New modern ranges are changing the landscape of some area courses

The new double-deck driving range at Bellevue Golf Course has been open for one year now and by all accounts, it is a huge success. “It is probably the most pleasing range esthetically on the east side,” said head professional and general manager Troy Rodvold. “It blends into the surrounding landscape beautifully.”

The top level is at ground level and the lower level is set into the ground. The all grass landing area, preferred by golfers, gives a true feedback that golfers like.

No longer are golfers driven indoor because of inclement weather as 35 of the 46 stalls are completely covered and 23 of those are heated. For those who want to embrace sunshine, 11 stalls are open air.

The range is wired with fiber optics which enables Wi-Fi for better options for lessons.

So, how have golfers responded to the new range? According to Rodvold, “The number of golfers has doubled, with a lot of new customers showing up.”

Last year also saw Jefferson Park Golf Course, Seattle’s oldest municipal golf course, open its new range and clubhouse. The range is a double-decker with 50 stalls, all covered. New lighting and netting were also part of the upgrade.

The new clubhouse includes enlarged and improved food and beverage operations with indoor and outdoor facilities, banquet and meeting rooms, enlarged pro shop with club repair, new teaching facilities, increased parking and new putting greens.

“We have had a very positive response. Our revenues are up in all areas, from the range, the pro shop and the restaurant, “ said general manager Bill Meyer.

The Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation spent nearly $10 million on modernizing the Jackson Park and Jefferson Park golf courses. .

Jackson Park was the first of the Seattle courses to receive a new modern driving range.

Jackson Park opened up its new two-tiered, 50-stall covered and lit driving range in January of last year. The new range was built on the site of the original 10th hole. In late 2012 and early 2013, the course made some changes to its existing layout in order to make this a reality.

The new facilities have given a boost to both properties and have already attracted more golfers, which is reflected by increased revenue.

Interbay, which sits on 48 acres between Magnolia and Ballard, is also managed by Premier Golf Centers. It has a modern double deck range and a 9-hole executive course and opened in 1997 to rave reviews.

Premier Golf is the leading golf course management services company for municipalities in the Northwest. Premier was established in 2001 and currently manages 13 golf courses for seven municipalities in the Puget Sound region.

For more information about Premier Golf Centers and the courses they manage you can visit www.premiergolfcenters.com