WeHa's Golf Driving Range Targeted For High-Tech Upgrades

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Duffers looking to hone up on their golf skills (or take out their frustration) by whacking a few balls may soon be able to do so at a high-tech, renovated town golf facility.

The West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission Monday, Feb. 5, will conduct a public hearing and, likely, act on a proposal from the town to "improve and modernize" the driving range at the town-owned Rockledge Golf Course.

That hearing — regarding a special use permit to do the work — was scheduled earlier this month at the Jan. 3 PZC meeting.

The applicant for the project is the Town of West Hartford and it calls for work at the existing driving range at Rockledge, which is located at 289 S. Main St., West Hartford.

Specifically, the project entails adding 20 covered driving stations, meaning golfers would be able to hit away even in the rain.

In addition, the project calls for a new snack bar and restroom facility should hunger and nature call while hitting the range.

West Hartford's Department of Leisure Services, according to a project narrative submitted to the PZC, said the driving range is "underutilized" at Rockledge.

According to the leisure services department, the new driving range wouldn't just be a place to see how far you can hit a ball.

It would be a place to improve and have your swing analyzed via technology.

According to the department, the new range of features would be "equipped with digital technologys that will enhance a golfer’s preparation, training, and performance analysis."

"The new driving range would support advanced sensors and software, which analyze ball flight and provide data on various aspects of a player’s swing," wrotehe town.

In short, this isn't Kevin Costner's "Tin Cup" driving range.

This driving range, despite being located in the northeast, would also benew open year-round, weather permitting, as the bays will be heated, according to the town.

For the Town of West Hartford's project narrative on the driving range project, click on this link.

For more information on the Rockledge Golf Club, click on this link.