SAN MARCOS — Tee Box, a national golf training and fitness center chain, has opened its first California location in south San Marcos.
The chain has more than 100 franchised locations nationwide, but the San Marcos facility represents its inaugural California operation. A Pasadena location is listed on the company’s website as being in development.
Like traditional indoor golf facilities, Tee Box offers simulator bays where golfers can practice with the different clubs in their bags, from drivers to short irons. The company differentiates itself by also offering a large practice putting green and fitness gym.
The 5,000-square-foot San Marcos location has four simulator bays, with exercise machines and free weights stationed between the bays and putting green.
Joe Alustiza, the franchise owner of the San Marcos location, which held its grand opening Aug. 22, said the Tee Box model appealed to him because of its focus on fitness.
“Most of the options out there are entertainment-themed,” the Carlsbad resident said.
Tee Box serves no food or alcohol, instead focusing solely on helping golfers improve their game.
“It’s really a holistic approach to golf performance.”
Ray Mistarz, whose title is “box pro,” serves as both a golf professional and personal trainer.
“Golf has been taught backward,” he said, explaining that traditional golf instruction teaches clients the standard movements of an effective golf swing without first assessing whether they are capable of performing those motions.
The Tee Box model emphasizes working with clients to find swings that match their abilities while helping them improve their conditioning.
Tee Box San Marcos is located at 1619 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road.
