I got a laugh out of a couple complaints in previous reviews. I mean, what do you expect? The range is built on the bottom of the old San Joaquin River. In fact the river still runs near and around the range but it's level is controlled by the Millerton Dam. So yeah, during spring and summer there are bugs - especially at night when they turn the lights on. Which by the way is a nice feature for practicing at night while other courses are closed. I've seen bees but since I use bug spray they don't bother me. The BEST thing about the range is the FACT their are no mats! Golfers don't play on mats so why would you want to practice on them? Learning to take divots is a must in golf, and at Islewood you can divot all the way to China - though I wouldn't recommend that deep! The chipping area is OK - Islewood has a couple of instruments that you can use to gather balls off the green. You can gather as many as you want and hit all day as long as you purchase one of three sizes of buckets of balls for the range ($4 for 40 balls, $7/80 balls, $12/200 balls). The putting green is as good as is necessary... but as every golfer knows the best place to practice is at the course you're playing. So while you can practice putts at Islewood, you shouldn't expect the breaks and speed to be parallel to your favorite course. And yes, you can practice sand shots as well as play a nine-hole pitch and put course (lighted of course). There are also five full size holes that can be played for $1 per or $10 for all day. The longest hole is almost 400 yards so driver is a must. You can also try your prowess over water, through and over trees and shrubs and fairway moguls. Sure there are rabbits. And I've seen deer, hawks, foxes, coyotes, geese. A bobcat has been known to roam the range too! Since it's part of a Preserve, you should expect to see all manner of wildlife. Enjoy it! It's a great place to bring the family too!
Pros: Everything you want in a golf practice facility
Cons: Range balls are in need of replacement
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