100 - Highlands Golf Park

GOLF RANGE MAGAZINE
THE TOP
100
GOLF RANGES IN AMERICA 2006
ANNUAL
AWARDS
THIS SPECIAL
SECTION
MARKS THE
12TH ANNUAL
GOLF RANGE
MAGAZINE
RANKING OF
THE TOP 100
GOLF PRACTICE
CENTERS AND
LEARNING
FACILITIES
IN AMERICA.
TopGolf Kingstowne
Alexandria, Virginia

44
GOLF RANGE MAGAZINE
THE TOP
100
GOLF RANGES IN AMERICA 2006
Ace Golf at Riverview
Riverview, Florida
Owner: Bill Place
GM: Dennis Bowman
Director of Golf: Laura Beuhring, LPGA
www.ace-golf.com
Arundel Golf Park
Glen Burnie, Maryland
Owner: Jim Kardash/Ken Gill
GM: Jim Kardash
Director of Golf: Jim Kardash, PGA
www.arundelgolfpark.com
Chattanooga Golf Center
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Owner: Zeb Patton, PGA
GM: Mike Bennett
Director of Golf: Colt Helton, PGA
www.chattanoogagolfcenter.com
D.A.‘s Spring Creek Golf
Plano, Texas
Owner: LP inluding D.A. Weibring
GM: Don Cornell
Director of Golf: Scott Robbins, PGA
www.dasspringcreekgolf.com
Different Strokes Golf
Louisville, Kentucky
Owner: Different Strokes Golf, Inc.
GM: Ted Beckman
Director of Golf: Ted Beckman, PGA
www.dsgolfcenters.com
The Downs Golf Practice Facility
Tampa, Florida
Owner: Mrs. Stella Thayer/
Tampa Bay Downs, Inc.
GM: Peter Berube
Director of Golf: Jon Johnson, PGA
www.tampabaydowns.com
Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park
Dulles, Virginia
Owner: Robert Riever
GM: Chuck Will,PGA
Director of Golf: Chuck Will,PGA
www.dullesgolfcenter.com
East Potomac Golf Course
Washington, D.C.
Owner: National Park Service
GM: Golf Course Specialists, Inc./
Kim Thomas
Director of Golf: Capital City Golf
School/Mike Byrd, PGA
www.golfdc.com
Fairways and Greens
Knoxville, Tennessee
Owner: Vincent Keller
GM: Britton Spann
Director of Golf: Walt Chapman, PGA
www.fairwaysandgreens.org
Games People Play
Beaumont, Texas
Owner: Jeff Williams
GM: Matt Cormier
Director of Golf: Kurt Picard, PGA
www.gppgolf.com
Golden Bear Golf Center at the
Highlands
Carrollton, Texas
Owner: Fritz Duda
GM: Tom Morehart
Director of Golf: Mark Maness, PGA
www.gbgc.net
Golf & Games Family Park
Memphis, Tennessee
Owner: Aubrey Smith
GM: Philip Gray
Director of Golf: Ted Butler, PGA
www.puttputtmemphis.com
Jim McLean Golf Center at Waterchase
Arlington, Texas
Golfsmith Golf Center &
Harvey Penick Academy
Austin, Texas
Owner: Golfsmith
GM: Jeff Morgan
Director of Golf: Myron Klement, PGA
Harvey Penick Golf Academy
www.golfsmith.com
Hackers Golf Park
Statesboro, Georgia
Owner: Darin Van Tassell/Larry
Bryant
GM: Brad Bradley
Director of Golf: Brad Bradley, PGA
www.hackersgolfpark.com
Hank Haney Golf Ranch at
Vista Ridge
Lewisville, Texas
Owner: Hank Haney
GM: Spencer Ebeler
Director of Golf: Steve Johnson, PGA
www.hankhaney.com
The Highlands Golf Park
Ruckersville, Virginia
Owner: The Scheuermann Family
GM: Gretchen Scheuermann, LPGA
Director of Golf: Anne Marie
Scheuermann
www.highlandsgolfpark.com
The Hooch Golf Club
Duluth, Georgia
Owner: OTC Golf Club
GM: Tim Foster, PGA
Director of Golf: Tim Foster, PGA
www.thehoochgolfclub.com
48-acre golf training center includes a fully lighted practice range, with seven target greens,
an 11,000 sq. ft. short game area including a bent grass putting green and three-tier practice
bunker. 8,000 sq. ft. clubhouse incorporates golf fitness center, restaurant, 4 indoor, “Superstation”
instruction bays, Full Swing Simulator, putting studio and clubfitting and testing center.

The Downs Golf Practice Facility
Tampa, Florida
Jim McLean Golf Center
at Waterchase
Fort Worth, Texas
Owner: Jim McLean
GM: John Sinclair
Director of Golf: Brian Schorsten, PGA
Web: www.jimmclean.com
Knights Play Golf Center
Apex, North Carolina
Owner: Nelson Hare
GM: Kevin Jones, PGA
Director of Golf: Kevin Jones, PGA
www.knightsplay.com
Leatherman Golf
Learning Center
Charlotte, North Carolina
Owner: Chris Leatherman, PGA
GM: Matt Lester
Director of Golf: Chris Leatherman, PGA
Webiste: www.leathermangolf.com
Leonard Golf Links
Fort Worth, Texas
Owner: Martha Leonard
GM: Steve Blondell
Director of Golf: Dana Bellinger, PGA
www.leonardgolflinks.com
Man ’O’ War Golf
Lexington, Kentucky
Owner: Partnership Group
GM: Brad Bachand, PGA
Director of Golf: Brad Bachand, PGA
www.manowargolf.com
Unique in the nation,
The Downs Golf Practice
Facility is located next to
the horse track, Tampa
Bay Downs. It offers
simulcast wagering on
events running next door.
