A new golf shop is officially launching in Crewe this weekend, featuring a state-of-the-art simulator, premium equipment and free opening-weekend activities.

Golf Gear Goods, Lancaster Fields, off Gateway, celebrates its opening on Saturday 17 October, following months of work transforming an empty warehouse into a modern retail shop and indoor golf facility.

Run by James Wetton, who lives near Crewe, the business stocks all the major golf brands alongside more specialist products, including vinyl wraps for golf club shafts.

James told Nub News: "I actually used to play a lot of tennis, and then when COVID hit, tennis clubs closed, but golf clubs remained open.

"The guy I played tennis with, who's been my coach and one of my best mates for years, was like, 'You've got to come and play golf'.

"I was like, 'I hate the idea of it, I've never played, I'm not interested, I think it's an old person's sport'.

"So I went down, borrowed his clubs, and instantly fell in love."

James' hobby eventually developed into a full-time golf raffle business, giving people the chance to win equipment for just a few pounds.

The next step was opening a warehouse before plans expanded to include the new Crewe shop and 220-inch simulator.

James said he wanted to offer a more modern retail experience, with a clean, premium environment for customers buying expensive equipment.

"A lot of golf shops when you walk in are the same, they're quite traditional, there's stuff everywhere. We just wanted it to feel a little bit more of a premium experience," he said.

The TrackMan simulator allows golfers to analyse their performance, measure distances and test equipment. The facility will also offer lessons and club fittings, catering for everyone from complete beginners to experienced players.

James said: "The idea of losing loads of balls on a golf course is quite intimidating, whereas in there, you can just smack it against a screen with no consequence.

"There's loads of games that you can play on there, so more than anything else, that gives you the complete spectrum from total beginner in a safe environment to learn, all the way up to a pro who would want to know what every number means in there.

"Rory Mcllroy and Tiger Woods use the exact same simulator."

Simulator sessions can be booked online through the Golf Gear Goods website, where customers can view availability and select a time. Walk-ins are possible, but booking is advised.

To celebrate the launch, everyone attending will receive a free TaylorMade golf ball and enter a draw to win a custom-fitted driver worth up to £600.

There will also be 15 per cent off every club and ball.

Free club fittings with a TaylorMade tour fitter will take place on Saturday, although availability is limited. On Sunday, the simulator will be free to use throughout the day.

James added: "I think there's not been anywhere, from experience, with the level of information that you can get in the simulator, but there's also not been a really good golf shop in the area.

"I now hope to fill that gap in the market here in Crewe. Come down and take a look for yourself."

Golf Gear Goods hopes to establish links with local golfers, businesses and clubs, with corporate and personal memberships planned for the winter.

The new Crewe business is open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday.

READ MORE: What's on in Crewe this weekend: AC/Dshe, Crewe Alex and more.

Crewe Nub News, supported by Crewe-based family business, Swansway Motor Group, has launched the Crewe Prize Draw.

The Crewe Prize Draw sees one winner take home a cash prize every fortnight, with every ticket purchased helping raise vital funds for community-based causes in Crewe.

The next draw takes place on Thursday 22 October. Buy a ticket for just £2.