When the weather turns sunny and the grass turns green, it signals a latent winter desire for area golf aficionados to go out on that green grass and get that little white ball into the cup.

    The origins of golf are highly debated, with some historians stating that a game similar to golf was played in medieval Holland, or that it originated in China some 500 years before golf was ever played at the historic Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland. For centuries many men and women who love the game have experienced the drive (excuse the pun) to sink the pimpled ball into the cup with as much precision and style as possible.              

    For six years, Stirling Golf Company in Pocatello has been in the business of helping golfers’ dreams come true. Locally owned and operated by southeast Idaho native, Vince Stirling, the golf shop offers whatever the golfer needs to strive for that elusive hole-in-one or to improve one’s putting game. The shop also specializes in equipment sales and club servicing and repair.

    Stirling has spent many years in the retail sporting goods business, and saw a need for a local golf shop.

    “This year I’ve seen a lot more new people getting into the sport,” said Stirling.

    Once a player reaches a certain level improvements are measured in small increments, and it’s all about consistency and accuracy.

    “It’s all about the challenge to get better,” commented Stirling.

    Stirling Golf shop offers all the equipment and accessories needed to enjoy the game of golf. Stirling’s carries products from the long-standing golf company, Ping, which Stirling says differentiates his local shop store from many big-box stores. Stirling said one of the hottest sellers in his shop is the Taylormade R-1 Black driver, a special edition driving club that can help the golfer maximize both distance and control. Other popular items are the pushcarts that are made to be lighter, more compact and easily storable. Popular brands are the collapsible Sun Mountain Speed Cart and the Clicgear brand pushcart, which folds down to the size of the average shop vac.

    Golf GPS range finders are a new item that use satellite technology to tell a golfer how far he or she is from the hole at any point on the course. This helps the player select the right club for the distance needed. The GPS range finders come in several different models, with numerical or map displays, and some even come pre-loaded with information on over 30,000 golf courses.  

    Stirling’s also offers two areas in the store that customers can use to improve their skills and get advice. There is a putting area to practice one’s short game, and try out different putters. There is also Stirling’s Golf Simulator, which is essentially a huge booth, about 16 feet by 20 feet, and about 11 feet high. A large screen hangs at the back of the area, onto which computerized virtual golf courses can be projected, simulating the individual player’s performance. Using the Golf Simulator, up to four players at a time can play virtual rounds of golf on any of 14 different courses.           

    The cost to use the Golf Simulator is $20 per hour, regardless of the number of people playing. When the winter weather sets in, avid golfers can still play and practice their game. Even if it’s rainy or snowy in Pocatello, it’s always sunny in the Golf Simulator.   

    Stirling explained that the Golf Simulator is also used to do swing analysis and club fittings. Customers can learn how to improve their swing, or see how they like different clubs.

    “You can try it before you buy it,” Stirling said.  

     Zach Curtis is a regular customer at Stirling, and appreciates the individualized service that a locally owned shop provides.

    “It’s a good opportunity to really step up your game,” said Curtis. “This is good equipment, and good people.”