When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Chelsea Piers Golf Club
Why Chelsea Piers Golf Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chelsea Piers Golf Club is a unique and vibrant urban golf destination located on Pier 59 along Manhattan's Hudson River, offering a blend of scenic views, modern technology, and accessible facilities to golfers of all skill levels. The club boasts a multi-story, automated driving range open daily from 7 AM to midnight, providing ample opportunity for enthusiasts to practice their swing, whether early morning or late night. The facility includes two full-swing simulators featuring virtual play on world-renowned golf courses like Pebble Beach and Pinehurst No. 2, offering both instruction and entertainment in an engaging high-tech environment. Golfers can also enjoy the outdoor range with panoramic views across the Hudson, creating a unique atmosphere that inspires players to take aim—sometimes as far as New Jersey! The club is well-equipped with convenient club rentals, customizable tee heights, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff dedicated to helping guests improve their game. Its location within the Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex situates it amongst other athletic facilities, adding to its appeal as a social hub for friends looking to meet, practice, and enjoy quality time together in New York City. Whether visiting for individual play, lessons, or casual rounds with friends, Chelsea Piers Golf Club combines urban convenience with a picturesque waterfront setting to deliver an exceptional golfing experience.
Here's what people think of Chelsea Piers Golf Club
As of recent, Chelsea Piers Golf Club holds a 4.2-star rating based on 345 reviews.
User reviews of Chelsea Piers Golf Club highlight a generally positive experience emphasizing the beautiful views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline, which many find inspiring while practicing golf. The staff receives praise for being friendly and knowledgeable, providing helpful tips and making the visit welcoming. Many users appreciate the state-of-the-art simulators and automated driving ranges, which elevate the urban golf experience and accommodate players of all skill levels. Additionally, the location’s extended hours and convenience make it accessible for a variety of schedules. Positive reviews often note the reasonable pricing for bay rental and club rentals, adding value for visitors who want to drop in for practice or a casual round without owning equipment. On the other hand, some negative feedback focuses on high pricing that may discourage casual or frequent visits, and a few users express frustration over the time system for sessions, where the clock starts upon check-in rather than first hit, which shortens effective practice time. There are also occasional critiques regarding the variability in food and drink quality offered on-site. Despite these criticisms, most reviews conclude that Chelsea Piers Golf Club remains a fantastic golfing venue in NYC, offering challenging and friendly conditions along with a memorable atmosphere for social gatherings, practice, and lessons alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
vivi Chanle
This golf range definitely isn’t the most high-end, and the service isn’t the best either, but its location is great. After doing some shopping, grabbing lunch and coffee, if you have a little time left, you can just drop by and play some golf—no dress code or anything, just show up and play. I was shopping nearby, felt a bit tired but also wanted to move my body, so I booked an hour here. Though to be honest, the “one hour” session is actually only 55 minutes. I was on one of the upper levels, and since I’m a beginner, I tried out the games on the machine—it was super fun! Whether you come with friends or just on your own, it’s really enjoyable. I definitely support it, and I’ll for sure be coming back.
Ted Gioia
I have never had a bad time at Chelsea Piers. Went there with a big group and Jhalal took great care of us and made sure all our bays were together. He was the man and the rest of the staff was great too. Great place to hang with friends and hit some balls.
