I love visiting New York City and when I have some spare time, I'll research Manhattan online to find new places to go to during my visits to see friends in the Big Apple. As I was Google Map scouting online, the Chelsea Piers showed up off the bank of the Hudson River.  The Chelsea Piers are a sports and entertainment complex located between 17th and 23 streets. The complex features a fitness club (Chelsea Piers Fitness), Bowling and Laser Tag (Bowlmor), a variety of sport activities at The Field House, an ice rink (Sky Rink) and a Maritime arena to dock boats and book boating trips, dinner cruises, etc... This coupled with restaurants and entertainment venues to rent out for special events, makes Chelsea Piers a really appealing destination. However, what really caught my attention during my search on Google maps was a patch of rectangular green land that jets out into the Hudson River. It turns out there is a golf driving range. Yes, there is a golf in New York City and it starts on the west side of Manhattan at the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers. 

The Golf Club offers its popular driving range year round, which includes weather-protected and heated stalls during the winter and an automatic ball tee-up system. A super easy online registration system allows visitors to make stall reservations for up to four people. In addition, there is stall side service with food and beverage options via Water Hazard Bar + Lounge, the "Halfway House" restaurant on site.   

The range is available seven days a week from 7AM to 12AM.  The rates vary based on occupancy and hours of the day.  Peak hours run from 9AM to 10PM on Saturdays and 9AM to 6PM on Sundays. The cost is $50.00 (Peak) to $60.00 (Peak Premium) for a 55 minute session.  That rate is for 2 people. If you want to make it a foursome, it will cost an additional $10.00 per person.  During the week, peak hours run from 3PM to 10PM. If you are looking for a savings, the Club offers off-peak rate discounts at $35.00 for a 55-minute sessions. Early bird off-peak time starts at 7AM to 3PM on weekdays and 7AM to 9AM on the weekends. Additionally, off-peak evening hours run from 10PM to 12AM Monday thru Saturday and 6PM to 12AM on Sundays. However, there isn't a discount on additional guests beyond the twosome. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can even rent clubs if you don't have a set.  The club rental rate ranges between $4.00 (1 club) and $12.00 (set of 10 clubs).

If you want to bring your party indoors, the Golf Club offers full swing simulators that allow you to play over 55 of the greatest golf courses in the world. You can work on your game at the Mauna Kea Resort on the big island of Hawaii one day and then on the next day take on your friends at one of two Pinehurst courses in North Carolina. You can even play St. Andrews Links in Scotland, which is regarded as the "Home of Golf." Ah, technology, how I love it. The simulator rates are $45.00/hour for up to 4 players. 

If your game isn't up to par, golf lessons are also available through the Club's Golf Academy.  The Academy offers a variety of instructional programs from beginners to experienced golfers as well as junior golfers. Student golfers will be able to take advantage of up to 8 instructors including 6 PGA/LPGA professionals and have access to the latest golf teaching technology, a practice sand bunker, an indoor putting green with chipping areas as well as two full swing simulators. The cost of lessons range from $83.00 to $238.00 depending upon the lesson duration, the instructor (Head Pro, Senior Pro or Teaching Pro) or if you are taking a private or semi-private lesson. There are discounts (save up to 15%) when you purchase packages. Lessons are offered weekdays from 8AM to 9PM and on weekends from 9AM to 5PM.
 
Chelsea Piers is also a haven for parents to get their kids involved with a variety of sports. The Golf Club is a part of that initiative by offering after school and Saturday programs for children ages 5 to 14.  A seven-week session cost $460.00. Students work with a member of the Club's experienced staff of teaching professionals to improve all areas of their game including: swing fundamentals, short game techniques, putting, rules, etiquette and mental strategies. A low student-to-teacher ratio allows for individual training and personal attention for all participants. In addition to these programs the Golf Club also has full day golf camps for junior golfers of all abilities and elite training performance golf camps for junior golfers who have played the game, show potential for skill development and are dedicated to taking their game to the next level. 

To service golfer's apparel and equipment needs at Chelsea Piers, the New York Golf Center is a small pro shop located across from the driving range at 59 Chelsea Piers. The Center offers a strong selection of clubs available to demo on the outdoor range, as well as golf balls, accessories, and a limited selection of shoes and apparel.  The store is open Wednesday-Friday: 11:30AM-6PM, Saturday: 10AM-5PM and Sunday 10AM-4PM (212) 242-8899. For a bigger selection of products visit, visit the New York Golf Center's Flagship store located at Herald Square at 131 W. 35th St., NY, NY 10001. Phone: (212) 564-2255.

In conclusion, if you live in Manhattan or are just visiting and want a unique golfing experience then the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers needs to be on your golf "bucket list." For more information, visit https://www.chelseapiers.com/golf/