Tampabay downs media guide 16-0273-JK2

The Downs Golf Practice Facility
Located just south of the racetrack, The Downs Golf Practice Facility celebrates
the Tampa Bay area’s rich golf heritage while enabling visitors to stay attuned to
the Thoroughbred action next door. The 22 acres of fully lighted property include
270 yards of open range for full-swing shots, plus putting, short-game and bunker
areas. Betting machines are available for anyone wanting to combine horses with
birdies.
The facility celebrated its 10th anniversary on March 23, 2013 with free club
fittings, clinics and pro shop discounts. It has also been the site of six weekend
Golfest events — featuring celebrities such as retired LPGA legend Annika
Sorenstam, world-renowned instructor David Leadbetter and major-championship
winner Brittany Lincicome of nearby Seminole, Fla. — as well as local qualifying
events for the annual Drive, Chip & Putt Championship for junior golfers.
“Our goal in building the range was to make Tampa Bay Downs a total
entertainment destination. With live racing, full-card simulcasting, golf, concerts
and poker, we are realizing that vision,” says Tampa Bay Downs General Manager
Peter Berube. “We currently offer facility rental, full-service dining, and group plans
tailored to our patrons’ needs, rounding out the total experience.”
The Downs is committed to offering the finest learning and practice environment
in the community, featuring 45 grass-tee stations that are rotated daily to give the
golfer near-perfect practice conditions every day. “We have developed a first-class
golf practice facility to introduce more players to the game and to help experienced
golfers keep their practice habits on the right track,” says Golf Practice Facility
Manager Jon Johnson.
The Downs Golf Academy offers top-of-the-line instructional clinics that cover
a range of topics from swing and short game to specialty shots. Matt Mitchell,
formerly of Countryside Driving, is highly respected as one of the area’s premier
instructors. With more than 30 years of experience, he is a PGA Class A
professional and conducts lessons, clinics and schools on an ongoing basis. Also
on staff is Joey DiPompo, the Assistant Teaching Professional at the Matt Mitchell
Golf Academy who graduated from Professional Golfers Career College in 2010
and excels in club fitting and club repair.
The range is uniquely designed with the look and feel of a golf course,
encouraging players to bring every club in their bag. There are numerous bunkers
and practice-green areas to help golfers fine-tune pitching, chipping and approach
shots. The nearly two-acre short game area consists of:
• 8,000 square feet of putting green surface
• 6,000 square feet of greens for practicing chipping and sand game
• 7,000 square feet of greens for approach shots from 10 to 65 yards
Best of all, golf enthusiasts can practice 363 days a year (closed Christmas Day)
while enjoying simulcast racing and wagering from the convenience of The Downs
Golf Clubhouse, a first in the nation for any racetrack or golf facility.
Johnson, formerly of All In One Golf Practice and Learning Facility in Largo, Fla.,
and the Michael Jordan Golf Center in Illinois, is a PGA Class A professional who
brings with him more than 25 years of experience within the golf community. He is
responsible for day-to-day operations including the Pro Shop, range, instruction,
food and beverage and grounds maintenance.
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