Seekonk Driving Range: A Haven for Golf Afficionados

Seekonk Driving Range boasts a variety of recreational activities for local families and individuals. Even on a chilly, rainy Monday in April, serious golfers can be located at the Route 6 driving range.

Lori Andrews, daughter of founder William J. Cuddigan (known as "Bogey Bill"), can often be found opening the office and preparing the place for a long day of fun. 

"My family owns and runs the place, " says Andrews, as she sets up.

"You didn't pick the best day for this, " she says, as the rain pours in torrents outside the office, soaking the mini-golf course, the driving range, and the batting cages (which offer both baseball and softball options).

Inside the office, large troughs of golf balls line the walls, as do assorted buckets, and golf gloves on sale for $10.

"We are open year round. But the building closes and the baseball closes and the miniature closes during the winter, " she explains. 

"But, we have a machine under there, where people can come, and the booths are heated in there, " she says, pointing to  a driving range area to the left of the office. 

Already, though it is still early morning, there are three men inside, practicing their drives from one of the 12 heated and covered tees (there are 52 total hitting stations).

One perk, along with the range itself, is that drivers and irons are available at no cost, and there is a free natural grass practice area on the premises as well.

Andrews guides me to their brochure, which states. "The range itself is a favorite stop for professionals, serious recreational golfers, beginners and fun-seekers, and offers over 300 yards of wide-open distance unencumbered by netting or obstacles."

Of course, the miniature golf is what draws many of the customers to the Seekonk Driving range. Cuddingan opened the 18 hole mini-golf course in 1967 to share his passion for golf with the public, and the place has expanded over the decades to include batting cages and the popular driving range.

"We get all kinds, " says Andrews, referring to the clientele. "There's little kids, we have one golfer who comes who is in his 90s and gets a big bucket."

While children and families may enjoy the landscaped mini golf course, which includes bank shots, a waterfall, fountains and rivers (and is also wheelchair accessible), more serious golfers may enjoy either private or group instruction from one of two pros. 

Rick Holcomb has 36 years of teaching experience, and Marvin Lerman has over 14 years of teaching experience. Visit the premises for more information and for pricing, which ranges from $50 for a half hour private lesson, to $125 for five one-hour group lessons.

"We accomodate everyone, " explains Andrews. 

For example, the nine batting cages offer pitches of varying speeds, and bats and helmets are available at no cost. Little Leagues and teams receive discounts, and each $1.50 token is equivalent to 15 pitches. The mini golf offers early bird specials for only $5.00 if you arrive before noon (after that it's $7.00), and you can hone your skills with replays for only three dollars.