Review: Birdies x Brews – a 19th hole in the Wellington CBD – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

In a city renowned for the number and range of its hospitality venues – 850 at last count – a Wellington concept bar has carved out a slice of the market on the appeal of its virtual sports technology.

Birdies x Brews, which opened about 18 months ago in the midst of pandemic restrictions, has built a loyal following – attracting a mix of social and serious golfers keen to have a bit of fun or to hone their game, rain, hail or shine.

The Johnston Street venue, owned by businessman and social golfer Malcolm Woods, incorporates several golf bays with their long, short or on-green game.

Woods has installed the professional-grade Foresight Sports system, which allows players to select from a range of pre-loaded options – from famed Abu Dhabi and Pebble Beach courses, to Scotland’s Carnoustie or St Andrews. They can also simply practise or customise their own round.

He said there is also a mix of customers, and more women are coming through the door.

Pin high: Hamish Edwards hones his approach play. (Image: BusinessDesk)    

For patrons who take a more serious view on the golf aspect, the bar has done deals with local golf coaches, for whom the venue offers a ready-made facility; they’re a growing part of Woods’ clientele.

Hamish Edwards, for one, is sold. Edwards, the former business partner of tech entrepreneur and Xero founder Rod Drury, lives at Millbrook golf course near Arrowtown.

But, as a frequent visitor to the capital, he is one of Birdies x Brews’…