The goal in building the
range complex was to
make Tampa Bay Downs
a total entertainment
destination: from live
racing to concerts and
also golf. The facility also
includes a two-acre short
game area. Their popular
Golf Expo is a big area hit.
Mid-Atlantic Golf Center
Silver Springs, Maryland
Owner: MAGC Golf Properties
GM: Carl James
Director of Golf: Mike Horner, PGA
www.midatlanticgolfcenter.com
Night Hawk Golf Center
Gambrills, Maryland
Owner: Bill Forthofer
GM: Bill Forthofer
Director of Golf: Don Slebodnik, PGA
www.nighthawkgolfcenter.com
Olney Golf Park
Olney, Maryland
Owner: Tim Landres/WestlandGolf
GM: Bob Karnei
Director of Golf: Jim Estes
www.westlandgolf.com
Orange County National
Winter Garden, Florida
Owner: Team Classic Golf Services
GM: Bruce Gerlander
Director of Golf: Phil Ritson Golf,
David Glenz Golf Academy
www.ocngolf.com
PGA Golf Learning Center
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Owner: PGA of America
GM: Gene Powell
Director of Golf: Rick Martino,
Master PGA
www.pgalearningcenter.com
Swaders Sports Park
Prince George, Virginia
Owner: Swader Family
GM: Ken Swader
Director of Golf: Rick Schuller, PGA
www.swaders.com
TopGolf Kingstowne
Alexandria, Virginia
Owner: TopGolf USA/Golf
Entertainment Int’l.
GM: Kevin Vouglitois
Director of Golf: Mitchell
Spearman/Stephen Moskal
www.topgolf.com
Tupelo Bay Golf Center
Garden City, South Carolina
Owner: Partnership
GM: Vince Cronkey
Director of Golf: Rod Gainer, PGA
www.tupelobay.com
Man ’O’ War Golf
Lexington, Kentucky
Man O’ War exhorts it’s patrons to follow the
advice of Lee Trevino by posting on it web site
the following quote, “There is no such thing
as a natural touch. Touch is something you
create by hitting millions of golf balls.” And
Man O’ War is ready to accommodate. With
four top instructors on staff, the facility runs
an amazing array of lessons for ladies-only,
mixed adults, seniors, junior, etc. They’ve also
been marketing membership programs for the
past several years. Summer memberships
run from March 1-Oct. 31 and cost $900/yr. At
that membership level patrons have unlimited
range balls, a members only hitting and short
game area, (4) individual golf lessons, a club
fitting evaluation, and unlimited use of all
practice areas. Full membership at $1150/yr
adds 4 member practices per month, 4 private
lessons, stretching and strength seminars, as
well as 20% over wholesale in the pro shop.
SOUTHEAST

46
GOLF RANGE MAGAZINE
THE TOP
100
GOLF RANGES IN AMERICA 2006
Branchburg Family Golf Center
Branchburg, New Jersey
Owner: John & Shannon Holodinski
GM: Randy Bartushak
Director of Golf: TBD
Website: TBD
Bumble Bee Hollow
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Owner: Lorraine Klippel/Rhea Singsen
GM: Lorraine Klippel/Rhea Singsen
Director of Golf: Lorraine Klippel,
LPGA Master Professional
www.bumblebeehollow.com
Cool Springs Golf Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Owner: Cool Springs LLc.
GM: Buzz Pasquini
Director of Golf: Bob Salera, PGA
www.coolspringsgolfcenter.com
Fairview Golf Center
Elmsford, New York
Owner: The Baker Companies
GM: Joe Mahecha
Director of Golf: Martin Nolletti Sr., PGA
www.fairviewgolfcenter.com
SportsCenter of Connecticut
Shelton, Connecticut
Owner: Alan Phillips/Howard Saffon
GM: Thomas Kim
Director of Golf: Rich Lanigan, PGA
www.sportcenterct.com
The Golf Club At Chelsea Piers
New York, New York
Owner: Chelsea Piers Management
GM: Greta Wagner
Director of Golf: Tom Sutter, PGA
www.chelseapiers.com
GolfQuest
Brookfield, Connecticut
Owner: Tom Brown/ Larry Kwiat
GM: Tom Fulgum
Director of Golf: Pete Stankevich, PGA
www.golfquestranges.com
Stony Hill Golf
Bethel, Connecticut
This mighty-might located on 16 acres in Northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, Stony Hill
has a staff of dedicated teaching, fitting and club repair professionals that collectively over
the past few years has propelled the facility into a Top 100 and Top 25 Pro Shop standard.
The Golf Shop has been renamed Performance Clubworks Custom Club Fitting Centers and
they’ve taken over pro shop operations at Golf Quest’s (another Top 100 facility) two CT locations.
They have garnered awards from Mizuno, Ping, Taylor Made, Titleist and Callaway.
Harmon Golf & Fitness
Rockland, Massachusetts
Owner: Greg Simeon/
John & Bill Launie
GM: Rich Campbell
Director of Golf: Tom Cavicchi, PGA
www.harmongolf.com
Kimball Farm
Westford, Massachusetts
Owner: The Kimball Family
GM: Mike & Peter Kimball
Director of Golf: Larry Finnegan, PGA
Web: www.kimballfarm.com
Lancaster Golf Center
Lancaster, Massachusetts
Owner: Bruce Gurall
GM: Dave O'Connor
Director of Golf: Dennis Lanciani
www.lancastergolfcenter.com
Mad Golfer Golf Club
Southampton, Pennsylvania
Owner: Kal Katz
GM: Bob Henry
Director of Golf: John Savage, USGTF
and Jean Platt Spencer, LPGA
www.madgolfergolfclub.com
McGolf
Dedham, Massachusetts
Owner: William McInerney
GM: Bill McInerney, Jr.
