Changing the Game
- Jodi Brunner
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
By Santana Vicencio-LaBarre • Photo by Jessica McCafferty
Tucked between a legendary pizza joint and the newest boba tea spot in downtown Plattsburgh, you will find a hidden gem that is transforming how locals experience golf — Plattsburgh Golf Simulation. Owned by James Conway and Griffin Parks, this innovative business isn’t just filling a gap, it’s reinventing what golf looks like in the North Country. Since opening in January 2024, PGS has offered year-round play, no matter the weather.
Golfers in the North Country know the season is typically short and dictated by Mother Nature, but who decided the golf season has to be so brief? Enter this young, inspired duo, passionate about the sport and driven by a vision to improve what is provided for their community. “This area has so many golfers, but there was no winter setup. We saw a clear opportunity and knew it had to be done,” said Parks. The idea was simple, but the leap wasn’t easy. Conway left his full-time job at Fastenal, and together they took what may have been the biggest risk of their lives to build something new and they haven’t looked back.
Today, Plattsburgh Golf Simulation gives players access to over 1,000 courses worldwide, including a custom replica of Bluff Point Golf Resort. Created using advanced Google Maps LiDAR data, the simulator course impressed even Bluff Point’s owner, who praised its remarkable accuracy. But beyond the tech, Conway and Parks are deeply committed to their community — regularly supporting local fundraisers and events while shining a spotlight on golf in the region.
What truly sets this place apart isn’t just the technology — it’s the welcoming atmosphere Conway and Parks have cultivated. Depending on the day, it might be a peaceful round or a lively, energy-filled space buzzing with cheers and friendly competition. There’s a unique vibe when you step inside — approachable and down-to-earth, inviting golfers of all skill levels and ages to connect and enjoy the game year-round.
Surprisingly, neither owner grew up immersed in golf. Parks, originally a baseball player, was introduced to the sport by his grandmother, but didn’t fall in love with it until the pandemic hit during his first year of college. Conway, who also didn’t grow up playing golf, is now deeply passionate about the game as well. “It’s become a central part of my life and business,” he said.
So how did two relatively new golfers become trailblazers, launching Plattsburgh’s first modern golf ? Their secret is their mindset. They viewed risk not as a barrier, but as a challenge to test their innovation and ambition.
Their drive also stems from their roots. Conway credits his mother for her lifelong example of leadership and resilience. Parks draws inspiration from his father, a school superintendent who instilled structure and accountability, and his mother, who bravely launched her own photography business. These influences helped fuel their dream of changing how people view both golf and small business ownership.
Throughout their journey, the lessons have been countless. For Parks, adaptability has been essential to navigating the business world. “Things won’t always go as anticipated, but knowing how to react when changes happen makes all the difference,” he said. For Conway, the biggest lesson has been about effort. “Nothing will be given to you — if you aren’t willing to put in the work, you won’t get results.” These lessons have shaped not only how they run their business, but how they play the game.
Golf can seem daunting. It is time-consuming, hard to learn and expensive, but as Conway explained, “The more you learn and improve, the more rewarding it becomes. Golf teaches discipline, accountability and self-improvement.” By offering accessible, year-round play, the partners are helping others discover what they did. “Golf is the greatest sport in the world,” Parks offered. And in a space where it’s okay to make mistakes, they’re constantly encouraging new golfers to give it a shot.
Like many small business owners, Conway and Parks faced challenges, but instead of going it alone, they took one of their most important and often most difficult steps — they asked for help. While reaching out is something many business owners fear, this duo saw it as an opportunity to learn. Working closely with Jennifer McCluskey at the North Country Small Business Development Center, they shaped their business strategy and overcame startup hurdles. A small business loan from the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation helped turn their dream into a sustainable reality.
Their biggest advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Get advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — you’ve got nothing to lose,” Conway emphasized.
Now, at just 23 years old, Conway and Parks are among the youngest recipients of the prestigious Strictly Business 20 Under 40 annual award. With this recognition, they see another challenge ahead: bridging the gap between Plattsburgh’s seasoned business owners and the next generation of entrepreneurs. Their story is a powerful example of what’s possible. Even when many fear failure, stories like theirs remind us that success is within reach.
Too often, small business ownership feels like something to wait for until after college or after years of experience. But Plattsburgh Golf Simulator proves that with passion and support, a dream can become reality — even if you’re new to the game.
“The community needs more spaces and events where experienced business owners can share wisdom and young entrepreneurs can bring fresh ideas,” Parks said. “It can be intimidating when you’re surrounded mostly by older generations running businesses. We want to show younger people you don’t have to wait — you can start now.”
More than a business, Conway and Parks have created a space where people connect, where golf lovers gather beyond the usual fairways and greens. Their hope is to spark more collaboration across generations — because when one business grows, the whole community wins. The entrepreneurs believe in a future where small businesses build each other up, united by one shared goal — small business success in the North Country.
Plattsburgh Golf Simulation
15 Clinton Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518 310-1010