Thornleigh Golf Centre

More than 30 years of hard work and dreaming came to fruition for PGA Member Steve Aisbett today when his state of the art driving range and practice facility opened at Thornleigh, in Sydney's north west.

The Thornleigh Golf Centre features 56 hitting bays over two levels including 20 with automated tee-up.

It is also home to the Southern Hemisphere's highest fence, the 36-metre tall barrier protecting cars on nearby Pennant Hills Rd.

More than 130,000 tonnes of soil were brought on to the site to create the range which has been designed in such a way that no ball retriever is required.

“It's completely landscaped with synthetic turf so that all the balls funnel into channels that return to the hitting area,” says Aisbett.

“So because we don't have to use a machine to pick them up the balls maintain their quality for longer.”

Aisbett, who has had a dream to set up a state of the art practice facility since the early 1980's, studied driving ranges around the world to collect ideas for his new facility.

“I opened a driving range at Cherrybrook in the early 80's and we did a lot of things wrong with that one,” he said.

“But this one has been planned to the finest detail.

"There's never been a practice facility in this area before so hopefully all the local golfers will come and support us.”

Seven AAA rated Professionals, including Aisbett himself, will provide lessons at the range and there is also a fully stocked pro-shop and cafe on site.

Plans are also in place for two 18 hole mini golf courses to be built by the end of the year.

The Centre's new website also launched today at thornleighgolfcentre.com.au.