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We’re a little embarrassed to admit it, but this past week was the first time we’ve ever actually used the golf facilities at Hains Point (East Potomac Park, 927 Ohio Dr SW). We’ve looked on while others played as we swam in the neighboring public pool or jogged around the Point, but having not played golf since moving to DC we were always intimidated by this city spot.
Well not anymore, at least not for the driving range. A neighbor caught us at just the right time Tuesday after work, asking if we wanted to hit some golf balls. We’d had one of those days at work, and the idea of working off some of our frustrations sounded too good to pass up. The driving range (double-decker) is basically self-serve; there are machines that dispense balls into readily available buckets ($7 for 50 to 70 balls, depending on how you pay), clubs are freely available if you don’t have your own, and you can take any open slot on the range. You can also purchase big cans of beer to take into your range slot for about $5. The slots all have space heaters so you could hit golf balls in the winter as well, if you were so inclined.
The driving range hours vary, basically following available daylight. As you’d expect, we’re at almost the longest/latest hours now with the range open until 9:30 pm now, and 10 pm next month and through the rest of the summer. We arrived around 7:30 and while there was a good crowd, there were also plenty of open range slots. In fact we had no trouble finding two that were side-by-side so we could chat and exchange clubs as we practiced. Those hitting on the range were from all skill levels, some bouncing the ball just a few feet in front of them, others laying out beautiful drives. There did not appear to be any judging or intimidation, although we might have muttered a few choice words at some of our own terrible swings.
We’re probably raving a bit too much about the range, but it really is a unique experience. Much like our over-the-top joy when we discovered the East Potomac Park public pool, it’s just incredible that you’re in the middle of the city and have this kind of recreational service right there.
Oh and did we mention the view?
(Both photos courtesy of Penn Quarter resident Jaime)
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Comments
learned to play golf here and still love it.
Langston on Benning Road NE is not too far away from Penn Quarter either and it’s easy to stop by one of the H Street eateries on the way back.
Hains Point golf course is terrible. It’s full of hacks, is in seriously beat up condition and can take 4 hours to play nine holes on a weekend with the long back ups at every tee box. The range is also in rough shape and very bare bones in terms of features. If you want to hit balls at a decent range facility, go to Top Golf in Alexandria. I agree with Anon at 9:13 pm, you really should get out more.
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Great little facility for laid back golf! And they serve a tasty burger at the snack bar!