Looking for more golf lessons?

Sunday, April 19, 2009

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Western Pennsylvania has plenty of practice facilities replete with driving ranges, short-game areas and, in some instances, putting greens.

Some places, such as Scally's in Coraopolis, Cool Springs in Bethel Park and Pine Creek in Wexford, to name a few, have heated stalls that make it possible to practice year-round, regardless of the weather.

And, of course, the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center features the only domed facility in Western Pennsylvania, allowing players to practice indoors in climate-controlled conditions.

"You can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer," said Jim Cichra, director of instruction at the RMU dome on Neville Island.

The inflatable dome has a 100-yard hitting area -- the longest uninterrupted shot in the country -- but players can still hit every club in the bag, including driver. The dome is resilient enough to withstand even the hardest-hit drive.

The Island Sports Center also is like many other public practice facilities: It is staffed with certified PGA professionals who are available to give lessons.

Here is a listing of some of the more popular practice facilities and driving ranges in the area where players can work on improving their games.

EAST

Corsi's Indoor Golf Greensburg 724-850-2400

McDain Golf Center Monroeville 412-373-3335

Willows Driving Range Plum 412-793-9918

NORTH

Golf-In Wexford 412-367-1567

North Park Driving Range Wexford 412-367-2406

Pine Creek Wexford 412-492-9990

Pittsburgh North Golf Range Bakerstown 724-443-0499

Stoney Creek Golf Center New Kensington 724-334-8337

SOUTH