Jim Ostry grew up in Evanston, across the street from Northwestern University. He spent his summers of his youth working as a caddy at Westmoreland Country Club.
“That was when I started golfing and fell in love with the game,” said Ostry, of Lakeview.
Ostry turned his passion for golf into a career with a well-known indoor golfing establishment in unincorporated Palos Heights when he opened up Patsy’s Gaming and Golf, 12701 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights, with his wife, Kelly, on Nov. 10, 2023.
Since then, it has become a popular destination for indoor entertainment, combining the thrill of gambling with indoor golf. Patsy’s offers a unique blend of activities for enthusiasts like Ostry.
“Our state-of-the-art indoor golf facilities are perfect for both beginners and seasoned golfers, providing a realistic and engaging experience,” he said.
The facility features various slot machines for those looking to test their luck in a vibrant atmosphere, along with a separate room containing two high-quality golf simulators available for hourly rental. For special occasions, such as birthday parties and business events, the party room can be rented for an entire day or night.
A full bar serves handcrafted cocktails and pizza, with cookies and other homemade treats often available.
Although video gaming is prohibited in Palos Heights, Ostry received approval to open in the unincorporated sector.
“I chose this location because of its prime location and being unincorporated, allowing video gaming,” he said.
Tracy Chrones, of Palos Heights, who once was a customer, now manages the bar at Patsy’s.
“I remember looking in the windows wondering what this was going to be while they were still in the construction process,” she said. “There were a lot of people from the area interested.”
Chrones, who began her role in May, noted that the local clientele has continued to grow.
“I receive so much positive feedback from our customers,” she said. “Everyone raves about the vibrant and comfortable atmosphere, the friendly staff and service.”
Ostry added that business has been steady since the grand opening.
“We are really fortunate that it did so well right away and continues to be successful,” he said.
Despite its glitz and glamour, the operation has humble roots, Ostry explained.
“Patsy’s is named after my grandma (Patricia Ostry), who grew up in Chicago,” he said. “She lived there from when she was born in 1918 until she married in 1940. She was truly an amazing person, and this is my way to pay tribute to her.”
Ostry takes pride in the community and recently donated a golf simulator to Shepard High School in Palos Heights.
“We’re hoping for golf students to come in and practice here too,” he said. “We have an advantage having golf simulators right here in the community that can be utilized in any weather, and we are hoping students take advantage of that.”
As Patsy’s continues to grow, Ostry remains focused on fostering a welcoming environment that celebrates community and shared passions. “We’re committed to being more than just a business; we want to be a place where people come together and make lasting memories,” he said.
Patsy’s is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.