BY: VINNIE MANGINELLI
Over two decades, the Fairways and Greens Golf Center has served the golfing residents of Knoxville, Tennessee, and grown to be much more than a simple practice range. It has become a destination for individuals, families and friends looking for a fun and social experience.
The facility offers 60 grass hitting stations on its two lighted ranges, and an additional 18 outdoor stations that feature hitting mats and individual gas heaters. In May of 2018, the GRAA Top 50 Stand Alone Facility opened six Toptracer Range bays that enabled PGA General Manager Britton Spann to dabble with promotions to engage current customers and attract new patrons. He started a “game night” where individuals and groups enjoy an evening of competition using the Toptracer ball-tracking technology. As Spann and his staff enter their first winter with this feature on site, they will be able to promote a variety of group events to draw golfers and non-golfers.
Spann manages a staff of five PGA Professionals, one LPGA Professional and one professional clubfitter. Together, they offer private lessons, player development programs, a flourishing junior golf program and custom clubfitting services, all in an effort to improve players’ skills and enjoyment in the game. Using TrackMan technology and fitting carts from six of the top club companies, as well as hosting almost a dozen demo days annually, Spann and his team are increasing clubfittings each year, earning recognition as a Golf Digest Top 100 Club Fitting Facility.
Year-round player development opportunities not only draw members and regular customers during the winter, but according to Jill Peeler, one of Fairways and Greens PGA Professionals, they even attract golfers from neighboring clubs looking to take advantage of the professional golf instruction, as well as the facility’s indoor putting green, hitting bays and fitness center. “It’s easier to be consistent with students year-round,” she says, lauding the benefits of the facility’s indoor amenities.
With all these features, as well as a nine-hole par 3 course, several membership options are available that range from the basic plan with unlimited practice balls to an option than includes use of the new Toptracer bays. More than 1,700 local golfers are taking advantage of these membership deals.
When you go onto the facility’s website three words catch your eye – “Practice Made Perfect.” Fairways and Greens Golf Center has found the perfect formula that makes golfers want to return time and again. They’ve made it fun. They’ve made it affordable. And they’re evolving the game, fulfilling the mission of every PGA Professional out there.
