The Clubhouse

In the heart of Tauranga’s evolving CBD, a long-vacant retail tenancy has been given an exciting new purpose. Today, that once-empty space is home to The Clubhouse – a premium indoor golf simulator venue that blends world-class technology with the inviting atmosphere of a sophisticated hospitality destination. Delivered by Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty, this commercial hospitality fitout demonstrates how thoughtful design, expert project management and quality craftsmanship can completely transform an under-utilised space into a thriving community hub.

Owned by Elvin Infante and Pieter Kock, The Clubhouse is more than a venue for golf enthusiasts. Their vision was to create an inclusive destination where professionals, families, friends and corporate groups could come together, whether to improve their golf game, enjoy a drink after work, host an event or simply spend time in a unique and welcoming environment. Bringing this vision to life required far more than installing golf simulators—it called for a carefully considered commercial fitout that balanced luxury, flexibility and functionality in equal measure.

Breathing New Life into Tauranga CBD

Before construction began, the site had sat vacant for an extended period. Rather than seeing an empty retail shell, Elvin and Pieter recognised an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Tauranga’s city centre with a destination unlike anything else in the region.

For Jason Horn, Eugene Noel and the Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty team, the project represented more than another hospitality fitout. It was an opportunity to help transform an underutilised tenancy into a business that would encourage people back into the CBD while supporting the local community and economy.

The complete refurbishment involved converting the vacant retail space into a premium indoor golf venue featuring multiple state-of-the-art simulator bays, a stylish bar and lounge, a dedicated VIP and coaching area, upgraded building services, and flexible event spaces. Every element needed to work seamlessly together while maintaining the sophisticated atmosphere envisioned by the owners.

A Hospitality Fitout Inspired by Old-World Luxury

From the outset, the design direction was clear. Rather than creating a modern sports bar, the owners wanted guests to feel as though they had stepped into an elegant whisky lounge—warm, refined and timeless.

This sense of old-world luxury is immediately established through the careful selection of finishes and materials throughout the venue. Rich timber detailing, traditional wainscotting, warm lighting and thoughtfully curated decorative pieces combine to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, premium and comfortably familiar. The design avoids the harsh, overly commercial aesthetic often associated with entertainment venues, instead offering an environment where visitors are encouraged to relax, stay longer and enjoy the experience.

The result is a space that appeals equally to avid golfers, casual visitors, corporate clients and families, successfully broadening the venue’s appeal beyond the traditional golf market.

Bringing Premium Technology into a Refined Environment

While the interior embraces timeless styling, the technology behind the experience is anything but traditional.

At the heart of the venue are industry-leading TrackMan golf simulators, providing highly accurate ball tracking and immersive gameplay for golfers of every skill level. Integrating this advanced technology within a luxury hospitality setting required careful planning throughout the fitout process.

Lighting, ceiling treatments, room dimensions and finishes all needed to complement the simulator equipment while maintaining optimal playing conditions. The Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty team carefully coordinated each stage of construction to ensure the technology integrated seamlessly into the overall design rather than dominating the space.

Cutting-edge performance meets sophisticated interior design – allowing guests to enjoy world-class golf simulation without compromising on comfort or atmosphere.

Designed for More Than Just Golf

One of the project’s defining features is its remarkable flexibility.

Although indoor golf is the venue’s primary offering, the owners wanted a space capable of hosting far more than individual practice sessions. Corporate functions, networking events, coaching clinics, celebrations and social gatherings all formed part of the original brief.

To achieve this, the simulator bays were designed with retractable curtains that can be opened to connect the various spaces into one larger venue. This simple but highly effective design feature allows The Clubhouse to quickly transition from individual golf experiences into an open event venue capable of accommodating larger groups.

Combined with premium audiovisual systems, upgraded HVAC services and comfortable lounge areas, the venue effortlessly adapts to changing customer needs throughout the day and evening.

This flexibility not only maximises the functionality of the space but also creates additional opportunities for the business to grow and diversify its offering well into the future.

Crafting a Space That Encourages Community

Beyond the premium finishes and advanced technology, one of the most important objectives of the project was creating an environment where people genuinely want to spend time.

The welcoming bar and lounge act as the social heart of the venue, encouraging conversation long after the final golf swing. Comfortable seating, carefully considered lighting and quality finishes help create an atmosphere where guests can unwind, meet with colleagues or simply enjoy time with friends.

This emphasis on community reflects the vision shared by Elvin and Pieter from the beginning. Rather than building a venue exclusively for dedicated golfers, they set out to create a destination that brings people together regardless of their golfing experience.

That vision aligns perfectly with Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty’s philosophy of designing commercial spaces that support not only successful businesses but also the communities they serve.

Delivering a Seamless Commercial Fitout

Transforming a vacant retail tenancy into a fully operational hospitality venue requires careful coordination across every stage of construction.

The project involved integrating specialist simulator equipment, upgrading essential building services, constructing custom joinery, delivering high-quality interior finishes and ensuring every element met the operational requirements of both a hospitality venue and an entertainment facility.

Jason, Eugene and the Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty team managed the project from construction through to completion, coordinating trades, suppliers and specialist installations to maintain quality while keeping the project moving efficiently.

By combining meticulous planning with open communication throughout the build, the team successfully delivered a venue that fulfilled the owners’ ambitious vision while meeting the practical demands of day-to-day operation.

Today, The Clubhouse stands as a showcase of what can be achieved when experienced commercial builders collaborate closely with passionate business owners.

A Destination Built for the Future

The completion of The Clubhouse represents far more than a successful hospitality fitout. It is an investment in the future of Tauranga’s CBD, helping activate a previously vacant tenancy while creating a vibrant destination where people can connect, relax and enjoy memorable experiences.

By combining luxurious interior design, flexible event capabilities, premium golf technology and outstanding construction quality, Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty has delivered a venue that reflects the ambition of its owners while contributing positively to the wider community.

The Clubhouse is proof that with the right vision, experienced project team and expertly executed commercial fitout, an empty retail shell can become one of the city’s most exciting new destinations.

Looking for a Commercial Shopfitting Partner in the Bay of Plenty?

Whether you’re planning a hospitality venue, retail store, office, medical practice or another commercial space, Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty delivers tailored fitout solutions designed around your business goals. From initial planning through to final handover, our experienced team manages every stage of your project with quality craftsmanship, transparent communication and exceptional attention to detail.

If you’re based in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Rotorua or anywhere across the Bay of Plenty, contact Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty today to discuss how we can transform your commercial space into a place your customers and staff will love.