If you travel U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida, you may have passed this little squat grey building many, many times. If you are interested in golf PUMP UP THE BRAKES – pull in, and you will find a driving practice range, and so much more!

As you leave your car you see 13 practice bays, all of which have newer hitting pads. The bays are all under a roof for sun and moisture protection (so don’t worry about the weather, you can go no matter what the weather outside of a hurricane or monsoon).

The yardage is posted with accurate flags and signs. Along with the practice bays, you’ll also find 3 teaching bays as well as a huge of the grass area for those preferring to hit from the grass.

Head straight to the clubhouse to get a basket of balls and you will meet Bob, who will happily check you out and get them for you. The prices are:

• Small bucket – $7.00
• Medium bucket – $11.00
• Large bucket – $13.50
• Supersize – $22.00

My only complaint is that when compared to other driving ranges that I visit, their prices are higher. But, the balls are fresh, hitable, and that does count for a lot.

But, it’s not just the clean hitting bays, the spotless clubhouse with snacks and drinks, and the odds and ends golf equipment that I like about U.S. 1 Golf. It is the addition of teaching pro Jeffrey that turns this nice little range into a real learning center for golf.

Jeffrey has been a PGA member since 1979, and aside from the lessons and grips, he has also been a master club fitter for the past 15 years. If you call central casting for a golf pro, this is what you get, tall, lanky with Ken Venturi hair.

Time to talk about lessons

I’m always open for something…anything to improve my swing. so I signed up for a lesson. I’m 67 years old, and when I take a lesson and have the pro say that I have to start all over again is out of the question. Jeffrey offers a 15-minute lesson for $25. He took a look at my swing, made a change, and by the end of the lesson I hit a small draw. I now have something to practice! It is well worth the money. He also offers video if you are so inclined. But it’s not just these “quick hit” lessons that are available, he also offers 30 minutes, 1 hour, a 5-session package and a player package.

All of this makes U.S. 1 Golf a little oasis in a sea of 55 mph asphalt.

On a scale of double bogey to hole in one, I rate U.S. 1 Golf a solid Birdy.

U.S. 1 Golf is located at:

• 3847 N. U.S. 1, Fort Pierce, Florida

Check their site for more information – https://us1golf.com/

For questions or to set up a lesson with Jeffrey Carpenter email – JeffCarpenter@US1Golf.com

My Admission

I have been using the same putter for about 25 years –  an Odyssey Blade. So, when CĀG Golf sent me a new 34FIVE MD mallet putter to test out I was a bit hesitant to ruin an entire round of golf. But if I was going to be able to give you my opinion, I wanted to give it the proper workout. Let’s just say that I am pleasantly surprised.

Photo courtesy of CĀG Golf

The  CĀG company has been working with some of the biggest names in the golfing world for over 10 years. They have created golf clubs for some of the best players on both the PGA and LPGA tours. Dedicated to original designs, engineered with technologically advanced materials, they have made a business out of making a quality club.

After a round of golf

This putter has a nice hefty, heavy feel to it. Site lines on the club are very easy to line up and the small offset, the forward lean, and 45-degree angle make this a hard club not to hit exactly where you point it. After my first 18 holes, I decided that I don’t like this club I love it.

My past experience has taught me that it is difficult to determine if you are going to make ANY putt, but this club inspires confidence. On top of all this, it is also a great looking club and the price won’t give you sticker shock (currently on sale for just under $106).

Photo courtesy of CĀG Golf

The facts

• SVA SIGHTLINE Technology
• Selective PVD finish
• Linear CG displacement
• Stainless Steel construction for superb feel and accuracy
• Perimeter weight distribution for improved forgiveness throughout the stroke
• CNC Milled impact area promotes accuracy and early forward roll
• Face Balanced putter design
• Double-Bend Stepless Shaft for pure look and feel
• ***Conforms to the rules of golf

For those who prefer a blade putter – they offer a 33FIVE BD as well. Photo courtesy of CĀG Golf

I just became a  CĀG Convert.

The Future of CĀG Golf

Look for their new LVD Wedges featuring an elevated center of mass, coupled with the added benefits of a milled face and scorelines coming out soon.

Score

• I give this putter: A BIRDIE

For more information

• For more info or to order yours, go to CĀGGolf .com.

Note: I received a CĀG Golf putter to review. All opinions are strictly my own.

The last few summers I’ve taken a summer membership at the Meadowood Golf and Tennis Clu in Fort Pierce, Florida. I could not be happier…not only with the course, but with the people who work there.

First, there are the cart-men

• Jim
• Bernie
• John
• and Bill

All who make the transition from the parking lot to the golf course a breeze. In the pro shop there’s Travis – the head golf Pro PGA professional, Terry – Golf Professional PGA life member (and my golf instructor), Jeremy – also a golf professional and Branden – yes, another pro. These pro’s are extremely knowledgable and handle all of your equipment, lesson and tee time needs.

Speaking of tee-times, a summer membership means that I deal with less traffic and easier to get tee-times as well.

Meadowood offers a championship course (this was Sam Snead’s home turf. From the Costco sized practice area, the large driving range, sand and fairway bunkers, coupled with a huge chipping and putting area, this club has EVERYTHING the golfer needs.

I have found the course to be a challenging yet fair test for golfers of every level. Low handicappers play the long tee’s and hacker’s like me play upfront and have a challenge and great fun.

My summer membership includes

• Unlimited Range Balls
• 7-day Advance Tee Times
• Pool
• Tennis Courts
• a Fitness Center
• Full-Service Bar and Dining
• 10% Discount in the Pro Shop
• 9 holes $13
• 18 holes $20

The cost for all of this? $250 for 6 months (May 1st – October 31st).  They also offer a $1200 summer membership with no cart fees as well.

It may be the beginning of August, but there is still plenty of time to get your money’s worth at a great club.

• For more info on this or other memberships, visit Meadowood Golf and Tennis online
• Or call the pro shop at 772-464-4466

Maybe, Just Maybe 

Last week Callaway Golf announced its family of Epic Forged Irons,  Epic Flash Hybrids and a full Epic Star Family of Products. Arriving in a little over a week (August 2, 20a9)…just in time for my BIRTHDAY (August 1st). I might just bite the bullet and BUY.

Callaway Epic Forged Irons Photo courtesy of Callaway Golf

Developed with premium materials these irons are beautiful. Honestly, my game needs something and anything incorporating this kind of beauty is a plus.

“This is an extremely premium club with best in class precision engineering” – Dr. Alan Hockwell R+D Callaway Golf Company.

It sounds too good to be true

Epic Flash Drivers Photo courtesy of Callaway Golf

This new series of clubs are made with the company’s longest distance-enhancing technology. The new Epic forged line is crafted particularly for slower swing players who want to hit the fall farther. WHO DOESNT WANT THAT?

August 2nd

Feeling patriotic with these Callaway CHROME SOFT TRUVIS Stars & Stripes Photo courtesy of Callaway Golf

The question is, will my wife get me this miracle set of clubs that will totally reform my game? NO, she’ll probably get me a $50 gift certificate and a dozen Callaway balls from Moon golf like she did last time….but, I can dream.

• Epic Forged Irons
• Epic Flash Hybrids
• Epic Forged Star Irons
• Epic Flash Star Driver

Available at pro shops, golf stores and online at CallawayGolf.com