After two and a half years of being in operation, the only driving range in the country is officially open for business to local golfers and those wanting to learn more about the game.  The Bahamas Golf Federation's (BGF) Driving Range has become the 'greens' of choice now that there is limited access to the Cable Beach Golf Course. Even though only three holes are open for play at the range, President of the BGF James Gomez encouraged members of the public to come and take a swing. The range is located at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex and has about 20 mats set in place.

"The range is fully active and we are still developing the holes," said Gomez. "We only have about three holes active, where one can walk up and play, but for the most part, the persons who come and access the range normally practice rather than play on the holes itself. It is very convenient for the golfers to come down and practice their swing. Like I said, the range is in excellent condition, there are more than 20 mats that they have access to. We have a putting range and three holes persons can access at this time to hone their short games."

The range is accessible and open to all between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. There is a daily special currently going on at the range. A bucket of balls is $5 or interested persons can hit as many balls as they like for just $20. An instructor is also on hand to assist those visiting the range. Gomez said the new playing arrangements and specials have attracted a lot of persons. As a result, a growing increase in the sport has been seen, as more and more persons are being introduced to the sport, and come out on a regular basis.
He added: "All of the promotions that we have had or are still having are paying dividends for the sport. It has been a good kicker for us. One of the other things that has been good for the range is that we have a full-time instructor there, so a number of persons have been coming out and playing. These are persons who have just been introduced to golf. They've been coming out and getting lessons.

"The range is in very good shape. As we move into elections next month, and once they are done, then we will move ahead with the ongoing development of the range, but it is in excellent shape. We've had our challenges just like any other federation, but we are going on with the daily governance. We have acquired services from other entities like BASH, who have done an excellent job with the upkeep and maintenence of the property.

"We still have to focus on getting some lighting in there. That was the topic of our last meeting and hopefully we can get that sorted out. We have some members who are in that business of providing electrical services who have agreed to offer assistance, but at the same time, we need to get the poles up to get that done, so that is some thing that we need to look into."

The range has been the home for the federation's junior program. The feeder and development system in the BGF opened on Saturday past. The ongoing sessions will continue this Saturday at the range.

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