Meet the Condor Club: Bloomington-Normal’s 24/7 Golf Simulator and Family Fun Spot
Bloomington-Normal just got a new destination for golf lovers and families alike, the Condor Club. Owner Joe Burgess joined the Life Multiplied podcast to share the story behind this unique 24/7 golf simulator and event space, offering both a passion for the sport and a family-friendly environment.
From Passion to Business
Joe Burgess, a lifelong Illinois resident and teacher at Normal West High School, shared how his love for golf sparked the idea for the Condor Club. “Both my business partner and I have an entrepreneurial spirit,” Joe explained. While his partner, Andrew Freeman, has been a golfer for most of his life, Joe himself caught the golf bug during COVID. A trip to the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, provided the inspiration: “We just typed in ‘golf simulator business’ while stuck in the rain on our road trip… and that’s when the idea really clicked.”
What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a business plan. Unlike traditional golf simulators, which are often crowded, full-service, and limited in hours, Joe and Andrew envisioned a fully self-service, private, and flexible space.
A Concept That Evolved
Initially designed for golf enthusiasts, the Condor Club quickly expanded into a family-friendly event space. The 1,500-square-foot venue now features:
Golf simulators
Golden Tee
Shuffleboard
Darts and bags
TVs for entertainment
Joe noted, “We didn’t intend for it to be this kind of space, but it morphed into a place where families could come for birthdays, surprise parties, or just a fun night out.”
The space also accommodates golf leagues, giving serious players a chance to practice and improve their game in privacy.
24/7 Access: Opportunities and Challenges
Operating a 24/7 venue comes with its unique challenges. Joe shared, “Before opening, we tested everything with my dad… and learned quickly what could go wrong. So we made a YouTube tutorial, a help binder, and a setup screen in the space to guide visitors.”
Despite being open around the clock, the system has worked smoothly. Surprisingly, late-night hours have become popular, especially for first responders and others with irregular schedules. “It opens up the audience to everyone,” Joe said.
Memorable Moments and Community Trust
From the ribbon-cutting ceremony to hosting families and local events, Joe has enjoyed seeing the community embrace the space. He recalls a funny incident involving a cracked TV but is impressed by the patrons' honesty and respect. “We treat it like an Airbnb. People clean up after themselves and follow our guidelines. It’s been amazing.”
Why Bloomington-Normal?
Joe has been part of the local area for most of his life. From visiting Bloomington as a teen to attending Illinois Wesleyan University, and now raising a family here, he appreciates the family-oriented nature of the community. His favorite local spots include Green Gables, Anjou and Above, Mystic Kitchen, Flingers, and the Children’s Museum — all part of the vibrant fabric of Bloomington-Normal life.
What Makes the Condor Club Unique
The Condor Club offers a versatile space for a variety of activities:
A private, self-service golf simulator for beginners and pros alike
Event hosting for birthdays, small parties, or casual gatherings
24/7 access for those with unconventional schedules
Joe emphasizes, “It’s a great place to practice golf, but it’s also become a fun space for families and friends to gather.”
Stay Connected
Follow the Condor Club on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for updates, events, and challenges. A fun upcoming promotion involves local golfer Brandon Holtz, who will attempt Augusta National on the simulator, with opportunities for visitors to beat his score and win prizes.