TAZEWELL, VA – APRIL 6, 2026 — Four seasons golf experiences in locations around the world is what Chris Kiser set out to create when he opened Stingerz, LLC, in Tazewell, VA. The indoor golf facility features state-of-the-art technology and equipment to offer year-round golf to locals and visitors alike.
Stingerz, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Stingerz, LLC offers an indoor golf facility experience utilizing simulated play, providing recreational experiences for both local golfers and tourists,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects two full-time and four-part-time employees within five years.”
“Rain or shine, it’s tee time,” Kiser said in describing his new business located at 126 Federal Avenue in Tazewell and its appeal to all ages – from kids to adults. “It’s good family fun, as well as fun for groups of friends to take part in. It’s more than just a simulator venue; it’s a community destination.”
Stingerz features premium golf simulator bays offering what Kiser described as immersive, fun and convenient play, recognizing two key gaps: first that outdoor play is limited by weather and the seasons; and second, that no similar experience exists within an hour’s drive.
“This facility capitalizes on these factors to offer year-round play, engaging lessons and communal golf experiences, even when the fairways are snowbound,” Kiser said, adding leagues, youth events and charitable tournaments are part of the Stingerz master plan.
Tee times may be booked online at www.stingerzgolf.com, or by calling the business at 276-970-2900. In addition to pay to play options, memberships are also available, Kiser said.
Kiser noted golfers may choose which of 2,200 courses at which to play – ranging from local courses like Twisted Gun or Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina to the same courses the pros are playing throughout the PGA tour. Golfers may also choose to participate in tournaments offered twice monthly. A running points season with a Taylor Made Driver as the prize for finishing first is also offered.
The seed capital grant from VCEDA was valuable, Kiser said, noting he has used it for advertising, including a billboard, to replace the golf simulator screen, for maintenance of the location space, for merchandise and more.
“The grant allowed me to not only get started, but to keep this business going,” Kiser said. “It will help to sustain it and allow me to continue to create an even better golf environment for my customers.”
Kiser worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
“The Southwest Virginia Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) congratulates Stingerz on receiving a VCEDA Seed Capital Grant,” said Denise Harmon, SBDC director at SWCC. “The SBDC was pleased to assist with the application process and is proud to support this new indoor golf business, which contributes to local business growth and provides recreation and tourism opportunities in Southwest Virginia.”
“The Tazewell County IDA is excited to support Stingerz new interactive recreational golf experience to Tazewell County and our surrounding region,” said Tazewell County Economic Development Director Tim Danielson. “The support of VCEDA through the seed capital grant program is invaluable for new startup businesses in Tazewell County and Southwest Virginia. Stingerz will offer a unique personalized experience in interactive indoor golf for all ages. We look forward to being a supportive public partner for Stingerz. Their current and future growth plans will always be welcome in Tazewell County.”
The business is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information about Stingerz, interested persons may call 276-970-2900; check out the website at www.stingerzgolf.com; or find them on Facebook.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
(PHOTO CAPTION: Chris Kiser opened Stingerz, LLC to provide a four seasons golf experience in the region. Stingerz, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.)