This Father’s Day, give dad a gift that will keep him in the swing of things: a lesson with a golf pro.
The Brooklyn Golf Center (3200 Flatbush Avenue, 718-253-6816) is Brooklyn’s only driving range, says Anthony Esposito, who runs the Pro-Shop. It’s a full-service facility where dad, mom, and the kids can practice chipping, putting, and swings. A day here is a fabulous outing for the entire family, no matter what the occasion, because it provides the opportunity to both learn the game and to practice it. What a great way for the whole family to bond.
This warm, friendly facility is tremendous — 300 yards long, says Esposito, and it has an individualized, student-focused approach to golf education. People can opt to receive individual or group instruction, or a combination of both. Everyone is welcome because it’s a place where beginners, experts, and people of all ages can feel comfortable. Feel free to come for some wholesome entertainment — pick up a bucket of balls, and see how well you do. Or, get serious by taking lessons with one of the five golf professionals who offer hourly rates.
The center has “the best artificial grass mats available,” Esposito says, and “the most durable soft-feel range balls.” The synthetic grass surface “provides the true feel and play of real grass,” he says. The immaculate facility is managed by Global Golf Services, and they see that it’s kept in tiptop shape.
Golfers will appreciate that the facility is designed so they can practice shots for all sorts of scenarios, as one never knows where the golf ball will land. For example, you can practice short shots on to the green, while standing 5-10 yards off the green, says Esposito. Or, you can take short strokes while standing on the green, and then practice hitting out of the sand.
Equipment is available for left- and right-handed players, and there is special equipment for kids.
People from all over come to the full-service, fully-stocked Pro Shop, says Esposito. That’s because the staff is comprised of golf professionals who can answer all questions, providing patrons with the assistance they need. Pricing is very competitive, he assures. “There are items you won’t find anywhere else in the area, and we will special order whatever we might not stock.”
In fact, he says, “We stock and custom-fit the largest selection of woods, iron, wedges, and putters in the area.” And, people can test the clubs right at the driving range. “You’ll see the complete ball in flight,” he says, “which is vital when choosing new equipment.”
The shoe corner of the shop has more than 30 different styles for men, women, and juniors, with new merchandise arriving all the time. If you need special shoes, they’ll get them for you, too. “Special orders are usually delivered in five to 10 days,” he says.
You can find just about everything here at the Pro Shop — golf balls, guides, books, shirts, jackets, shorts, pants, skorts, sunglasses, umbrellas, suntan lotion, pull carts, towels, putting aids, hats, visors, even greeting cards and gift wrap. If you’re shopping for gifts, and don’t know what to buy, purchase gift certificates. These thoughtful presents allow the recipients to select something they’ll really enjoy.
A great way to make some new friends and learn the game is by joining one of the organized activities at Brooklyn Golf Center. There are adult clinics offered one day a week, and the ratio is “about eight people to two professionals,” says Esposito. The kids can have some fun during the summer at Kids’ Camp. It’s a great way to introduce them to the game. These training sessions and others are scheduled at various times, and on various days, so call for details.
You’ll find that the staff at Brooklyn Golf Center is professional and friendly. When you start to visit on a regular basis, they’ll get to know you, and you’ll get to know them, says Esposito, who notes, “We see a lot of the same faces, and they become like family.” There’s always room for new friends as well.
Brooklyn Golf Center is open seven days a week, no matter what the weather, from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. In the summer, it will be open even later, he says.
For those who want to play on an Executive Course, there’s the Riis Park Pitch and Putt 18-hole three-par course. “It’s a great way for beginners to grow,” says Esposito. “It’s for all players, and it, too, is fully lit for late nights.”
Additional information may be found at the website, www.brooklyngolfcenter.com.
