Are you a golfer in Southwestern PA looking for a place to practice your swing? This article explores the challenges and successes of local driving ranges and how they are adapting to the changing landscape of the sport. discover how these businesses are facing new competition while still offering accessible and affordable options for golfers.
Driving Range Renaissance: Southwestern PA’s Golf Scene Adapts to Changing Times
Published: 2025-04-06
While the popularity of golf surges, traditional driving ranges in Southwestern Pennsylvania face both challenges and opportunities. Discover how local ranges are adapting to stay competitive.
The State of Play: Golf’s Enduring Appeal
As warmer weather approaches, golfers across Southwestern Pennsylvania are eager to hit the links. Golf season is rapidly approaching for driving ranges, offering a space for players to refine their skills.The appeal lies in a low-stakes, low-cost environment ideal for swing practice.
The National Golf Foundation reports that golf’s popularity is soaring,with a record number of first-time players in 2023 [[2]]. Last year, 45 million Americans visited a course, driving range, or golf-focused entertainment venue. Despite this surge, classic driving ranges are becoming increasingly rare.
Key Takeaways
- golf’s popularity is increasing, with millions of new players entering the sport annually [[2]].
- Traditional driving ranges face challenges from modern golf entertainment venues.
- Remaining ranges are adapting through extended hours, renovations, and community engagement.
Challenges on the Horizon
Several driving ranges in the region have closed in recent years, including Kistler’s Golf in Penn Township and Route 8 Range in Richland.An estimated dozen others, often connected to public golf courses, have closed since the early 2000s. These closures occured despite a golf boom spurred by the sport’s suitability for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
according to SBDCNet, stand-alone driving ranges experienced growth in the early 1990s, but that growth has since slowed [[1]].
success Stories: Adapting to Thrive
For those ranges that have persevered, business is booming. Mark Borkovich, owner of Willow Golf Range in Plum, noted the immediate surge in customers when pandemic restrictions were lifted:
I can remember the first day the governor opened it up and people were waiting to hit. It hasn’t really slowed down as.
Mark Borkovich, Owner of Willow Golf Range
Willow Golf Range offers a simple, low-tech experience. Golfers purchase buckets of balls, ranging from $7 to $14, and practice on grassy slopes.Borkovich views the rise of venues like Topgolf and indoor simulators positively:
I think any time you get people that are exposed to the game,it’s good.
Mark Borkovich, Owner of Willow Golf Range
Revitalization Efforts: Bonfire Driving range
Dave Barker and his son, Zach, are investing heavily in Bonfire Driving Range in Allegheny township, aiming to restore the once-thriving business. They plan to add picnic tables and floating targets on the lake that spans the range’s first 150 yards.
The elder Barker recalls the range’s former glory:
It was very well done. We’d like to get it back that way.
Dave Barker, Owner of Bonfire Driving Range
Bonfire Driving Range is now open seven days a week, from dawn until dusk, with an attendant on-site during peak hours.
The 24/7 Model: Har-Tees Driving Range
Scott Anderson, owner of Har-Tees Driving Range in Hempfield, has found success by operating 24/7. Golfers can often be seen practicing even after midnight. Anderson acknowledges the challenges of the business:
It’s costly to install. Your time for return on investment with this sort of thing can be longer.And like I said, it’s dirty work. I’m out there in the rain and the mud.Today, we had big thunderstorms that came through and hail falling out of the sky.
Scott Anderson, Owner of Har-Tees Driving Range
Anderson’s daily tasks include landscaping, customer service, and retrieving balls, with the range using thousands of balls each day. The land requirement, typically around 10 acres, also presents a barrier to entry.
Land Economics: A Deciding Factor
Borkovich points out the economic challenges of acquiring land for driving ranges:
Most of the time that acreage is more valuable as home sites.
Mark Borkovich, Owner of willow Golf range
This leaves Southwestern Pennsylvania with a limited number of independent driving ranges.
Customer Perspective: The Allure of the Range
Tré Carter, 30, of Vandergrift, recently visited Bonfire, undeterred by the cold weather. He appreciates the accessibility and affordability of the driving range:
I just started picking (golf) up recently. It’s just something that you can always get better at. And at $5 for a bucket of balls, you can’t really beat it.
Tré Carter, Golfer
Carter then demonstrated his improving skills by hitting a 5-iron nearly 200 yards.
Conclusion: The Future of driving Ranges
Driving ranges in Southwestern Pennsylvania are navigating a complex landscape. While facing competition and economic challenges, innovative owners are finding ways to thrive by offering accessible, community-focused golf experiences. The revitalization of these ranges ensures that golfers of all levels can continue to hone their skills and enjoy the game.