Director of Golf: Bill McInerney, Jr.
www.mcgolfonline.com
Mulligan's Island
Cranston, Rhode Island
Owner: Jim Picquette
GM: Jay Midwood
Director of Golf: Mike Hughes, PGA
www.mulligansisland.com
Sagamore Golf
North Hampton, New Hampshire
Owner: Sagamore Golf, Inc.
GM: Dean Scarito
Director of Golf: Brian O'Hearn, PGA
www.sagamoregolf.com
Scally's Golf Center
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Owner: Phil Scally Sr.
GM: Phil Scally Jr.,PGA
Director of Golf: Phil Scally Jr., PGA
www.mysite.verizon.net/carl.silvestri/scallys

Sittler Golf Center
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Owner: Rick & Patty Kline
GM: Patty Kline
Director of Golf: Rick Kline, PGA
www.sittlergolf.com
Spring Rock Golf Center,
New Hyde Park, New York
Owner: Francis An
GM: Ed Lee
Director of Golf: John Sutter, PGA
www.springrockgolfcenter.com
Stony Hill Golf
Bethel, Connecticut
Owner: Partnership
GM: Scott Ward
Director of Golf: Paul Miner, PGA
www.StonyHillGolf.com
Sun ‘n Air Driving Range &
Learning Center
Danvers, Massachusetts
Owner: WMSJ Co. Inc.
GM: Stephen Jones
Director of Golf: Rick DePamphilis,
Master PGA
www.sunairgolf.com
Sun ’N’ Air Driving Range
Danvers, Massachusetts
The Golf Club At Chelsea Piers
New York, New York
Having completed its first decade of business, The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers remains “one of
golf's 50 coolest places in the world” as highlighted by Golf Magazine. Featured in many TV
shows, movies and photo shoots, the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers is a 4 level facility that features
52 heated and weather-protected hitting stalls on four levels, an automatic ball tee-up system,
200-yard, 156 foot nets enclosing an artificial turf fairway with distinct greens and hazards.
The indoor 2,000 sq. ft teaching academy is staffed by 14 PGA and LPGA teaching pros. They
recently added a fifth level...an indoor area called THE PLAYERS Championship room features
2 Full Swing Golf simulators. The facility is an affiliate of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.
Two T’s Golf
Easton, Pennsylvania
Owner: Thomas E. Dietzler
GM: James A. Dietzler
Director of Golf: N/A
www.eastonpaonline.com
Whirlaway Golf Center
Methuen, Massachusetts
Owner: Kazanjian Family
GM: Mark Kazanjian
Director of Golf: Mark Kazanjian, PGA
www.whirlawaygolf.com
Willowbrook Golf Center
Wayne, New Jersey
Owner: Partnership
GM: Patrick Mallory
Director of Golf: Walt Baker, PGA
www.willowbrookgolfcenter.com
Woods Golf Center
Norristown, Pennsylvannia
Owner: The Woods Family
GM: Jenna Woods
Director of Golf: Wendy Wisbon, PGA
& LPGA; Don DeAngelis, PGA
www.woodysgolfcenter.com
With a golf range, teaching academy and recently built 3-Hole “Practice Loop” which functions
as a warm-up to a regulation round; a stepping stone for new players entering the game and/or
a training ground for on-course golf instruction, Sun ‘n Air is a multi-year Top 100 winner. The
range consists of both artificial mats and grass tees for members. Over the past few seasons,
the facility has gone deeper into custom fitting (using Flightscope) and club retailing.
NORTHEAST

48
GOLF RANGE MAGAZINE
THE TOP
100
GOLF RANGES IN AMERICA 2006
Ables Golf on Avery
Dublin, Ohio
Owner: JR Ables/Laurel Dieken
GM: JR Ables/Laurel Dieken
Director of Golf: Laurel Dieken, LPGA
www.golfables.com
Begin Oaks Golf
Plymouth, Minnesota
Owner: Mrs. Betty Begin
GM: Judy-Begin-Sloan
Director of Golf: Ingrid Galls, LPGA
www.beginoaksgolf.com
Allseasons Golf Learning Center
Normal, Illinois
Owner: Tim Jones
GM: Eric Miceletti, PGA
Director of Golf: Kenny Jacobs, PGA
Web: www.allseasonsglc.com
Bob Burns Golf Learning
Center
Appleton, Wisconsin
Owner: Bob Burns, Master PGA
GM: Chris Burns
Director of Golf: Bob Burns, Master PGA
www.bobburnscustomclubs.com
Cog Hill Learning Center
Lemont, Illinois
Owner: Frank Jemsek
GM: Pat Sexton
Director of Golf: Jeff Rimsnider, PGA
www.coghillgolf.com
Fairfield Golf Center
Fairfield, Ohio
Owner: Michael Kocheck
GM: Michael Kocheck
Director of Golf: Pete Nelson, PGA
www.fairfieldgolfcenter.com
Family Golf Learning Centre
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Owner: Larry Armatage,
GM: Larry Armatage
Director of Golf: John Cochrane, CPGA
www.familygolfoakville.com
Family Golf Park
Kansas City, Missouri
Owner: James Slaven
GM: Mike Slaven
Director of Golf: Chuck Evans, PGA
www.FamilyGolfPark.com
Golf Center Des Plaines
Des Plaines, Illinois
Owner: City of Des Plaines
GM: Robert Ward
Director of Golf: Robert Ward
www.thegolfcenter.org
Golf Center at
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Owner: Michigan State University
GM: Ken Horvath
Director of Golf: John Dal Corobbo, PGA
www.golfmsu.msu.edu
Golf Headquarters
Family Golfplex
St. Charles, Missouri
Owner: John & Barb Rufkahr
GM: Dana Crenshaw
Director of Golf Jeff Mullican, PGA
www.golf-headquarters.com
Tower Tee Golf Center
St. Louis, Missouri
Launch Golf Centre
Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
Owner: Gerard Waslen
GM: Gearard Waslen
Director of Golf: Matt Stallone, CPGA
www.launchgolfcentre.com
Maumee Sportsmall,
Maumee, Ohio
Owner: Bob Mix, Mix Enterprises
GM: Terry Walter
Director of Golf: Frank
Hesselbart,PGA
www.maumeesportsmall.com
Meadow Links and Golf
Academy
Cincinnati, Ohio
Owner: Hamilton County Park District
GM: Doug Stultz, PGA
Director of Golf: Doug Stultz, PGA
www.greatparks.org
Miles of Golf
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Owner: Chris Miles
GM: Doug Davis
Director of Golf: Dave Kendall, PGA
www.milesofgolf.com
Otte Golf Center
Indianapolis, Indiana
Owner: Frank Otte
GM: Terry Sherard
Director of Golf: John Bertges, PGA
www.ottegolf.com
Built back in 1962 by Richard Lotz, his son Steve Lotz, PGA-member now owns and operates
the facility. A real institution in the greater St. Louis area, an amazing number of golfers have
gotten their start at Tower Tee. This family-friendly facility features a range, miniature golf
course, a batting cage area, golf learning center and a fun Par 3 course.

