Chicago - Best Driving Range Facilities and Memberships

So I live in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area in Chicago and anyone familiar with the area will know the only driving range within a reasonable distance is the Diversey Driving range. The facility itself is OK, but they essentially can price however they want and get away with murder as they are the only show in the area.

Case in point:

My goal (like every year) is to improve with practice between the 20 or so rounds I play during the season. Large bucket of balls (w/ advantage card) is $15. 15 x 1 time/week for 5 months is $300. Not crazy for a range pass, but what if I want to go more often? Oh, the play and practice program! Unlimited range buckets for $360 for a whole year, not bad....ahh the catch - for Diversey only from 7am-9am every day. So now I'm stuck on a schedule and have zero flexibility to practice those hours during the week. $360 suddenly not worth it...

My question is - does anyone in the area have a better option for practice? I would even consider something within a 15 minute drive after work. Diversey is convenient and within walking distance, but a better range pass option somewhere else would be enticing.

Thanks in advance

So I live in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area in Chicago and anyone familiar with the area will know the only driving range within a reasonable distance is the Diversey Driving range. The facility itself is OK, but they essentially can price however they want and get away with murder as they are the only show in the area.

 

Case in point:

My goal (like every year) is to improve with practice between the 20 or so rounds I play during the season. Large bucket of balls (w/ advantage card) is $15. 15 x 1 time/week for 5 months is $300. Not crazy for a range pass, but what if I want to go more often? Oh, the play and practice program! Unlimited range buckets for $360 for a whole year, not bad....ahh the catch - for Diversey only from 7am-9am every day. So now I'm stuck on a schedule and have zero flexibility to practice those hours during the week. $360 suddenly not worth it...

 

My question is - does anyone in the area have a better option for practice? I would even consider something within a 15 minute drive after work. Diversey is convenient and within walking distance, but a better range pass option somewhere else would be enticing.

 

Thanks in advance

Harborside? Going to be more than 15 minutes, but they have a really good practice area and when I lived in the city that is where I would always go. I had this same problem...Fixed it by moving to the suburbs.

So I live in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area in Chicago and anyone familiar with the area will know the only driving range within a reasonable distance is the Diversey Driving range. The facility itself is OK, but they essentially can price however they want and get away with murder as they are the only show in the area.

 

Case in point:

My goal (like every year) is to improve with practice between the 20 or so rounds I play during the season. Large bucket of balls (w/ advantage card) is $15. 15 x 1 time/week for 5 months is $300. Not crazy for a range pass, but what if I want to go more often? Oh, the play and practice program! Unlimited range buckets for $360 for a whole year, not bad....ahh the catch - for Diversey only from 7am-9am every day. So now I'm stuck on a schedule and have zero flexibility to practice those hours during the week. $360 suddenly not worth it...

 

My question is - does anyone in the area have a better option for practice? I would even consider something within a 15 minute drive after work. Diversey is convenient and within walking distance, but a better range pass option somewhere else would be enticing.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Harborside? Going to be more than 15 minutes, but they have a really good practice area and when I lived in the city that is where I would always go. I had this same problem...Fixed it by moving to the suburbs.

HA, my thoughts exactly. Love the city, but options are slim and suburb golf life is calling my name.

I'll look it up, but any idea on practice facility rates at Harborside? Love the course, played there a few times

nope, you're completely screwed living where you do. I live at Addison and Elston and even from there I've got a 25 minute drive with no traffic before I get to my closest practice facility. With traffic it can be an hour. It's the main reason I'm looking to move to the suburbs.

City living sucks when you love golf.

The DesPlaines Golf Center is a much better value. It's obviously more difficult to get to than Diversey but it's a lot cheaper. They use limited flight range balls but it's still a solid facility.

A large bucket w/ Advantage Card is $11 at Jackson Park. The facility is not as good as Diversey, but if you simply want to beat a bucket of balls it gets the job done.

Yeah, Harborside would be the closest real facility. A large bucket (80) is $12, and an XL (180) is $22. Lakeshore/57th/Cornell/Stony isn't a horrible drive most of the time.

There's also Skokie Sports Park, 8 miles from Wrigley. They use an automatic tee system utilizing a debit card. Rates vary.

Harborside, if you like practicing in 15 mph winds.

Cantigny is my preferred joint, but it's a hike

Harborside you have to go early and beat the heavy inbound traffic back into the city. Good grass range ... putting and chipping. I think they were up to $11 for a bucket much bigger than Diversey and they are decent quality not the balls of clay at Diversey. It's tough to drive down during the week...

For the city golfers, if you have ever thought about joining a private club, you should check out Riverside Golf Club. It’s 10 miles west of the loop and the course, pool, and clubhouse all had a major renovations in the last couple years. There is also a range with a short game area and while it’s not in the same price point as a public course/range, it’s by far the best value in the area if you want a private club experience. PM me if you would like more details.