country’s top new ranges for 2004.
What makes The Downs so unique? It’s not just the fact that it’s the only golf practice facility in the nation that offers simulcast wagering. It’s the golf facility itself and the staff that operates the facility that make The Downs such a great experience, and brings golfers back again and again.
The range is uniquely designed with the look and feel of a golf course. Grass landing areas with target greens authentically simulate golf course conditions. The 45 grass tee stations are rotated regularly to give golfers near-perfect practice conditions every day.
The Downs’ two-acre short game area includes an 8,000-square-foot putting green; a 6,000-square-foot green for practicing chipping and bunker shots; and a 7,000-square-foot green for practicing approach shots up to 65 yards in length.
Matt Mitchell Golf Academy
The Matt Mitchell Golf Academy is headquartered at The Downs. The Academy offers first-class instruction that covers all aspects of the game, from full swing, to short game, to specialty shots. Private lessons, clinics, schools, and complete game development programs are available.
Matt Mitchell is recognized as one of the area’s premier instructors and has over 20 years teaching experience. Counted among Matt’s students are junior sensation and LPGA rookie Brittany Lincicome as well as reigning Florida State Amateur Champion Brad Quiri. Several players from the Futures and Hooters Tours are also coached by Matt.
The newest member of The Downs Golf Academy teaching staff is PGA Professional Frank Ganley. Following ten years of private teaching at two local Tampa ranges, Frank brings over 40 years of playing and teaching experience to The Downs.
Both The Downs and Matt Mitchell Golf Academies will offer junior golf programs this summer. For details see the Local News section at the back of this issue.
General Manager Jon Johnson, formerly of All In One Golf Practice and Learning Facility in Largo and the Michael Jordan Golf Center in Chicago, IL, is also a PGA Professional. Jon has over 20 years experience in the golf business and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Downs, including clubhouse, range, golf instruction, food & beverage, and grounds maintenance.
You can practice at The Downs 364 days and evenings a year while enjoying classic simulcast racing and wagering from the convenience of the golf clubhouse. The Downs is open Tuesday - Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Monday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last balls sold at 9:15 p.m.). For more information, or to make an appointment for a lesson, call (813) 854-4946.
The Downs Golf Practice Facility is located just south of Tampa Bay Downs on Race Track Road in Oldsmar.
LOCATION:
Corner of Race Track Rd. & Douglas Rd., Oldsmar
On Race Track Rd. just south of Tampa Bay Downs.
Features:
• 45 Station driving range with Covered Area
• Putting Green
• Practice Green for Chipping & Sand Play
• Practice Green for Approach Shots
• Clubhouse with Simulcast Wagering Available
• Pro Shop and Mizuno Golf Club Fitting
Hours:
Open Tues.-Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Instruction:
Instruction by PGA Professionals available.
Call (813) 854-4946
Opened in January 2003, The Downs Golf Practice Facility has already established itself as the Cadillac of practice facilities in the Tampa Bay area. As confirmation, The Downs was recently selected by the prestigious Golf Range Magazine as one of th
country’s top new ranges for 2004.