Golf Center Des Plaines
Des Plaines, Illinois
Owned and managed by the Des Plaines Park District, originally this private project built
in 1997 for $8 million was going to be a member-only facility. In 2000, the Park District
purchased the site. It recently received a major facelift with new landing area artificial turf.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, a three-day “Reopening Celebration” included free range
time, live radio remote broadcasts and more than 10 major club manufacturers. More than
2,000 participants hit as many as 500,000 balls onto the new range turf. Facility features
include: 80 heated stalls with automated tee-up machines; lighted Par-3 golf course; full pro
shop and the Club Casa Cafe & Sports Bar.
Perche Creek Golf Course
Columbia, Missouri
Owner: Richard, Peggy and Jake Poe
GM: Jake Poe
Director of Golf: Dennis Goettel, PGA
www.perchecreek.com
Robin Nigro Golf Center
Kansas City, Missouri
Owner: Robin Nigro and Mark Nigro
GM: Mark Nigro
Director of Golf: Robin Nigro, LPGA
www.robinnigrogolf.com
Smiley’s Golf Complex
Lenexa, Kansas
Owner: Dennis Tull
GM: Thad Borgstadt/Jeff Tull
Director of Golf: Thad Borgstadt, PGA
www.kcmetrogolf.com
Skokie Sports Park
Skokie, Illinois
Owner: Town of Skokie
GM: Richard Lee
Director of Golf: Chris Pytell, PGA
www.skokieparkdistrict.org
Tower Tee Golf Center
St. Louis, Missouri
Owner: Partnership
GM: Steve Lotz, PGA
Director of Golf: Steve Lotz, PGA
www.towertee.com
Vitense Golfland
Madison, Wisconsin
Owner: Joel Weitz, PGA
GM: Joel Weitz, PGA
Director of Golf: Joel Weitz, PGA
www.vitense.com
Westerville Golf Center
Westerville, Ohio
Owner: Erich Gaiser, PGA
GM: Bill Knipe
Director of Golf: Bob Brokaw, PGA
www.westervillegolf.com
Zigfield Troy Golf
Woodridge, Illinois
Owner: The Troy Family
GM: Dennis & Tim Troy, PGA
Director of Golf: Dennis and
Tim Troy, PGA
www.zigfieldtroygolf.com
Miles of Golf
Ypsilanti, Michigan
The original facility dates to the 1950’s. In 1995, Chris Mile and Doug Davis came in and have
transformed the facility into a major-national facility. In 2005-2006, the golf shop underwent a
major expansion and doubled in size to 10,000 sq. feet. There’s even a “new” Cluboratory, the
club-fitting area that is now twice as large and attached to the golf shop. Patrons have access
to thousands of fitting clubs, two Vector launch monitors and flat-screen TV’s.
MIDWEST

Callaway Golf Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Owner: Boreta Enterprises
GM: Scott Greer
Director of Golf: Scott Greer, PGA
www.callawaygolfcenter.com
Carlsbad Golf Center
Carlsbad, California
Owner: Susan Roll, PGA & LPGA/
Dana Chaiken
GM: Jeff Eucce/Kathy Wake
Director of Golf: Sheri Hayes, PGA &
LPGA
www.carlsbadgolfcenter.com
RedTail Golf Center
Beaverton, Oregon
Bursting upon the Portland-area scene just a few
years’ back, RedTail Golf Center was a multi-million
dollar rehab of an existing public golf course with the
new building of a 78-stall golf center. All tee stalls
are covered and 1/3 are heated for year round play.
Nike Junior Golf Camps are featured in the summer
months. A 2,500 sq. ft. pro shop with $500,000 in
inventory focuses on Nike Golf, Callaway, Titleist,
Cobra, Taylor-Made, PING and Adams.
50
GOLF RANGE MAGAZINE
THE TOP
100
GOLF RANGES IN AMERICA 2006
Columbia Super Range
Everett, Washington
Owner: The Oskoui Family/Columbia
Athletic Club
GM: Hamid Tabrizzi
Director of Golf: Steve Reuhl, PGA
www.columbiaathletic.com
CrackerJax Sports Park
Scottsdale, Arizona
Owner: Entertainment Ventures, Inc.
