Aside from perhaps bag drop and pro shop, the first impression many golfers get of a course – and its service and maintenance – is the practice facility. More and more practice ranges these days, in fact, are are almost stand-alone venues by themselves, offering everything from lessons to club fitting to food and beverage.
Beautiful scenery helps, too. In other words, “location, location, location.’’
From coastal cliffs to sweeping ocean views to the mountains, here are a few of my favorite practice facilities.
Teeing Off in the Tetons
Nestled in the 360-degree mountain retreat of Driggs, Idaho, Tributary – a low-density, 1,500-acre private residential community – boasts not only an outstanding David McLay-Kidd course, but the club’s practice range is back-dropped by the Teton Mountains and Grand Teton itself. It’s a stunningly beautiful way to begin – or end – a day.
Perfect Putts by the Pacific
Courtesy of Punta Mita
Home to two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, Punta Mita offers guests the perfect opportunity to warm up their swing while soaking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. It’s the ideal setting to practice before taking on the iconic island green, “The Tail of the Whale” on the Pacifco course.
Hole-in-Ones in Hawaii
Courtesy of Kukui’ula
The first private club development on Kauaʻi, Kukui’ula is home to Tom Weiskopf’s masterpiece, where guests are treated to breathtaking views from the driving range of the South Shore’s famed “Spouting Horn’’ blowhole, framed by crashing waves and occasional sightings of humpback whales and spinner dolphins. Paradise doesn’t any better.
Swings in the Sierras
Courtesy of Martis Camp
The Tom Fazio-designed course at Martis Camp and the pristine 18-hole Putting Park,designed by Dick Bailey, seamlessly combine design with the dramatic landscape of the High Sierra and the breathtaking beauty of Martis Valley in the Lake Tahoe area. The Putting Park course, which weaves around ponds, tall pines and creeks, as every bit a “must play’’ as is Fazio’s mountain gem.
Scores by the Sea
Courtesy of Costa Palmas
Set along the 18 Robert Trent Jones II golf course, the driving range at Costa Palmas – a private beachfront resort community located 45 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport on the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula – show off expansive views of the Sierra de las Laguna mountains and the shimmerin Sea of Cortez.
Hawaiian Hues
Courtesy of Hualalai Resort
The Ke’Olu Course at Hualālai Resort, designed by Tom Weiskopf, blends lava, sand, and lush greens across rolling terrain. Its nine-acre driving range features gentle slopes, ocean views, a short game area, two sand bunkers, and a putting green. Don’t pass up an opportunity to at least hit a few warm-up shots here, as the first hole awaits – featuring A collapsed lava tube on the first hole (a 130-yard carry that appears much longer), caves, lava blisters and arches.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Tributary