Father and son open new Myrtle Beach golf facility. It offers 24/7 access to players

Christopher Griffin grew up playing golf in Myrtle Beach .

But when he moved back from the West Coast two years ago, he wanted to improve his game and become competitive again after not playing for 15 years.

“I was so bad,” Griffin said.

So he committed to practicing every day and getting lessons, ultimately costing him $12,000 during a year’s time. Griffin thought there had to be a better, and cheaper, way to do golf training.

So he and his father, Rob Griffin, decided to open Mashie Golf Institute, at 4025 N. Kings Highway, which is a first-of-its-kind training facility that offers members 24/7 access to all of the institute’s technology, equipment and coaching.

“We didn’t have resources available to get great quality lessons,” Griffin said, adding that as soon as a person leaves the lesson they usually forget what they were taught and don’t have access to additional coaching or a facility without paying more money.

Mashie is a 8,400-square-foot facility that offers three golf simulators, a five-bay measured driving range and a 1,000-square-foot putting/chipping green.

Golfers will be able to get real-time data and numbers on their swing through the institute’s technology, Griffin said.

There will also be a PGA instructor on staff who will provide lessons and instructions to golfers, he said.

“It’s always available; it’s a controlled environment, and (golfers) can play with the balls they use on the course,” Griffin said.

Mashie had a soft opening two weeks ago and is currently offering day passes for $25 and a variety of memberships, Griffin said. Some of the memberships start at $250 a month and can average about $7 a day, cheaper than some other locations that charge between $50 to $100 per lesson, he said.

Members receive unlimited practice, play, access and free daily lessons.

“I’m hoping (golfers) will realize that and check the math,” Griffin said. “It’s way cheaper than the traditional route ... (of) paying for a giant bucket of old balls.”

Griffin also plans to have different golf pros come in, and the institute will have tournaments for its members on a Grand Strand golf course.