GM: Sharee Swander
Director of Golf: N/A
Web: www.crackerjax.com
Dominguez Golf Course &
Practice Center
Carson, California
Owner: American Golf
GM: Kyle Mitchell
Director of Golf: Eric Manley, PGA
Web: www.americangolf.com
Eaglequest Golf Center at
Coquitlam
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Owner: EGCI/Nawaz Hirji,
Don Holmstrom, President
GM: Kevin Ikuta
Director of Golf: Steve Busswood, CPGA
www.eaglequestgolf.com
Golf in the Round
Salt Lake City, Utah
Owner: Doug Vilven, Master PGA
GM: Doug Vilven, Master PGA
Director of Golf: Doug Vilven, Master
PGA
www.golfintheround.com
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
Sacramento, California
Owner: Ken Morton, Sr.
GM: Jonathan Cullifer
Director of Golf: Mike Woods, PGA
www.hagginoaks.com
Hilton Bay Aqua Range
Reno, Nevada
Owner: Mark Arnold
GM: Wayne Williams
Director of Golf: N/A
Website: TBD
The Hodges Golf Center
Escondido, California
Owner: LLC
GM: Tim Moher, PGA
Director of Golf: Greg Casagranda, PGA
www.thehodgesgolf.com
Interbay Golf Center
Seattle, Washington
Owner: City of Seattle
GM: Premier Golf Centers/Troy Rodvold
Director of Golf: Ron Hanson, PGA
www.premiergc.com
John Wells Golf Center
North Hollywood, California
Owner: L.A. By-Products. Inc.
GM: Mark Fragale
Director of Golf: NA
Website: TBD
Mariners Point Golf Links
Foster City, California
Owner: VB Golf, Inc.
GM: Chris Aliaga
Director of Golf: Golf Academy
www.marinerspoint.com
Pin High Golf Center
Alviso, California
Owner: Don Rumpf
GM: Rick Soto
Director of Golf: Ron Rumpf
www.pinhighgolfcenter.com

Eaglequest Golf Center at Coquitlam
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Eaglequest Golf Centers comprise seven sites in Canada. Their mission is “to focus on being
assessable to the golfing public.” Their “Learn, Practice, Play” corporate philosophy aims to
make all their facilities an incubator for the game. Every EQ facility features a golf academy
with a consistent approach to be a ‘Home for Golf’. EQ has a comprehensive customer loyalty
program that costs $35 a year. They have also developed very specific strategies to help their
woman’s golf programs and junior programs continue to post solid growth.
RCGA Golf Centre at Four
Seasons
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Owner: Royal Canadian Golf Association
GM: Chad Rusnak
Director of Golf: Paul Horton, CPGA
www.rcga.org
RedTail Golf Center
Beaverton, Oregon
Owner: Red Tail Golf, LLC.
GM: Craig Zimmerman
Director of Golf: RedTail Golf Academy
www.golfredtail.com
River Park Golf Center
Fresno, California
Owner: Chris Doos, Russ Taylor and
Gerald Chow
GM: Denis Lincoln
Director of Golf: Chris Doos,
European PGA
www.riverparkgolf.com
Southcenter Golf Center
Tukwila, Washington
Owner: LaPianta Ltd Partnership
GM: Jim Bennett, PGA
Director of Golf: Jim Bennett, PGA
www.southcentergolf.com
Stadium Golf Center
San Diego, California
Owner: Barry Mahlberg / Managing
Partner
GM: Monty Leong, PGA
Director of Golf: Scott Mahlberg, PGA
www.stadiumgolf.com
Carlsbad Golf Center
Carlsbad, California
Tom Barber Golf Center
Moorpark, California
Owner: Tom Barber/Roger Barber &
Partners
GM: Roger Barber, PGA
Director of Golf: Tom Barber, PGA
www.teeclub.com/Courses/TomBarberGC
Tualatin Island Greens
Tualatin, Oregon
Owner: Partnership
GM: Todd Andrews, PGA
Director of Golf: Todd Andrews, PGA
www.tualatinislandgreens.com
Trails End Golf Center
Oregon City, Oregon
GM: John Welsh, PGA
Director of Golf: John Welsh, PGA
www.trailsendgolf.com
Van Buren Golf Center
Riverside, California
Owner: Mike Hancock and Partners
GM: Ray Schmitz
Director of Golf: Jason Wood, PGA
www.vanburengolf.com
Four years into new ownership, owners Susan Roll, PGA & LPGA and Dana Chaiken
continue to flourish. Roll was the 2005 LPGA National Professional of the Year and a
finalist for the 2005 PGA National Merchandiser of the Year-Public. A well-respected
teaching program reinforces their strong retail operation. The facility was recently
featured in a six-page article in Golf for Women magazine. Twice a year they host
Southern California’s largest outdoor demo days.
WEST

52
GOLF RANGE MAGAZINE
100
THE TOP
GOLF RANGES IN AMERICA 2006
Swaders Sports Park, Prince George, Virginia ▲
A recently opened, $4 million family entertainment center, Swaders Sports Park is a
family owned and operated business. The Swader Family have carefully built a
facility offering a full-service range and teaching center; 3,700 sq. ft. clubhouse with
snack bar and two party rooms; Go-kart tracks provided by Amusement Products and
DeBord Engineering; batting cages; and two Harris Miniature golf courses. Swaders
Sports Park uses a Micros Systems Inc. POS throughout the entire complex.
Tom Barber Golf Center
Moorpark, California
Opened in 2000, the roots of the
facility reach deep into the Southern
California golfing soil. Founder Tom
Barber is head professional at Griffith
Park and is the son of Jerry Barber, a
former PGA Tour player who won the
1961 PGA Championship. Together, the
two built the first double-decker driving range west of the Mississippi River at
Griffith Park in 1968. Tom Barber and his friend and landscape architect Nick
Williams designed the Tom Barber Golf Center. The Barber family has been
involved with golf and the PGA since the 1940’s. Tom’s father, Jerry Barber also
captained the Ryder Cup. With a practice green, manicured grass tee line and
mats as well as a short game area the complex is a green oasis in Ventura County.
portfolio❉
Golf Quest Family Sport Center
Brookfield, Connecticut
Golf Quest has two locations in Connecticut:
Brookfield and Southington. They both feature
extensive golf options, miniature golf courses, and
other family fun activities such as bumper boats.