Kieran Bennett
I am new to golfing and have only been once before at TopGolf in Edison NJ, so I wanted to try something that I thought was supposed to be a luxurious venue and go to Chelsea Piers Driving Range. BOY, WAS I WRONG ABOUT THE LUXURY! Firstly, let me remind you that I am new to golf, so when I walked in with my friends who have never been golfing, and we are asked which clubs we need, I did not know which ones to get. So, I politely said, "I don’t know the names of the clubs, so I do not know which ones to get, please could you give ones you recommend." We were given 2 clubs. Now, when I go to TopGolf, you are giving 12 clubs and have 1 of everything, so you can choose what is best for you. For $11 rental and almost $100 paid for an hour of driving, you’d think you get to have the same treatment and the luxury of choice, but nope. There were 3 team members there, 1 girl and 2 guys and all 3 had some sort of attitude to start and made us feel like idiots because we didn’t know what we were doing. Yeah, I mentioned to you that we are new! So, we just moved on to the next person to just accept our fate. The next guy we spoke to asked us if we had a preference for high floors or low, so we said the top floors, please, as I find that more fun. He gave us our booth number, so we went up. The elevators are very slow, so make sure you take the stairs as they do this to purposely waste you time as it starts from when you get your clubs. Once we got to the top floor, everything on the right side was free (6 or more booths) and on the left side was one booth empty, next one being used, next one empty and then the next being used too. They packed us between those 2 groups playing. Why wouldn’t you spread it out more to give people space? It was so uncomfortable being new and being right next to 2 groups of pros. We started playing and when I was at TopGolf, I was quite good, but when I was here, I was quite bad, and the club was too long. So, after a while of playing, I went down to the reception and asked if I could swap the long driver for one that was a bit shorter and their responses were rude and snipe “why?”, “we don’t swap!”. Ok, I understand, but I can’t use this. It feels too long for me, and the ones I used before were shorter, and my friends are also short and are finding it hard. “What do you mean you are too short for this? They are all the same length”. Eventually after 10 minutes of them arguing with me, I got them to let me see which one fit best but they wouldn’t let me handle them, they made me choose by looking at a distance when they were in a rack. I got my different driver, which just had a smaller head and went back upstairs. This one was slightly better, but I don’t get why all the hostility, we are just here to make sure we have a good time. Don’t you want your guests to have a good time too and they come back and spend money instead of a one-time occasion?? Now let me talk about the layout and upkeep of the place. Where does all the money go that you spend here? As the place looks dishevelled and run-down. 1 old park bench per floor, no tables to put your food on, no place to put your jackets (ours were on the floor), the floors look they haven’t been redone since they built the place and the sound of a AC pipe hitting the wall that sounded like gunfire. We just got through our 1 hour booking and left. What a waste of our time and money.
Jiannuo Hu
The front desk staff, both the older and younger woman, were quite rude and had a noticeable attitude. The maintenance stuff was very helpful! They also keep raising the prices. It’s now $72 during peak hours, which just isn’t worth it to me, especially considering I needed to commute 45 mins (20 min in subway, and 25 min walk from subway to Chelsea pier😂) to get there. At this price, I’ll be just going to 5 Iron near my place instead.
Juan Chavez
Driving range in manhattan. I guess it's alright for manhattan but the range is not very good. the balls are old and hard. The rental clubs are so bad, pretty much sets from the 70's that are impossible to hit. Wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't insanely overpriced. It does have nice views and multiple people can play in one pod but there is so much room for improvement although it won't happen since they have no competition.
How to reach Chelsea Piers Golf Club
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Why Chelsea Piers Golf Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chelsea Piers Golf Club with your friends? Because it is much more than just a golf driving range—it’s a vibrant social destination tailor-made for groups seeking a unique blend of fun, sport, and relaxation in the heart of New York City. Whether you and your friends are seasoned golfers or complete beginners, Chelsea Piers offers an accessible and enjoyable experience with its multiple-tiered driving ranges, interactive games, and cutting-edge technology. The scenic views of the Hudson River and the marina create an unbeatable atmosphere that makes every meetup memorable. The club’s welcoming environment, combined with food and drink options, private event spaces, and expert staff ready to assist, means your group can bond over both friendly competition and quality downtime. It caters to a wide range of tastes, from casual chit-chat over cocktails to spirited golf challenges, making it ideal for friends or family celebrations, business meetups, or just a casual outing. The mix of indoor and outdoor settings keeps the vibe fresh regardless of weather, and everything is designed to keep groups engaged and entertained for hours.
What activities are available at Chelsea Piers Golf Club? The core attraction is its impressive four-tier automated driving range, which stretches 200 yards and features customizable tee heights and fully automated ball dispensing. You and your group can engage in interactive golf games like Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive using the advanced Inrange+ technology, adding a playful competitive edge to the experience. This means even non-golfers can enjoy friendly challenges while improving their skills. The driving ranges are supported by a full-service teaching academy, which offers lessons suitable for all skill levels, including beginners, so your group can learn or sharpen their swings under professional guidance. For a break from the driving range, Full Swing simulators provide highly realistic golf simulations, allowing you to try famous courses from around the world—all indoors and regardless of weather. Beyond golf, The Water Hazard lobby bar serves specialty cocktails, draft beers, and shareable small plates like flatbreads and salads that are perfect for casual snacking or celebratory toasts. This array of activities ensures everyone in your party, from golf aficionados to foodies, has something enjoyable to do.
