Fresh Meadow Golf Practice Center

just did a «remodel». put new grass in, but still have no postings for yardage. Did nothing to the actual hitting mats. They are still ten years old and none of them have tees. The grass hitting area was untouched during the «remodel», but they did put new siding up (who cares).
the grass tees are terrible overpriced. Go to oakbrook GC, just down the road.

Grass range is always in terrible shape. Prices are a little high but not bad. Golf balls are low quality, and are often cut or so worn they have no dimples. On the plus side, they always turn on the lights at night, so you can practice late.

1. The staff is friendly, albeit the only interaction I’ve ever had with anyone is in the very tiny pro shop.
2. This place is EXPENSIVE. $ 16 for a large bucket of balls is absurd. By far the most expensive public driving range I’ve been to in the US. I live in LA, and the normal price for a large bucket is $ 9.00
3. Very poorly kept. Hitting from the mats is like hitting from a sidewalk. They’re so old and stiff, one poor swing can easily mess up your back. There’s just no give in the mats, so it’s very hard to simulate grass. They really need to fix this. The range itself full of old clumps and weeds, and huge dirt patches. If you hit a perfect shot, it basically just buries itself in the dirt.
4. There’s very little distance markers. Of the 2 that I have seen, one of them is completely falling apart.
5. The range balls are FILTHY. I assume due to the poorly kept grounds the balls are all covered in dirt. It makes it very hard to get a good idea of what you’re hitting, because if you’re anything like me, you’re playing a clean ball when you go out on the links.
6. DId I mention how expensive this place is? Not worth it for the lack of a good experience.
7. 1 last positive note. It is very big, and I’ve never had a problem finding an open stall.

This facility has a TON of potential. However, the price is a little high considering the quality of the range. The grass on the grass area is poor quality. The sand traps are generally hard and the greens that you hit into are not kept short enough. The synthetic mats are average quality. (hit off of worse, and better)
They have a garage like structure that you can hit out of in the fall and spring with heaters and it does take the chill out of the air, but it isn’t as comfortable as indoor ranges.
The price is a little high considering Oak Brook range down the road charges $ 3.50 for 35 balls and Fresh Meadows charges $ 11 for 100 balls off the matts and $ 15 off the grass. Oak Brook is generally kept in better condition. Oak Brook doesn’t have the nice chipping area and the putting green is MUCH smaller.
Fresh Meadows does have a PDP program where you can pay monthly for unlimited use of the range and free access to weekly clinics that they have. It is a great program and an excellent value if you visit twice a week or more.
To summarize, it is an average facility with GREAT potential. The staff is very friendly and even though I only give it 2 stars, I still visit it regularly and will continue to do so.

Oh man, I hit some real homers here! Wrong sport? Erm, okay, how ’bout dingers? That more accurately describes what I did anyway.
Full disclosure, my PGA jacket hasn’t come in the mail yet… so take this review for what it’s worth. Next time I’ll be sure to pay for the expedited shipping.
The people here are oh so friendly and hard working. I made friends with the older woman who works at the driving range during day on weekdays. She lugs those heave ass buckets of balls around all day all by herself. She’s smiley, she likes my style, and she’s never yelled at me despite my lack of ability to hit the ball and not the wooden wall behind me that connects to her office. I’m sure it sounds like thunder in there when I golf… but she don’t mind.
The driving range and practice center aren’t in the greatest condition but it’s a good place to hit a few balls whether it’s sunny and you’re on the outer driving range area, or it’s raining and you choose the warmer covered area. The prices are cheap and it’s a fun place to spend the afternoon and a good outdoor activity when the weather’s warmer for adults. kids, families, and *gasp* even women.