The pro shop facilities are being run by Performance
Clubworks Custom Club Fitting Centers. Frozen Ropes
at Golf Quest is now running various baseball/
softball instruction at its Frozen Ropes Field training
complex at Golf Quest. With 18 locations in the
U.S. and Canada, Frozen Ropes continues to set
the standard in baseball instruction and player
development. Sports Illustrated, ESPN, The New
York Times, Collegiate Baseball, NESN, Baseball
Parent, to name a few, have featured Frozen Ropes
in recent stories.
Golf & Games Family Park, Memphis, Tennessee ▼
Golf and Games Family Park (part of the Putt-Putt Golf Family) is celebrating it's 40th
Anniversary with a "40 Years – 40 ACRES OF FUN!" campaign. Their owners like to say
they offer more entertainment options than any other Family Entertainment Center in
the Mid-South. Every year Golf & Games makes the list of top 15 tourist attractions in
the Memphis metro area, bringing in around 3 quarters of a million people annually.
They also host over 100 corporate outings and family reunions each season. The range
features 120 plus grass tees and a number of covered bays with mats. Ted Butler’s Golf
Academy and the Golf Academy of Memphis have set up shop there for instruction.
Maumee Sportsmall, Maumee, Ohio ▼
The Maumee Sportsmall is located just outside of Toledo. At Maumee Sportsmall, there are activities
for the whole family: Batting Cages, Miniature Golf, Practice Range, 6 Hole Par 3 Golf Course, The Golf
Club Doctor, Soccer Center, and the Steve Mix Basketball Academy. There are 80 grass tees and 25
heated and covered tee stalls.
▲
▲

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Harmon Golf &
Fitness Club, Rockland,
Massachusetts
Built in 2003 on just less
than 100 acres, Harmon Golf
and Fitness Center is a new
template for the industry:
a golf practice and training
facility as well as a health/
fitness club rolled into one.
Yearly and monthly payment
plans are available. Fitness
pros from Fitcorp Golf fitness
design individual and golf
specific programs. There’s
a short game area as well
as a 9-holer measuring
3,000 yds designed by
architect Brian Silva.
The Clubhouse Grille and
Sports Bar accommodate
125 people.
SportsCenter of Connecticut (Golf Center of Connecticut)
Shelton, Connecticut ▲
A sports emporium that started as a humble golf range, the Sports
Center of Connecticut has remade itself over the past decade. Along
with the heated double-decker golf range, landscaped 18-hole miniature
golf course and all-weather baseball/softball batting cages with a
stadium feel, SportsCenter of Connecticut has recently added The Rinks,
two-NHL-sized rinks. SportsCenter’s 15-acre site has become a premier
all-season environment for fitness/fun for participants of all ages and
skill levels.
portfolio❉
▲
Zigfield Troy Golf, Woodridge, Illinois ▼
The Troy family has been involved in Chicago-area golf for 70
years dating back to Mr. Zigfield Troy himself. His sons Dennis
and Tim carry on the Troy family golf tradition, as does son
Mike Troy, a PGA instructor there as well. Extensive junior golf
programs are a hallmark of this facility. The practice facility
includes 60 Penncross bluegrass hitting stations – one of the
largest in Illinois – mats for use during wet conditions, half a
dozen heated/sheltered stations for year-round cool weather
comfort, a
practice
chipping and
bunker area,
putting green,
and of course
a Par-3
layout. The
Lost Mountain
Adventure Golf
mini-layout
is one of the
largest in
their area.
Hilton Bay Golf
Reno, Nevada
This is one of the most
crowded and popular
aqua ranges in the
world. Hitlon Bay is
located at The Grand
Sierra Resort (formerly
the Reno Hilton.) It
serves as the practice
range for the University
of Reno’s Men’s and
Women’s golf teams.
Both teams also use
the Bunker Indoor Golf
and Sports Center that
is part of the complex.
All target islands in the
water are equipped with
a sensor that, when hit,
allows for prizes. On
weekend nights the
music comes on and the
place positively swings.
▲
Sun ’N’ Air Driving Range
Danvers, Massachusetts
The teaching staff at Sun ‘n Air includes Rick
DePamphilis, PGA Master Pro and a Top 50 Golf Range
Magazine award winner and Dennis Nestle voted #1
Instructor on the North Shore. The facility offers
“NexLevel” Golf Instruction Specialty Clinics aimed at
new golfers, women-only programs and juniors. With
a 3-hole practice course, grass tees, bunker practice
area and a 8,500 sq ft. putting green built to USGA
specs, teaching is major draw.
▲

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The Downs Golf Practice Facility, Tampa, Florida ▲
This past October, the Downs Golf Practice Facility hosted An Evening for
Kelly Jo, a fundraiser for Kelly Jo Dowd and her charity ‘Making Memories
Breast Cancer Foundation.’ (Dowd is pictured in the middle.) Several PGA
and LPGA Tour professionals participated in the event including Rich Beem,
John Huston, Woody Austin, Greg Kraft and Brittany Lincicome (shown
here on the left). Kelly Jo Dowd’s daughter, Dakota (shown on right) is a
13-year-old golf prodigy from nearby Tarpon Springs and currently the
highest ranked female golfer in her age group and a regular student of
Matt Mitchell, instructor at the Downs.
