Have to admit -- I've been hitting golf balls all across Long Island for nearly two decades, and it wasn't until two weeks ago that I found out about the driving range at SUNY Farmingdale. And ironically, in one of those strange coincidences that you always take note of, on the same day I first discovered the existence of the Farmingdale range, I overheard a bartender and a nearby customer talking about, of course, the range at SUNY Farmingdale.
Lacking the recognizable-from-afar netting of the Skydrive Golf Center just to the south on Route 110, the 20-stall driving range at Farmingdale State College exists in seclusion on the northern edge of the campus, hidden among warehouses and garages. The open expanse -- no netting on the sides or in the distance -- is dotted only by a few flags and yardage markers. Several light poles stand along the perimeter. Turf mats in the 20 uncovered stalls appear relatively new, with only a few showing slight wear. It's a perfectly adequate and serene place to warm up, especially with Bethpage close by. (How close? A bunch of holes on the Black Course are closer to the SUNY range than they are to the Bethpage clubhouse.)
Buckets range from $5 to $13, with discounts available for faculty, students and seniors. The range is easily accessed from the campus entrance on Route 110. Follow signs to the range once on campus.
For more information, see the Farmingdale State College website.
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