HARVARD – Like many couples, Kelly and Pam Camp occasionally would take golf trips.
The Camps’ golfing excursions were different than most though. They liked to play their golf indoors with a simulator that allows players to pit their skills against some of the nicest, most challenging courses in the nation while hitting into a screen.
Those trips kindled an idea with Kelly. Camp owns a 700-square foot building at 77 N. Ayer St. in Harvard and simulated golf does not require an abundance of space. Plus, Camp’s sons, David and Brian, both have golf management degrees.
That started the plans for Revolution Golf HD, which had its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday and is open for golfers who would like to experience courses such as Pebble Beach, Cabo Del Sol or Harbour Town without needing plane fares or tee times.
“Putting this together was enjoyable,” Brian Camp said. “The three of us put our heads together and every week there was something different that came up. We have a whole lot of stuff going on.”
Kelly Camp is a former teacher and coach at Marengo, where he took the 1992 Indians football team to the Class 2A state championship game. David graduated from Harvard High School in 1995, Brian in 1997, and both boys earned their degrees from Professional Golfers Career College in Temecula, Cal.
Both boys were out of golf, but eager to get back in when Kelly proposed the idea.
“We have a lot of education,” Kelly said. “We have an amazing layout and more technique than you can shake a stick at. You bring your clubs in and hit into a screen.”
The screens are 10 feet high, 14 feet wide and players stand 7 feet away. To rent an hour of playing time is $40. The 21 courses currently available all are among the top 100 rated courses in the nation.
Revolution Golf HD also offers leagues, junior lessons, custom-made clubs, club altering and swing analysis. A player can take a lesson, which is recorded, then later go back on their computer at home and rewatch the lesson. The business also has a bar if players are so inclined following their round.
“A lot of people like to golf in the winter and there’s not another place like this in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa or Wisconsin,” Kelly Camp said.
Brian said it has been fun working with his father and brother at their new venture.
“What we’re hoping is the winter will be really big in recreation and people playing,” Brian said. “When they see what we have, we hope they’ll come use the pro shop or come in for lessons.”
Presently, Revolution Golf HD is working with the limited space, but Kelly Camp hopes that may change.
“We had the place and no one was renting this part of the building,” he said. “The boys wanted to get back into golf. We can expand later, I want to see if it takes off.”
Revolution Golf HD:
What: A simulated golf facility that also offers leagues, junior lessons, custom-made clubs, club altering and swing analysis.
When: Open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 77 N. Ayer St., Harvard
Information: Call (815) 943-2255 or visit www.RevolutionGolfHD.com
