Northampton brothers join forces on new SIM Club venue
Northampton brothers Jack and Sam English are working together to bring a new golf and social venue to their hometown, with SIM Club planning to open at Peterbridge House, The Lakes, in early 2027.
Jack co-founded the business with Tom Simpson, a friend from their Royal Marines days. Close to £1 million is being invested in the 11,000 sq ft venue, which is expected to create between 10 and 20 jobs across full-time, part-time and casual roles.
Jack grew up in Abington and attended Weston Favell Upper School before joining the Royal Marines at 17. With family and friends still in the area, he wanted to build somewhere they would enjoy spending time. The idea grew from years of visiting simulator venues and imagining a place where he could practise, then stay for food and a drink with friends.
Jack English, co-founder, said: “I wanted our first venue to be somewhere my family and friends would enjoy spending time. Having Sam involved makes it more personal. Tom and I have been building the business together, and now Sam is helping us get the golf right, from how the bays are laid out to what people can learn here.”
SIM Club will bring together eight TrackMan golf simulator bays, social darts and games, two bars and a kitchen, with space to work, meet and host events. The aim is somewhere people can spend an evening together, whether they play golf or simply come for the company.
Sam is joining as Director of Golf, leading the golf offering from the design and configuration of the simulator bays through to lessons and training. He is shaping the facilities and coaching for people trying golf for the first time as well as regular and competitive players.
The TrackMan bays will offer virtual rounds on courses from around the world and games for groups, as well as detailed shot feedback for practice and lessons. Golfers will be able to train and play indoors throughout the year.
Sam English, Director of Golf, said: “We’re creating somewhere everybody can enjoy the game of golf. That might mean picking up a club for the first time, playing with friends or working towards a competition. We’re thinking about all of those people as we design the bays and plan the coaching.”
Co-founder Tom oversees the fit-out, contractors and finances and is planning the venue’s day-to-day operations. After six and a half years in the Royal Marines, he studied aerospace engineering and went into banking before starting SIM Club with Jack.
Work is under way to bring Peterbridge House into use after it stood empty following refurbishment completed in early 2024. The building gave the team room to develop the original indoor golf idea into a wider clubhouse.
The exact opening date and booking details will be announced as work progresses.
To find out more about SIM Club and sign up for opening updates, visit www.thesimclub.co.uk.