Why is Chelsea Piers Golf Club perfect for hosting group meetups? The venue is thoughtfully designed to accommodate social gatherings with spaces like the Ryder Cup Room, an elegant event area overlooking the Hudson River and adjacent to the golf range. This room, with seating for 50 and standing room for 100, offers privacy and panoramic views that elevate any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, business event, or casual get-together. Retractable screens and shades make it flexible for presentations or cocktail receptions, providing a polished and comfortable atmosphere. The Golf Club also offers convenient amenities like paid and valet parking, ensuring all guests arrive stress-free. Its location on Pier 59 means guests enjoy stunning waterfront scenery, which adds to the ambiance and photo opportunities. Staff on site provide attentive service and facilitate catering with a choice of preferred vendors, including alcohol service to keep the spirits high. The balance of indoor luxury and outdoor recreational space means your group can switch between lively socializing and engaging golf activities effortlessly.
How accessible and welcoming is Chelsea Piers Golf Club for all skill levels? One of the club’s strongest features is its inclusivity. With automated ball dispensers and multiple driving range levels, guests ranging from beginners to pros can comfortably play at their own pace. Club rentals are offered on-site, so no need to bring your own equipment, lowering the barrier for newcomers or casual players. Beginners benefit from available lessons taught by experienced instructors who tailor sessions to individual goals, whether it’s learning the basics or refining technique. The friendly, helpful staff are dedicated to making all visitors feel comfortable and supported throughout their visit. Additionally, the technology integrated into the range, including digital scoring and interactive games, helps players track their progress and adds a fun, engaging element that encourages improvement without pressure. This environment fosters camaraderie where everyone feels included, making it an ideal outing location for mixed-ability groups.
What can you expect from the food and beverage offerings at Chelsea Piers Golf Club? Dining at the club is designed to complement the active, social spirit of the venue. The Water Hazard bar and lounge in the lobby serve a variety of specialty cocktails, draft beers, and small plates, creating a relaxed and inviting setting to catch up with friends between swings. The menu’s light fare, such as flatbreads and fresh salads, caters to shared eating, perfect for groups looking to snack throughout their meetup rather than sit down for a formal meal. While some guests have noted variability in food quality, the overall atmosphere and beverage choices are consistently praised for enhancing the social experience. Alcohol is also available through preferred vendors for private events, offering tailored catering options. Whether you want to grab a quick refreshment or host an extended party with drinks and appetizers, the club’s food and drink services are flexible enough to meet those needs.
What are the logistics and hours to consider when planning your group visit? Chelsea Piers Golf Club is open every day from early morning until midnight, providing flexibility to schedule meetups at convenient times for your group, from early breakfast rounds to late-night social golf sessions. Pricing is segmented by time of day, with early bird rates being more economical and peak hours priced higher to reflect demand, which can be a consideration when budgeting your event. Each driving bay accommodates up to two guests typically, with promotions allowing up to four guests in evening sessions, providing shared play options without crowding. Parking is available on-site with both paid and valet options, streamlining arrival in busy Manhattan. Because the facility offers full rental services and lessons, your group does not have to worry about bringing any golf gear or previous experience, easing the planning process. Event spaces like the Ryder Cup Room require advance booking, so reserving your spot ahead is recommended to guarantee availability and special setups.
In essence, Chelsea Piers Golf Club stands out as an exceptional venue for group meetups because it combines top-tier golf facilities with social amenities in an iconic waterfront NYC location. Its blend of sport, scenic beauty, excellent service, and versatile event spaces creates the perfect environment to rally your friends or family, celebrate milestones, or host corporate gatherings with a lively and engaging touch. The club’s inclusive atmosphere invites everyone to play, learn, and relax together, making every visit both memorable and fun. Whether you aim for competitive fun on the range, socializing over drinks and small plates, or an elegant private event overlooking the Hudson River, Chelsea Piers Golf Club offers a complete package that caters brilliantly to groups looking for a distinctive New York experience.