Bearss Avenue Golf Range Reduces Road Rage

Golf Grove Driving Range at 1006 E. Bearss Ave. offers 9,000 new range balls, expert swing instruction, and old, sprawling oak trees providing refuge from the heat.

The new owner, Dan Leihgeber, has been scrambling since January to restore Golf Grove’s 30 acres to its former glory, sharpening the facility and delivering daily specials to a diverse mix of Tampa golf enthusiasts.

Leihgeber also manufactures his own brand of licensed team - pro and college - putters and club-head covers. And his mix of hardware and “software” is on full, colorful display in the Golf Grove clubhouse. New Tampa Patch recently sat down with Leihgeber to uncover what makes Golf Grove tick – and what’s up with that old, Chevy beater in long-iron range.

Q: Are you a golfer? If so, what’s your handicap?

A: I played my college golf at Troy State. I was a zero handicap, but don’t have much time to play anymore.

Q: Golf ranges typically attract their share of beginners. Does Golf Grove offer lessons?

A: I give basic lessons, and I have Casey McDonald who does video, too. Vincent Reid is the former pro at Rogers Park, and Eric Kim who played on the Asian Tour. He’s a good teacher and a real good player.

Q: How long have you owned Golf Grove?

A: I took over in January. The former owners ran it into the ground. I’ve brought in new balls, new mats and trimmed the trees. Customers were hitting the oak trees with their back-swings. I’m trying to get the old customers back.

Q: Speaking of customers, any interesting clientele?

A: Tony Mayberry, the former Buccaneer, is a regular. Tony Dungy has stopped in.

Q: Do you offer any other services … club repair? New clubs?

A: I do re-gripping – Black Widow grips – and the team logo grips. I’m looking into repairing drivers.

Q: Your own brand, Thermo Par Golf, represents a lot of college and pro teams. Tell me about the putter. Is that your design?

A: Yes, it’s polycarbon with a brass insert. It brings all the weight to the middle of the putter. I decided to combine my businesses.

Q: Now, what about the car sitting in the middle of the range – right in striking distance?

A: It’s the road rage car, because everyone is always trying to hit it. You know, take your road rage out. People love hitting that car. There is a dent in every inch of that car. There is no mistaking it when you hit it. It makes a plunk.

Q: Are there any other interesting aspects of Golf Grove?

A: The Buc’s flag is the ace hole, or challenge hole. Knock it in and the customer wins a large bucket of balls and signs the Ace-Hole Wall of Fame. And a picture on our Facebook page. It’s 70 yards out, a good shot to have in your bag. We’re also the longest driving range in Tampa (the exterior tree line is a 400-yard drive).

Q: What’s the best thing about owning a golf range?

A: Meeting a lot of great people, great regulars. I enjoy working with and meeting the people.

More Information
Address: 1006 E. Bearss Ave.
Facebook page: Golf Grove Driving Range & Learning Facility
Phone: (813) 977-4653
Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week.