If you are looking to learn or improve your golf swing in Manhattan – may we recommend the driving range at Chelsea Piers?

Chelsea Piers offers 2 levels of heated stalls overlooking the Hudson River at 20th Street from which you can drive golf balls into a netted cage for about $100 / hour, prime time.

The biggest pluses here are 1 – the NYC location, 2 – the automated ball service – 3 – the well-equipped Prop Shop from which you can rent an excellent selection of clubs including Mizunos that you can try towards purchase – or just swing.

The facility is well run. There is ample staff that jump to serve. The automated tee-up is a faster – less instructional version of a lesson with your golf pro. And after you can wet your whistle with a tasty fresh ale from Chelsea Brewing Company.

Two negatives apply to taller and better golfers. The driving bays are partitioned from each other with netting and metal columns – both of which are too close for comfort. If you are 5”7” – they will be in your way psychologically, if you are 6”1 – they will be in your way physically. And, the range is 200 yards – at the end of which is netting. If you hit further than 200 yards with a range ball, chances are, you’re a pretty good golfer, and you’ll know whether you are hitting with a fade or a draw – though you won’t have the satisfaction of watching the landing, or gaining the roll.

So regardless of the weather, head on out. Bring a credit card & ask for an outside bay – which will give you the little extra room you need for your driver.

Fore.