Located on Academy Street, the three-bay venue offers something for everyone – from complete beginners to seasoned players chasing a personal best.

CL Golf is the brainchild of local golf enthusiast Ross Murray, who was inspired by a lifelong love of the sport and a desire to make it more accessible. After more than two decades working as a store manager in retail, Ross decided to take a new direction for the ‘back nine’ of his career – combining his experience with a genuine passion for the game.

A £15,000 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme allowed Ross to fit out the space with state-of-the-art technology, soft furnishings and essential equipment.

Unlike traditional simulator setups that focus on club fitting or lessons, CL Golf is all about playing for fun. The cutting-edge Trackman iO system – powered by AI – offers players hyper-realistic graphics, instant feedback on swing data, and the ability to virtually play over 300 of the world’s most iconic courses, including Royal Troon and the Old Course at St Andrews.

For those after a more relaxed way to play, the simulators also feature interactive mini-games like Closest to the Pin and Capture the Flag – ideal for casual players, families, or groups of friends looking for a unique day out.

The studio is open seven days a week, and Ross splits his time between running the business and working part-time in retail. With three simulators, a small retail section stocking essentials like golf balls and gloves, and plans for a café space, CL Golf is designed to offer a comfortable, all-in-one experience for anyone looking to enjoy the game without needing to travel all over the country for a round on the top courses.

Ross said: “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting a great shot, and I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy that – regardless of experience.

“Whether you’re just getting into the game or have been playing for years, CL Golf is about enjoying it your way. The simulators are incredibly accurate and give personalised feedback in a relaxed environment, which takes the pressure off. It’s the perfect place to practice what you’ve picked up from YouTube or just come along for a bit of fun.”

Ross’s use of AI puts him ahead of the curve, with new research by Start Up Loans, conducted by YouGov, revealing that just 36% of microbusinesses currently use AI tools, and only a third of smaller business owners have even a basic understanding of the technology.

Ross’s AI powered golf simulators are just one example of the type of innovative businesses the Start Up Loans programme supports in Scotland.

Lindsay Hamilton, loan officer at DSL Business Finance, added: “It was a pleasure working with Ross to help him achieve his dream.

“He is clearly passionate about golf and it’s great that DSL Business Finance have been able to support him to develop this passion into a business that will definitely bring something new and different to the local community.”