Driving range switches up

The Kelowna Driving Range provides fewer amenities to drop-ins as it transitions towards TopTracer technology.

Among the service changes is an increase in price, a decrease in bays, and the removal of tees.

Since March 2021, a bucket of 34 balls rose from $7 to $8, increasing by 15 percent.

The number of bays available to drop-ins has decreased from 23 to eight.

These changes came as the range invested into TopTracer technology.

In early 2021, the Kelowna Driving Range built over its bays a structure which now houses cameras and touchscreen monitors.

At least 50 percent of the range's 31 bays are equipped.

These bays are closed to regular drop-ins unless a premium is paid to couple the technology with a bucket of balls. The cheapest package provides TopTracer for 30 minutes and raises the price of 68 balls from $15 to $29.99.

Along with the renovations, the range shifted towards a focus on members and membership.

Membership packages are discounted, with the cheapest reduced to $160 from $200.

The package includes rubber tees, discounted ball buckets, and TopTracer time. Members also gain access to eight range bays and a putting green.