The best places to perfect your golf swing without paying for a crazy expensive membership
With the news that Topgolf is coming to southwest Charlotte, I got excited to break out my driver and show off my swinging skills. I’ve had great times at other Topgolf locations, aiming at the various targets on their dartboard-esque range.
The best part is that Topgolf balls are equipped with microchips, keeping your friends honorable about how far that drive actually went.
But while we wait for that awesomeness to open, here’s a look at the current best spots in Charlotte to practice your swing without paying for a crazy expensive membership. All of these places are primed for fun, whether you’re a beginner or the next Webb Simpson.
Leatherman Golf Learning Center
5845 South Tryon Street, Charlotte.
(704) 527-1123
This upscale, welcoming facility has both elevated hitting stations on a sun deck and private hitting bays on a covered patio. The best part (for the lazy golfer) is the automatic, adjustable teeing stations that put the ball on a tee for you.
Leatherman’s Facebook Page
Range prices go from $6 for a small bucket of 35 balls to $15 for a jumbo bucket of 140 balls. The range has discount cards and fun “Buckets of Beer and Buckets of Balls” promotions – perfect for an active happy hour. The facility also offers group and private lessons.
Golf Depot
10401 Cadillac Street, Pineville.
(704) 962-3838
When you want to elevate your surroundings, head to this gem on South Boulevard right after it crosses I-485. (Pro tip: hit up Rusty’s Deli and Grille on the way down for a burger.)
Known as a true golfer’s practice facility, it features seasonal grasses and covered hitting mats to tee off from. Rumor has it that Webb Simpson has been known to practice there from time to time.
Prices range from $6 for a small bucket of 40 balls to $14 for a jumbo bucket of 175 balls. Golf Depot also features lesson packages, including with well-known director of instruction Brett Latcham.
Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course at Revolution Park
2661 Barringer Dr, Charlotte.
(704) 342-1946
This small municipal course near I-77 and Remount Road also features a range and and putting and chipping greens. The nine-hole course is simple, but the practice areas and driving range are top-notch. The prices are affordable and the course stays pretty quiet, especially during the week. This is a great option when you want to have a quality experience around people of all skill levels.
Sun City Carolina Lakes
23012 Kingfisher Drive, Indian Land, S.C.
(803) 547-9688
For those of you down in very south Charlotte, or looking for a trek across the border, check out Sun City Carolina Lakes, an upscale, 18-hole, daily-fee facility. It’s tucked away in a lovely resort-style planned retirement community, and feels like a nice escape from the city.
They have a driving range, putting green, and short-game practice area, and you can buy tokens for golf balls (one $5 token gets you 25 to 28 balls). The range can be closed in nasty weather, but helpfully you can call in advance and dial extension 8 to check course conditions before you head down.
And for something different …
Maybe you want to remember a simpler time, back when all you needed was your trusty putter and some brightly colored balls. In that case, head up to Cornelius for Lake Norman Minigolf.
Lake Norman Minigolf
18639 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius.
This locally owned business run by the Zent family aims to recreate the classic mini-golf experience you had as a kid on those summer trips to the beach. Hit it up before it closes for the season – in November, the 18-hole course is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Prices are $8 for players aged 7-64 and $6 for players ages 4-6. And don’t miss out on a Shave Ice while you’re there!
This story was originally published November 8, 2015 at 9:16 PM with the headline "The best places to perfect your golf swing without paying for a crazy expensive membership."