I recently read a quote that said, “Flow like water, adapt to change, and embrace the journey.” There is something about water that brings me peace but also keeps me motivated. I feel the same way about golf. I’ve always viewed golf as a form of therapy.
GOLF + WATER = HEAVEN!
Have you ever been to a driving range where you hit the balls into the water (on purpose…lol)? Nope. Me neither. On my recent trip to Los Angeles, CA I heard about a very unique golf facility called, The Islands Golf Center which is located in Anaheim, CA. Needless to say I jumped in my rental car and drove over an hour to go check it out.
A GOLF PRO SHOP AT A DRIVING RANGE? NICE!
As a beginner golfer I’ve seen my fair share of driving ranges. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with a pro shop this extensive. As I walked into The Islands Golf Center I went straight to the pro shop and was impressed with everything they had to offer. This pro shop is full service. Supplying everything from re-gripping and club repair, new and used golf clubs, bags, apparel and top of the line golf equipment. It was filled to the prime with all things golf.
Since I didn’t travel with my golf clubs, I was happy to see that they actually allow you to rent clubs here. The price to rent clubs was very inexpensive. I believe I paid around $3 for each club.
The staff was nice and very friendly which seemed to set a cool, chill and laid back tone. Which is the perfect atmosphere for a practice round.
After renting my golf clubs, I was pleased to see that a large bucket of balls was only around $13. It was good to be at an establishment that wasn’t overpriced.
One thing I did noticed about the golf balls is that they aren’t your average golf balls. They are Floater Golf Balls which makes them easy to retrieve out of the water. So I was definitely interested to see how this was going to go.
BREAKDOWN: A DRIVING RANGE LIKE NO OTHER
The Islands Golf Center is located on a 15 acre water basin that includes 13 floating targets ranging from 50-250 yards.
The water feature not only adds to the scenic beauty but also makes it effortless to track where your ball lands. There are also 82 hitting stalls that are first come, first serve.
Friday and Saturday nights are very busy, so you can expect a 15-30 minute wait. Mornings and weekdays are nice, quiet and a little bit slower. I went on a Sunday morning around 11:00 A.M. and had no issues getting a bay. But I will say the later it got, the more crowded it became.
One important note is that this is an alcohol free environment. So if you’re trying to turn up at the driving range, this isn’t the place for you. They also have shaded areas with lots of tables and chairs to relax. They even have rocking benches which is a cool touch.
HOW DO THEY GET THE GOLF BALLS OUT OF THE WATER?
As I’m hitting balls into the water my mind begins to wonder, “How in the world do they get the golf balls out of the water?” This is a question I’m pretty sure everyone has had at some point.
Well the answer to that question is they have what is called a Dock Team. Similar to a regular driving range in which Range Pickers drive either a golf cart or a tractor on the range to collect the balls, the Dock Team drives boats around the water basin. Since the golf balls float, they are able to collect them using nets. It was actually cool to witness this as I practiced.
WANT TO PRACTICE YOUR SHORT GAME? YOU CAN
As I wrapped up at the driving range I was happy to see that the facility had two well-maintained practice putting greens. My short game needs so much work right now. So it felt good to include that into my practice session.
The first putting green has a flat surface, while the other has some small dips and hills that gives you a little bit of a challenge. Both putting greens are open to the public which is nice.
There is also a chipping area that is has been newly rehabilitated and re-sodded. The putting greens are right next to the facility but the chipping area was a little hidden. It was across the parking lot. So after I finished up my putting I went on a quest to find it.
The chipping area has 4 greens that will really help you dial in and tighten up your chipping. Honestly this chipping area was extremely nice and well maintained. One important note is even though the area is now open, they are limiting access to help preserve its condition.
HUNGRY? THEY HAVE A FULL SERVICE KITCHEN!
After I finished practicing my short game I was starving! I actually heard and read a lot of positive reviews regarding the food at The Islands Golf Center so before I left I had to check it out. The kitchen is full service and offers a variety of food from breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One thing about me, is I’ll never miss an opportunity to eat tacos when I’m visiting Southern California. To do so feels so sinful…lol! So, I ordered the Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos. And let me tell you, these tacos did not disappoint! I was little bummed that I didn’t have time to try more things on the menu which means I’ll definitely be returning!
TRADITIONAL DRIVING RANGE VS. WATER DRIVING RANGE. WHICH IS BETTER?
This was such a unique experience. Honestly I’m a little jealous of the people who live in this area because they get to experience this every day. Practicing at this driving range was everything I didn’t know I needed.
If I had to choose between a traditional driving range and a water driving range, I would choose the water driving range. Hitting into an open field of grass is normal. Hitting into water (and not a water hazard…lol) was one of the most peaceful experiences I’ve ever had.
It was beautiful. It was calming. So I’m team water driving range all the way!
The Islands Golf Center is a really great facility that caters to golfers and non golfers. It’s also great for children or friends having a fun night out. Even though 95% of the balls I hit landed in the water and not on the target, I had a fantastic time!
If you’re visiting Southern California I highly recommend checking this place out. You won’t regret it.
The Islands Golf Center, 14893 E Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92806
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