Popular YouTube golf group showcases Marion attractions during nationwide tour
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MARION, Ill., (KBSI) — A popular YouTube golf group with more than 2.1 million subscribers is putting Southern Illinois in the national spotlight after visiting several Marion attractions during its nationwide tour.
Good Good Golf featured Marion in the 39th installment of its “50 States in 50 Days” series, released Thursday, Nov. 5.
The episode highlights ThrillHouse Family Entertainment Center, Oasis Powersports, Black Diamond Harley-Davidson and Kokopelli Golf Club, giving viewers a look at the redevelopment of the former Illinois Centre Mall into The Oasis entertainment and retail destination.
“This is the coolest place we’ve been to this entire road trip,” Good Good Golf personality Garrett Clark said while exploring ThrillHouse.
Another group member, Mason Greene, described Marion as his favorite stop of the tour so far.
The group’s visit began at ThrillHouse, a roughly 100,000-square-foot entertainment center featuring bowling, axe throwing, archery, darts, arcade games and miniature golf.
The crew competed in several activities, with the winner earning an advantage in the following day’s golf competition.
They also attempted the ThrillHouse Throwdown, an eight-pound food challenge that none of the participants completed.
Shad Zimbro, co-owner of The Oasis development, welcomed the group and gave them a tour of Oasis Powersports and Black Diamond Harley-Davidson.
“We had an absolute blast with these guys,” Zimbro said. “They came to Marion to play golf, but I think we surprised them with everything else we’ve got going on here.”
Zimbro said the goal of the Thrillville development is to introduce visitors to the entertainment and recreational opportunities available in Southern Illinois.
The following morning, the group visited Marion’s Vault Cafe before heading to Kokopelli Golf Club for the Illinois portion of its nationwide golf competition.
During the round, Zimbro offered a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to any player who made a hole-in-one on a designated par-3 hole.
No one won the motorcycle.
The episode also features footage of downtown Marion and several attractions within The Oasis development.
Organizers said the video provides an opportunity to introduce Marion and Southern Illinois to Good Good Golf’s national and international audience.
The full episode, “50 States in 50 Days — Day 39: Illinois,” is available on the group’s YouTube channel.
Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/nnDWQ0uadXw.
