Driving Range - Extra Charge to Hit off Grass

[showtime583]

This past weekend I went to a course that "shares" a driving range with an entertainment facility (batting cages, arcade, etc). I wanted to hit a few balls prior to the 11:00 tee time, and the pro-shop directed us to the range which was about a 5 minute golf cart ride past the first hole. This was a little strange, but no big deal.

So I venture into the shop by the range, and ask for a small bucket. The guy working the register asks if I want to hit off the grass or the mats...I answer grass. The gentleman then informs me that there is a separate charge for hitting off the grass. I was so confused by the whole thing that I just paid him whatever the rate was ($7 for a small and "turf fee" I think) and went on my way.

I've played lots of courses in different parts of the country, but never have I encountered a "turf fee" for range use. If anyone was wondering, the course was great - Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park, IL. 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago.

In any event, has anyone else ran into this concept? I've asked around the office and nobody had ever heard of this.

[chris_284]

One place in my city has this. It's a 18 hole par 3 course, that has a rounded driving range. 60% of it is mats that are set up year round, the other 40% is grass tees. The buckets for the grass tees are an extra dollar. I never go there though, I go to a driving range that has grass only.

[bplewis24]

I've never heard of it, although it does make sense assuming that they have to maintain the grass, but not mats.  The main driving range I go to is 1/3rd grass and 2/3rd mats.  They put the grass section at the furthest walking distance from the clubhouse, but it's the same price.  Interestingly enough, a lot of folks still use the mats.  I think people who duff the ball a lot are intimidated by hitting off grass...and others are teeing it up to hit the driver anyway.

Brandon

[ochmude]

Yup, I've heard of it.  The Western Massachusetts Family Golf Center charges a $1.00 "grass tee fee", and it's the same type of place you describe with batting cages, go-carts, and mini golf.

[darkhunter139]

Yeah ive been to a range that does this, I wish it was closer cause it was actually a pretty nice grass area.

[vasaribm]

Yep.  As others have said, both ranges near my house charge an extra $1 to use the grass area.  There are even seperate ball dispensers to avoid cheating the system.

[glock35ipsc]

Haven't heard of that around here.  My home course doesn't use mats, it's off grass year-round.  There are a couple places locally that uses mats only, or mats in the winter months, but I don't know of any that charge differently between the two.

[Ringworld]

Turf requires maintenance.  Mats not so much.  You pay for the privilege of hitting off grass.  That is standard here in CA.

If we spend half our time hacking away on the grass range it takes time to grow back the grass.  Use mats well you can hack away.  Personally it doesn't matter grass or mats.  If you hit the ball poorly it won't make a bit of difference grass or mats LOL.

[TheGeekGolfer]

Green Mountain up here in Vancouver, WA does that.  They have a fairly small grass tee area and yes, it takes more time to maintain it.

[glock35ipsc]

Our range moves the ropes back and forth during the spring/summer months, and uses a quick grow seed in the areas that have been hit from.  In the fall/winter months, the ropes are moved forward to the "winter area".  So we are always hitting off fresh grass all year 'round.  It's wonderful!

[kahuna80]

Originally Posted by ochmude

Yup, I've heard of it.  The Western Massachusetts Family Golf Center charges a $1.00 "grass tee fee", and it's the same type of place you describe with batting cages, go-carts, and mini golf.

I immediately thought of that place when I read the original post. I go there all the time!

[dhanson]

the mats get little use at my local course. they are situated behind the grass hitting areas, and are really only used when the range is closed for maintenance. note that you are hitting towards the left side of the screen. the course does much of the same as mentioned above and doesn't charge for hitting off the grass (which is something i've never heard of). rope off a certain area to play from, and tend to all the divots everywhere else.

edit: the grass at this range is different than any other grass found on the course. very thin blades of grass that come in pretty thick. divots tend to explode into hundreds of pieces rather than staying together unless you really dig in. is this common (having different grass on the range)?

[ochmude]

Originally Posted by kahuna80

I immediately thought of that place when I read the original post. I go there all the time!

No kidding?  Small world, lol.  That place is pretty awesome.  I love the fact that there's a separate pitching area, practice bunker, and putting/chipping green.  I just discovered it a couple weeks ago when I took my nephew there for his first trip to the range.  I just wish it was closer a bit closer.  I'm not too far away (Chicopee), but if I lived in Hadley I'd probably spend so much time there my wife would forget what I looked like.

[SouthernILGolfer]

Almost every range ive ever went to has only grass but i cant imagine charging extra to hit off grass if they have both.  They should simply charge a little more for a bucket of balls and let you pick where you want to hit, maybe you might want to hit balls off both grass and mats.

[phillyk]

Wow, Tinley Park... I golf at George Dunne all the time!  Great course there, although they have mats at the range and the grass is for instruction.  I find a lot of courses, at least the Chicago-area courses i play, use the grass range areas for instruction only.  I don't mind too much as long as there's a grass range somewhat close by.  The nearest one to me is Harry Semrow, through the forest preserve.  They don't charge for grass usage but no one knows the grass is there, or if they do, no one wants to walk 300 yards with their clubs to get to the grass portion.  Also, all the targets point towards the mats, but that doesn't matter to me.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by phillyk

Wow, Tinley Park... I golf at George Dunne all the time!  Great course there, although they have mats at the range and the grass is for instruction.  I find a lot of courses, at least the Chicago-area courses i play, use the grass range areas for instruction only.  I don't mind too much as long as there's a grass range somewhat close by.  The nearest one to me is Harry Semrow, through the forest preserve.  They don't charge for grass usage but no one knows the grass is there, or if they do, no one wants to walk 300 yards with their clubs to get to the grass portion.  Also, all the targets point towards the mats, but that doesn't matter to me.

So, are you out of school yet?  I'm ready to hear that you finally posted a great score on your home course.

Brandon

[phillyk]

Originally Posted by bplewis24

So, are you out of school yet?  I'm ready to hear that you finally posted a great score on your home course.

Brandon

Haha, nope.  Flying back to town next week.  I'll make sure to let you know what my first round's score is.  I've been all over the medicus iron during the winter so my longer game shouldn't be too bad, but short game will be the worst part of the game to start for sure.

[showtime583]

George Dunne is a great track....played 36 there about a month ago. My only gripe is pace of play - forgivable given that its one of the tougher tracks I've played in the area.

If you play south of the city regularly, I highly recommend Odyssey and Ravisloe. Ravisloe is an old private country club, converted to a public track a few years ago. Not much water, but well-bunkered and a strong test.