Skokie Sports Park, Skokie, Illinois ▲
A two-tier facility with 40 automatic tees, Skokie Sports Park is just 12 miles from downtown
Chicago. According to Richard Lee, Golf Operations Manager who runs the Skokie Sports Park
for the Park District, the Park is most proud of being the organizer of the North Suburban Junior
Travel League. The Skokie Park District, in conjunction with seven other area park districts,
provides an 8-week playing and lesson program serving over 100 junior golfers under the age of
14 and providing them a venue to develop skills to get them ready for high school golf teams.
Mid-Atlantic Golf Center, Silver Springs, Maryland ▲
As a sister facility to what is now the remodeled TopGolf at
Kingstown facility, Mid-Atlantic was built in 2001. Built along
the lines of the original Kingstown facility, the facility is spread
over 17 acres and includes: 75 tees on two-levels; a putting
green; miniature golf course; 2,000 sq. ft pro shop and a snack
bar. Three PGA teaching pros run the instruction efforts.
portfolio❉
Begin Oaks Golf, Plymouth, Minnesota ▼
A family-owned operation that opened in 2000, Begin Oaks was carved out of the
Begin family farm of 70 acres. The facility includes a full practice facility along with a
9-hole short course designed by Bill Philips of the Philips Golf Design in Tempe, AZ.
The 2,400 sq ft clubhouse includes a pro shop. The facility is proud of its work with
the Executive Women’s Golf Association and the Minnesota State Special Olympics.
Woods Golf Center, Norristown, Pennsylvania ▼
Also know as Woody’s, Woods Golf Center is a three-generation operation that dates
to 1947. Family spokesman Penn Wood is proud of serving thousands of area golfers
for over a half century. The facility includes more than 100 tees, many on grass,
as well as an 18-hole, Par-3 course, a putting green as well as 2 mini-golf courses.
Here David Mobley, the 2004 RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion (Ranked #1 in
the World by Long Drivers of
America in 2003, 2004 and 2005)
puts on an exhibition at the largest
Philadelphia-area demo day held
at Woods Golf Center.
Interbay Golf Center, Seattle, Washington ▼
Built in 1997, Interbay is located between four major residential centers
and is only two miles from the business district of Seattle. One of six
courses managed by Premier Golf Centers, Interbay features a two-tier
range with 80 tees- 40 are covered and heated. There is also an Executive
9-hole course; an 18-hole miniature golf course and a remodeled 1200 sq.
ft. retail pro shop.
In high season the
facility has 7 PGA
pros working and
4 year-round. A
full-service café
serves beer and
wine.

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Fairfield Golf Center, Fairfield, Ohio ▲
Fairfield Golf Center, with its large golf practice area as well as extensive pro
shop is a magnet for area golfers. The center offers meeting opportunities
for local corporations looking for off-site meeting space. The 9,000-squarefoot
clubhouse includes a meeting room with space for 30 people, and
another separate classroom, complete with chalkboard and multimedia
capability that can accommodate up to 15 people. We don’t know if the nuns
were taking advantage of this classroom opportunity, but we do know they
enjoyed a lively and competitive round of miniature golf!
Family Golf Park, Kansas City, Missouri ▼
A full service, family environment is found at Family Golf Park.
They continue with their innovative School Birthday Book Club that
is a special reading program in more than 30 area schools. Their
Girl’s Golf League is a program designed to encourage area high
school girls to play golf. A new Junior Golf League including 8
weeks of league play with two-person teams playing in a scramble
format, all monitored
by the
pros has been a
hit. The facility
will expand in
2007 the “Glow
Golf” miniature
golf concept
they tried a few
times with good
results.
Orange County National, Winter Garden, Florida ▲
Orange County National is in a league all its own. OCN is on
922 acres with 45 holes of golf. The golf range complex is the
largest in the U.S. and is 360 degrees in shape. It plays host to
the Demo Day at the annual PGA Merchandise Show every
January. In 2007, the Demo Day will be held January 24.
portfolio❉
Trails End Golf Center, Oregon City, Oregon ▼
The Trails End Golf Center opened in the spring of 2000 and is considered “the premier
practice facility in the Portland metro area” by the Oregonian. With 45 covered and
heated tees and two expansive grass tee areas, golfers are able to enjoy practicing
throughout the entire year. Trails End Golf Center’s special short game area features
one of the largest
putting greens in
Oregon at 17,000
square feet.
Eaglequest Golf Center at Coquitlam
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada ▼
The Eaglequest Rewards Club is active at all seven of their Canadian
locations. Members receive savings on practically everything, including
green fees, range balls and selected retail items, all the while collecting
points for every purchase made. These points can be redeemed for
further Eaglequest
services. The EQ
staff also markets
corporate team
building programs.
Companies can
meet in the 50
person Board
Room then enjoy a
tournament on the
championship par
27 nine-hole golf
course or their
18-hole mini
golf course.
Hank Haney Golf Ranch at Vista Ridge, Lewisville, Texas ▼
There have been a few changes at Hank Haney Golf. The original Golf Ranch is in
the process of being redeveloped and the Citipoint facility will soon become a new
TopGolf location. The “new” Ranch is the Vista Ridge facility. Upholding the high
standards of the other Haney locations inlcuing Hank Haney at Westridge; Texarkana
Golf Ranch and Cityplace Golf Center, Vista Ridge features a well designed, range
and learning center and a 9-hole executive length course designed by Haney and
Jimmy Fazio. An
8,000 sq. ft. main
building supports
a 3,000 sq. ft. fullservice
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Twin Pines Driving Range,
Epping, New Hampshire ▼
We include in our PORTFOLIO facilities
that may not yet be Top 100 but are
making a good case for their inclusion.
In small markets facilities can thrive,
and William Langdon has done just that
with his father, Gerald Langdon. The
hallmark of their facility is the customclub
work they
do with brands
such as KZG and
Golfsmith. In fact,
Bill received
Golfsmith’s
2006-2007 Top
Ten Worldwide
Clubmaker of
the Year award.
