Tee for Two

Jimmy Vukanovich, the visionary behind the cutting-edge Millburn Indoor Golf Club, and Ysabel Liu, Millburn High School’s rising golf prodigy, are driving the game forward one swing at a time.

Building a Golfer’s Paradise

Jimmy Vukanovich always envisioned creating a haven for golfers that combined next gen technology with a welcoming atmosphere.

To get there, the road to establish the Millburn Indoor Golf Club was no small feat. “Finding the right real estate was the biggest challenge,” he explains. “Working closely with Explore Millburn and assembling a strong team was crucial to ensure we passed approvals.” Positioned perfectly, Millburn was the ideal location for this state-of-the- art facility. “It felt like the perfect spot to serve avid golfers in the area,” Jimmy adds.

The club’s structure is unique—open to all, predominantly used by members. “From 7 to 85, our members are all here to improve,” Jimmy notes. His inspiration to create this community came during the pandemic, and he was determined to offer a space with the best mats, balls and overall experience. “I wasn’t used to shutting down my game for months. The other indoor options were lacking, so I built what was missing.”

The facility’s clever design avoids stacking bays too closely, ensuring privacy and an enhanced experience. “Technology is everything to me,” he emphasizes. With TrackMan iO and TrackMan 4, the club provides top-notch tools for golfers to get better indoors. “I wanted to make sure we could accommodate TrackMan’s largest bays,” he says.

Teeing Up a New Era

On the other side of town, New Jersey state golf champion Ysabel Liu is making waves in the competition scene. A junior at Millburn High School, Ysabel’s love for golf began during weekends with her dad at the driving range. “I showed interest, and he signed me up for summer camps,” she recalls. By 9 years old, she was competing in her first tournament. “I fell in love with the game and competition,” Ysabel says. Her family’s unwavering support has been instrumental, adapting their lives to foster her talent through the ups and downs of training and competing.

“I believe golf brings a special closeness that doesn’t quite occur in other relationships,” Ysabel says. At school, Ysabel is part of more than just the girls’ golf team, “Both the girls and boys golf teams at Millburn High School are playful and supportive,” she continues. “We find joy in every setting together, whether it’s in school, on the course or on the bus.”

Ysabel’s aspirations are big— she dreams of leaving her mark in tournaments like the US Women’s Open. “To prepare, I study the course, practice potential shots and ensure I’m well-rested,” Ysabel shares. “On tournament day, I remind myself I’ve done everything I need. At that point, I can simply enjoy playing the sport I love.”

The Indoor Edge

Recently, we caught up with Ysabel fine-tuning her technique at the Millburn Indoor Golf Club, reflecting its contribution to local talent.

Her practice sessions start with stretches, followed by pitch shots to hone distance control. She works through her entire bag, from wedges to drivers.

“Golf is about building resilience and having a positive mindset,” she reflects, echoing her coach’s advice to stay patient and trust her game plan.

“I go to a club fitter once a year,” she says, “and we use TrackMan to see which model clubhead and shaft suit me best.” Her routine involves meticulous preparation, balancing training with academics and a thriving social life.

“Time management is vital,” Ysabel emphasizes. “I lay everything out on a calendar and set priorities.”

Despite the challenges, she remains focused while maintaining a positive mindset.

“Golf is not a game of perfection,” she admits. “I’m still trying to overcome this challenge, reminding myself to work with what I have.”

A Perfect Match

Jimmy and Ysabel represent both the evolution of golf today and the future of the game. Though their paths are unique, they’re linked by their ambition for excellence.

“Seeing improvement is what motivates me and drives every decision I make,” Jimmy shares.

Ysabel’s dream of playing in tournaments like the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is fueled by a deep love for the game.

“It’s important to enjoy the game and the journey,” she says, reflecting on her aspirations.

From local greens to national tournaments, the duo continues to push boundaries, shaping their own legacies and redefining what’s possible for the next generation of golfers.

BY EVE GOLDEN