The Shadow
On any day, numerous sports opportunities are available at the Jackson River Sport Complex.
From baseball to basketball to softball to soccer to tennis.
On Wednesday, you can add golf to the mix.
Chuck Hall, with the cooperation of the city of Covington, will open the C&B Golf Range behind the four-field softball cloverleaf at the complex on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
A petition was brought to Covington City Council and that got the golf ball rolling.
“The driving range was going to be on public land, but we wanted a private vendor to operate it so that we didn’t absorb something else to do,” said Allen Dressler, Covington Parks and Recreation director. “That’s where Mr. Hall comes in.”
Hall previously ran a range years ago in the Brentwood area of Alleghany County.
Currently, there are 11 artificial turf hitting areas with fencing separating each. The range is over 300 yards long, accommodating the longest of hitters.
Plans are in place to put a practice bunker in over the next few weeks as well as a grass practice area.
Long range plans could include an artificial practice putting green.
The range will be open for business seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to dusk.
A small bucket of balls will cost $5, with a large bucket going for $7.
Clubs will be available for customers that don’t have their own.
“I just wanted to have something here that people could afford,” Hall said.
Both the high school teams from Alleghany and Covington will hold practice sessions at the facility.
Along with the range, Hall also will offer golf merchandise for sale.
“We will have clubs for sale, balls, gloves, and I also offer club repair,” added Hall, a veteran member of the area golf community. “We will have all kinds of equipment.”
With the opening of the range, the road that loops around the softball fields is now one-way.
Signs are located at the sport complex and a parking area is located at the range.
“We are real appreciative of our city council’s continued vision of our park system,” Dressler added. “It’s certainly another benefit to the quality of life and the economy here in the community.”
