesday nights. It may be indoors, but it’s just as fun and competitive as an outdoor round.

In your opinion, what makes the 5i golf league unique?
It’s competitive golf without the frill and unwanted intensity of playing on a real course. All skill levels are welcomed, and every lie is perfect. You’ll leave our simulators feeling satisfied you made the most out of your golf game, while enjoying the many other services we provide like food, drinks, and tremendous customer service.

Would you describe the league as competitive? Explain why.
No matter if your team is full of 20+ handicappers, or a team of former college golfers, every week is competitive and different. We play an array of formats–like stableford, scrambles, and hogans–to keep every week interesting and allow for lower skill level teams to jump up the leaderboard. Plus, winning the league isn’t just for simulator golf glory. If your squad wins at their home location, they win a free event for thirty people and an open bar! They also get to play in our National Championship, where they play against the winners our other location leagues.

Do you feel like playing in the league allows players to improve?
I’ll always say that simulator practice is the best practice. Every shot you hit, you see all your numbers–distance, carry, spin rate, etc.–and, whilst competing, you can use these numbers to dial in your yardages, and this allows players to be confident and creative in hitting shots they wouldn’t want to actually try on the real course.

Have the leagues changed much in the time you’ve been at 5i? If so, how?
Every year the leagues keep growing and become more and more competitive. As we transition into making our simulator golf league national, the sky’s the limit.

What’s your best memory of the leagues?
During a playoff round, our team known as “Grip It and Sip It” had a thirty foot, left-to-right” putt to extend the round to a THIRD extra playoff hole. Both competing teams were looking over as Grip It’s captain stood over to make his stroke, and, although he hit his ball perfectly, it lipped out of the hole and the round ended with all players’ jaws on the ground.

What’s the best team name you’ve seen in your time managing the leagues?
“Ball Not Detected”, which is inspired by how if a ball in one of our simulators is not read by our detection lights, it makes a note on the screen saying “Ball Not Detected.” Jokes on us!

What do you think keeps teams coming back season after season?
Teams come back season after season because our league is just another dose of what the game of golf provides better than any other recreational activity, comradery.

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The Five Iron Membership

The NYC Flatiron Golf Leagues