Doncaster Driving Range Raises the Bar with Power Tee Renovation

By Dan Owen (first published in Golf Retailing trade magazine)

For more than 25 years, Doncaster Driving Range has been one of Yorkshire’s leading practice facilities. Opened in 1999, the venue has continually evolved to meet changing golfer expectations, transforming from a traditional practice range into a modern golf destination built around technology, premium facilities and exceptional customer service.

The latest chapter in that evolution came in spring 2026, when the range underwent its most significant refurbishment since opening. New flooring, fresh carpeting, upgraded Power Tee installations and a complete overhaul of the hitting bays have given the venue a striking new look, while reinforcing its position as one of the region’s premier practice facilities.

For General Manager Lyall Jardine, the investment was about much more than replacing ageing infrastructure.

“We knew the contract with Power Tee was coming to an end and there was quite a bit needed doing at the range,” he explains. “It was 27 years old and it was tired. The bays were all timber and we were constantly putting plasters over things to keep them looking presentable.”

“At the same time we were replacing the TrackMan screens and updating the Power Tee systems. It didn’t make sense to put brand new technology onto an old, tired range, so we decided to renovate the whole facility properly.”

Building on a long-standing partnership

Power Tee has been part of Doncaster Driving Range since 2006, making it one of the earliest adopters of automated teeing technology in the UK. The latest project saw the systems upgraded as part of the wider refurbishment, with every operational bay continuing to feature automatic teeing.

Jardine believes the technology has become an essential part of the premium experience golfers now expect.

“We brought Power Tee in to enhance the quality of the range and people love the fact that the balls are automatically delivered to them,” he says. “It just puts another level of quality onto the facility.”

“When you go to a range now where you’re manually putting the ball on the tee and the mats are worn, it feels old fashioned and not as enjoyable.” 

Technology driving participation

The introduction of TrackMan Range in 2021 transformed the customer experience even further, creating a venue that now appeals to families, beginners and serious golfers alike.

“The enhancement has been incredible,” says Jardine. “Originally you were just hitting balls into an open field. Now people are playing golf courses, taking part in games with their children and seeing every shot on screen.”

“Some customers don’t even look at where the golf ball goes anymore because they’re watching the screen.”

Together, TrackMan Range and Power Tee have created an experience that no facility in the local area can match.

The technology has also broadened the customer base.

“We’ve got people who come here every week who have never actually played on a golf course. They just enjoy coming to the range.”

“They can spend 45 minutes here after work, have a great experience and then head home. Golf doesn’t have to be a four or five-hour commitment anymore.”

Investing with confidence

The refurbishment also gave Doncaster Driving Range the confidence to reposition itself as a premium venue.

Following the renovation, basket prices increased from £12 for 100 balls to £15 for 110 balls, a sizeable increase that Jardine admits caused some concern beforehand.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about putting the prices up,” he says.

“But I can count on one hand the number of people who’ve complained.”

“They can see exactly where the money has gone. The range looks better, the facilities are better and people appreciate the investment.”

For Jardine, continually reinvesting is essential if a range is to remain competitive.

“We’re always trying to improve the customer experience. Anytime something new comes onto the market that can genuinely improve the business, we’ll seriously look at it.”

Service that keeps the range running

Operating one of the busiest ranges in the region means downtime simply isn’t an option.

Power Tee’s service and support have therefore been just as important as the product itself.

“The team in the office have always been fantastic. If we’ve ever had an engine fail they organise collection almost immediately and very often we’ve got the replacement on its way the same day.”

Because the business keeps spare units on site, any disruption is minimal.

“We’re hardly ever out of operation. If you’re running a busy range and several bays are out of action, it affects the whole customer experience.”

“The backup system means we’re always operational.”

Jardine also praises the practical support provided during the recent refurbishment.

“The Power Tee team were brilliant. They were there to install the Power Tee equipment but they helped wherever they could because they knew the quicker everything moved, the quicker we could reopen.”

The entire renovation was completed in just ten days.

Looking ahead

Having spent more than two decades helping shape Doncaster Driving Range, Jardine has seen the industry change dramatically.

Traditional practice facilities have become entertainment venues, technology has become an expectation rather than a luxury and customers increasingly value quality over price alone.

He believes ranges that continue to invest will be best placed to benefit.

“If you’ve not got technology now, you’re going to fall behind.”

That investment is already paying dividends at Doncaster, where the newly renovated facility has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers.

“Everybody who’s come in has said it looks amazing,” says Jardine.

For Power Tee, the project demonstrates how automated teeing continues to form an important part of a premium driving range experience. Combined with modern practice technology, quality facilities and excellent customer service, it helps create a venue that golfers want to visit again and again.

After nearly 20 years of working together, Jardine sees no reason to change.

“In general, I can’t fault Power Tee,” he says. “The product is extremely good, the service is first class and they’ve been a fantastic company to work with.”

Golf facilities interested in learning more about implementing Power Tee auto-tee technology can reach us via powertee.com/contact or contact our UK office at +44 (0)1793 822566 for additional information. 

The profile on Power Tee and Doncaster Driving Range was originally published in the July 2026 issue of Golf Retailing magazine.