East Potomac
Golf Course,
Washington, D.C.
There’s no mistaking
where you are when
you’re hitting balls or
The Highlands Golf Center, Ruckersville, Virginia ▲
Golfing roots run deep at this family-owned facility located just outside
of Charlottesville. Owned by Anne-Marie Scheuermann, a former LPGA
teaching pro and her husband, the facility which includes their daughter,
Gretchen an LPGA teaching pro, is dedicated to the memory of Scheuermann’s
father, Leslie Mercer. Mercer was a teaching pro of Scottish heritage involved for
many years in tournament play and with the USGA’s Junior Golf Committee.
PGA Golf Learning Center
Port St. Lucie, Florida ▲
The PGA Learning Center is perhaps the finest golf learning center of
its kind in the world today. Home to the 2002, 2004 and just completed
2006 PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, the 35 acre dream practice
and learning facility includes a 3 hole teaching course; putting course
and USGA-spec putting greens. One of the facility highlights is the
series of nine practice bunkers showcasing construction design and
sand standards used at a variety of courses from around the world.
portfolio❉
▼
playing the short course
at East Potomac. With
distant views of the
Washington Monument
and other Washington
D.C. landmarks, East
Potomac Golf Course is
a public golf refuge in
the nation’s capitol.
Managed by Golf Course
Specialists, Inc., East
Potomac features a two-tier golf range with 100 stalls; The White Course is a 9-hole, 2,505
yard short course; The Red Course is a Par 3 course while the Blue Course is a regulation
18 hole course. The Capital City Golf School runs all the teaching and training programs.
Smiley’s Golf Complex, Lenexa, Kansas ▼
Smiley’s remains a positive template in the industry for community engagement.
They donate the use of the facility (range and 18-hole executive course) to over 12
area high schools and colleges. The 3rd Annual Idiot’s Golf Open (held in the winter
snows of February on their Executive Course!) to benefit Kansas City Hospice netted
over $15,000. The golf event features a silent and live auction, luncheon and plenty
of prizes. Smiley’s also hosted four high school golf tournaments this past year.
Vitense Golfland, Madison, Wisconsin ▼
Vitense Golfland is 51 years old and now comes with a new 20,000 sq. foot indoor addition.
The owners just added the Green Tree Grill, two community rooms, birthday party rooms, an
indoor putting green and indoor academy bays. There is also the new Madison “Landmark”
miniature golf course. Next to the Academy is golf space for Nevada Bob’s. The Grand
Opening celebration
of the new building
coincided with 10 days
of special activities!

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Leatherman Golf Learning Center, Charlotte, North Carolina ▲
Since taking over the operation that was the old Michael Jordan Golf Center, owner and
PGA member Chris Leatherman reaches out to the community in many ways: hosts clinics,
volunteers at the USBGA Camp for Visually Impaired Children; Special Olympics donates
the facility for its annual cookout and mini-golf/range party; is Involved with local chapter
of Executive Women’s Golf Association; participates in the Free 10 Minute Lesson Program
and even hosted a Play Golf America Day in March 2005. The 3,000 sq. ft. pro shop is
stocked with many specialty items and name-brand clubs and softgoods.
The Golf Club At Chelsea Piers, New York, New York ▲
The Golf Academy at Chelsea Piers, in New York City offers a high-tech,
2,000-square-foot indoor training center. There’s also an indoor bunker complex
and two Full Swing simulators, as well as full digital instruction. The Golf Academy
features a variety of schools and private/semi-private instruction for novice and
accomplished golfers. With 12 instructors in the Academy, The Golf Club at
Chelsea Piers is the major player in Gotham when it comes to golf instruction.
Highland Green Golf Links, Jackson, Tennessee ▲
Special kudos to Keith Dory who owns and manages Highland Golf Links in
Jackson, TN. Growing up in Milwaukee and playing Dreztka Golf Course, he
went on to a college golf career. Now he runs a facility, built back in 1962,
that is approaching a Top 100 because of his drive. With 51 grass tees and a
9 hole short course, Dory is pursuing his dream as its new owner and head
teaching professional. He’s proud that his students have earned $500,000 in
scholarships through his junior academy.
portfolio❉
Arundel Golf Park, Glen Burnie, Maryland ▼
Arundel Golf Park one of the most complete state-of-the-art practice facilities in
Maryland. The range is lighted and includes heated stalls. There is miniature golf
as well as baseball batting cages. The teaching staff is noted for their extensive
junior and women programs. For the past two years they’ve served as a regional
host for the Re/Max Long Drive
Qualifier as well as for the
LDA Pinnacle Exceptional
Driver Championship.
Perche Creek Golf Club, Columbia, Missouri ▼
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Perche Creek is one of those classic golf and sport facilities
that caters to a full range of users. With top quality golf, an 18-hole short course, a 2,000
sq. ft pro shop, batting cages and go-karts, there’s something for everyone. Started by
Richard Poe, a golf patriarch around Columbia, who was the head golf professional at the
Country Club of Missouri from 1972-90 and the head men’s golf coach at the University of
Missouri from 1977-99. Richards’s son, Jake, joins him in every facet of the operation. Jake
is a graduate of Stanford and was a walk-on for
the golf team in 1994, in the same class as
Notah Begay and Tiger Woods. Perche Creek
continues to expand and Jake even opened a
new downtown Columbia pro shop location.
All Seasons Golf Learning Center, Normal, Illinois ▼
This place has it all...the new Hollrock Golf/Pareto autotee’s, synthetic turf
landing area, a stable of top professionals and a well-stocked pro shop.
It even features a rather upscale eating establishment called Swingers Grill
with great views over the facility. Next up is a sports bar called Scores that
will open later this winter. Rain or shine, with two-tiers of
covered and heated bays, this college town knows where
to hang out.