Derek Orr is Director of Vibe at Iron & Wood Golf Simulators
By Mark MacDonald
SAANICH – When people play at PGA Professional Derek Orr’s golf course, there’s no wind, rain or scorching sunshine.
That’s because his Iron & Wood Golf Simulators is an indoor golf and entertainment facility that offers a variety of virtual golf courses in three private rooms inside a 3,000 square foot building at 3453 Saanich Road.
Yet Iron & Wood is more than just “fore”. It offers 10 activities, including Hockey, Zombie Dodgeball, Soccer, Basketball, Bocce, Football (Kicking and Throwing), Rugby, Soccer and Carnival Games. They also offer league play.
“We do golf at a very high level, but we also offer 10 other sports, which, on their own right, are good for kids,” says Orr, whose official title is Director of Vibe. “Where we really have found a niche is in team building, staff parties and corporate events. We have a liquor license, and it’s an environment where people can come and just have fun where one person is playing golf, or they’re kicking soccer balls, and it’s social, but we can also close it all up so it’s private space.
Team building and corporate events are popular at Iron & Wood Golf Simulators
“I have yet to have a group come in that hasn’t had a great time; groups of air traffic controllers or barbers, because it is so varied,” he adds. “As a golf pro, I wanted to make sure that, with having my name attached to something like this, the golf experience was strong. But the fact it also does hockey and soccer means it’s as versatile as it can get.”
Orr grew up in Sidney, took the golf program at Camosun College, became a golf pro in 2003 and he’s chased the game ever since.
“I had wonderful advice from a mentor early on, who told me to travel and work at the best facilities I could find,” he recalls. “So I’ve worked as a retail specialist at resorts and private clubs in Mexico, Florida, and all over Canada. Usually at golf courses, and I’ve done almost any job there is in the golf industry.”
Orr decided to open Iron & Wood in 2020, but little did he know that his first two years would be during the Covid pandemic. Surprisingly, the business grew, as the separated rooms offered customers a chance to “play safe”, in isolated space.
“I was really adamant about this business,” he states. “I saw the opportunity there was with just creating private rooms, so I thought ‘why don’t I just create and offer that?’ Because the rooms are private, I never had to close though Covid.”
Iron & Wood has as many as a dozen part-time staff members, and Orr says the facility operates something like a tanning salon.
Virtual golf is a solid choice for customers at Iron & Wood Golf Simulators
“We have our team greet the customers, take them into the room, how them how it works, then keep it on time and keep it clean,” he observes. “What an opportunity for our staff to be a concierge. The software is fairly intuitive, so once people get orientated, it’s up to us to make sure they have a drink if they want it, or answer any questions.”
Orr also has two golf professionals working part-time in the winter when their summer jobs have slowed down, and they offer private classes.
He sees the facility as providing safer play time.
“If you’re a golfer or like sports, this is a place to come, hang out,” he notes. “We have an engaged and thoughtful staff, we price things affordably, and we understand we are selling enjoyable time. Whatever the vehicle is, golf, hockey, or whatever, people are busy and have complex lives and they’re just looking to hang out or look after themselves. They can have quality time with their friends and family here.”
