A Hole in One

Ten years ago, brothers Don and Joseph Saladino had a dream to bring golf to Manhattan. That dream came true in the form of Drive495, a gym dedicated to helping golfers improve their game.

Drive495 includes a full fitness facility with golf simulators. At first, it was intended for golfers only. But, the gym has since expanded to cater to the average gym-goer looking to improve fitness.

According to Katelyn Collins, the membership coordinator for Drive495, who has been with the company for 6 years, the gym is a “one-stop shop” for all members’ fitness needs.

“If you are looking to improve your golf game, we have that,” said Collins. “If you are looking to improve general fitness, we have that. If you are looking for the most hyped up recovery modality in the industry, we have that too. In January we implemented a cryotherapy chamber to give our members access to an even higher level of wellbeing.”

To ensure each members’ needs are being met, Drive495 takes a customized approach. According to Collins, every member goes through a functional movement screening and a series of performance-based assessments. Additionally, their goals and heart rate are measured to make sure they are training in the most efficient way possible.

All About Drive495 from Drive495 on Vimeo.

The gym’s training is its most popular program, thanks to its staff, which includes world-class physical therapist Dr. Charlie Weingroff, and TPI certified (a golf-specific certification) strength coaches with master’s degrees in their fields.

“Our staff is exceptional in that they’re not only some of the smartest in the industry, but they’re personable,” said Collins. “Our membership and staff have formed a tight-knit community with some members having been here since the gym’s opening.”

Drive495 is involved in the community in other ways. Collins explained co-owners Don and Joseph are both active members of the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, which was started by their family and dedicated to cancer research. In addition, the gym donates to many charities and neighborhood auctions throughout the year.

Throughout its 10-year history, Collins said Drive495 has learned a couple key lessons. “Listen and learn from your mistakes, allow them to keep you humble,” she said. “Also, staff is foremost. You have to surround yourself with rock stars who specialize in all kinds of subjects. That’s one great thing about Drive495 — we have resources under our roof for any fitness, golf, physical therapy, lifestyle or nutrition question that comes our way. We hire the best so that we’re always learning from one another. It’s constant growth and improvement.”