by Sandi Strickland
Candace and Chris Smart (back) pose with their three
youngest children, (from left) Carlee, Caidee, and Carmen,
as the family prepares to welcome golfers to Smartee’s Indoor
Golf, opening in Suncrest. Photo courtesy of Candace Smart.
A love of golf and a desire to bring more entertainment options to the local community inspired Chris and Candace Smart to open Smartee’s Indoor Golf, a new indoor golf facility at the Suncrest Outpost.
The couple, who have called the Deer Park and Suncrest areas home for years, said they hope their business will give residents a place to practice their swings, play virtual rounds at courses around the world, and enjoy golf year-round. “We’ve always thought it would be great to have more options for entertainment without having to go into Spokane,” Candace Smart said. “We hope to be a gathering place for both serious players and those just learning the game.”
Golf has long been part of the Smart family. Chris Smart said he grew up in the Spokane area playing with his father, and both he and Candace Smart come from families who enjoy the sport. Their two adult sons played golf in high school and continue to play, while their three younger daughters, ages 8, 5, and 5, are just beginning to learn the game.
The idea for an indoor golf business first came to Chris Smart around 2012-2013, when he played in a golf league and began thinking about the possibilities. Other businesses, work, and family life put the idea on hold for several years, he said. According to Chris Smart, the couple began researching the market toward the end of last year and decided in January to move forward. Finding a suitable site took time because of the specific building requirements for indoor golf.
However, for the Smarts, the location choice was easy to make. “Deer Park and Suncrest are home,” Candace said. “We want to help build up the community and feel that our business will help accomplish that.”
The name Smartee’s is a play on the family’s last name. Chris Smart said he was nicknamed “Smarty” while growing up because of his involvement in sports, and the couple adapted the spelling for their golf business.
The result is a custom-built facility designed to combine advanced golf technology with a comfortable atmosphere. Candace Smart said they want visitors to feel as though they are entering a top-tier country club, with a little country-western style mixed in.
The facility features two golf simulator bays equipped with Trackman commercial overhead launch monitors, automated tee systems, and ball returns. Large impact screens, high-quality projectors, premium turf, and custom acoustic panels are among the features designed to enhance the experience, she added.
Candace Smart said the Trackman technology allows golfers to practice their swings, receive feedback on different aspects of their game, and play simulated rounds at hundreds of golf courses around the world. Visitors can also try golf-themed games, participate in leagues and competitions, and explore coaching opportunities as they become available. “We spared no expense,” Candace Smart said. “We have top-of-the-line equipment and a custom-built facility that we hope everyone will enjoy.”
Unlike a traditional round of golf, which can take several hours, indoor golf offers a shorter and more flexible option. Chris Smart noted that groups can play 18 holes in roughly an hour-and-a-half. Customers can also book time in half-hour increments, he said, making it easier to fit golf around work and family obligations.
The owners said they hope to offer club rentals in the future to make it easier for newcomers to try indoor golf without purchasing their own equipment.
Candace Smart said, “Lots of people have reached out or stopped by to express their excitement. We love all the comments and encouragement.”
Getting the business ready has required a significant investment of time and effort. Chris Smart said he maintains a full-time job, while Candace Smart operates another business.
The project has involved custom design and installation, along with countless hours spent building, setting up, and cleaning the space. “We are exhausted but excited to finally open,” Candace Smart said.
The couple said they are already looking beyond the initial location and hope to eventually open a second facility in downtown Deer Park if they can find a suitable space. They also have the option of expanding into the neighboring suite at Suncrest Outpost if demand warrants additional simulator bays.
In the meantime, the duo said they plan to offer leagues, tournaments, competitions, and other opportunities for the community to enjoy the facility. Trackman also provides access to leagues and competitions with players beyond the local area.
Their goal is to make Smartee’s a place where people can enjoy physical activity, learn a new skill, or simply spend time together, Candace Smart said. “We want people to walk out saying, ‘That was awesome!’”
Smartee’s Indoor Golf is located at 5978 Highway 291, Unit 8, at Suncrest Outpost in Nine Mile Falls. The business held a grand-opening open house in October. More information can be found at SmarteesGolf.com.
