One of my lifelong passions is golf-from the moment I picked up a club when I was 17 years old,I knew an obsession was being born.Along the way,I've had good highs and good lows,like the time I quit the sport for 10 years because I played a round so terrible at the Ridge in Auburn,I lost 18 balls in one round,but that being said I always come back.Im the kind of guy who will go to the driving range 10 times between actually playing a round,practice makes perfect or whatever they say,so I decided I would write a few reviews of some of my favorite driving ranges-I'm starting my series with one driving range that I probably frequent the most or 2nd most,it's one convenient to my home-I'm talking about Leader Golf on El Centro Road in Natomas. Right off the bat-you got to know this place is not fancy-this is the kind of place the serves that golfer who is just beginning-the kind of person who maybe has thought about golf and wants to give it a shot-this is where they head.This driving range is truly a no judgement zone,so many beginners,so many people there who this may be the 1st time they ever held a golf club-I love that about this place,you never know who your going to see here,it can be someone like me who has been playing golf for over 30 years or literally a kid or teenager or woman's group or older person who has never touched a club before-your going to see all types of people,every age,every skill level and it's great. This place has zero dress code-not that all golf course do but some places you can really standout if u show up in gym shorts and a tank top-but not here-anything goes and nobody will give u a 2nd look if u have no clue what your doing. The place has a few cool features that I enjoy-it has a putting area so you can go out there and work on your putting at zero cost.It has a very good short game area where one can work on their short game but it does cost $7 an hour to get access to that area. This place does have ample parking so that should never be a problem,there is a pro shop on premises as well-Inside your able to buy range tokens which you use to get range balls to use on the range.Prices range from $7 for a small bucket(40 balls) to $24 for a "Leader" bucket which is 200 balls.What I do is buy the Leader bucket for $24 and they give you 5 tokens for 40 balls each and then I spread out their usage over multiple visits since 40 balls is more than enough for a driving range session,which brings the cost down to under $5 a bucket-a very very good price for a small bucket. The pro shop also sells beers and sodas and snacks along with just about any other golf accessory you could possibly need from driving range tees to full on brand new golf sets-it's a decent shop-gets the job done. The gentleman who owns the range also works the shop-he is an amazingly kind man,he is a little rough around the edges when you first meet him but once you get to know him,he is the best-super helpful and chatty-he is truly an asset to this location. Overall what I will say about this place is this-if you have ever had the idea that maybe you have an interest in golf and want to go to a judgement free spot where you can try it out-this is your place.If you want a no frills spot to go and work on your game-this is your place.If you want a spot you and your friends can meet and chill and maybe throw back a beer or two while doing something somewhat active-this is your place.So do yourself a favor and head on out to Leader Golf and give this amazing game a chance-it just might start a lifelong obsession-see ya out there. Driving Range Ratings Cost 10.0/10 Rating Fancy Facilities Rating 6.5/10 Range Ball Quality Rating 7.0/10 Tee Availability Rating 0.0/10 Stall Availability Rating 10.0/10 Friendliness Rating(New Golfers) 9.5/10 Short Game Area Rating 5.5/10 read more

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Solid range. This place only has a driving range and it has a chipping area as well which is a plus. Sport shop is pretty neat as a bunch of cool items and even a clearance bin .The staff from the store to the groundskeeping always super nice and friendly. Will return excellent place and recommend to anyone in the area. read more

Leader Golf - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Great place for practice! Pretty close to us so it's convenient. It's also clean, organized and has been updated. read more

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First time playing here. There's a shop with some golf items for sale. I got a glove there for $15. The guy working there was nice and helpful. You also buy the tokens for the golf balls inside the shop then proceed to getting your ball from the machine (it's self service). Just choose a bay which no one is using. The only downside is if it's hot and the sun's up, the chairs are not covered. read more

Always a good experience here! It is covered so you don't have to worry about sun and rain depending on the spot you pick. They have a small putting green and a chipping area as well as the driving range. They have a small pro shop with a selection of shoes, apparel, gloves, snacks, drinks and golf clubs. The owner is a really great guy and strives to maintain a family friendly environment. We really appreciate that aspect. They have food trucks come in on the evenings so it is great to make an evening out of the visit. You can hire one of the golf coaches for lessons and he hosts a kids golf camp as well in the summer. read more

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Some of the driest customer service i have ever experienced. The owner has a bad attitude not welcoming at all went today to hit some balls for my bothers birthday but this guy from the second we walked in had a terrible attitude. After we paid and got our stuff he came outside almost to watch us he was just hovering around and at one point he came and moved our mat forward because he said my nephew was swinging to close to a metal beam. Super bad experience won't be coming back ever. read more

I love leader, I've been coming here for years and it's been awesome to see the owner invest back into his business. The stalls have been updated, they all are covered, and it has a more upscale feel than it did a couple years ago. They have a putting green and a chipping area so you can work on all aspects of your game. I only live 5 mins away so I'm here all the time lol read more

Leader Golf - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

Great pricing for range balls! I was able to find a stall to hit from easily, unlike Hagen oaks. The owner was friendly and I was even able to sit on the patio and cool down after swinging and watch the game. Highly recommend for golfers new and experienced! read more

I have been coming to this driving range for years and it never disappoints, a sweet spot for all your golfing needs.

The only reason why I put 1 star is because the owner constantly harasses me. Left me begin , I live a half a mile away from this place and I've been coming here off and on for a very very long time. The only reason why I would stop for a few months is because of the owner. I didn't own golf clubs but the owner provided the customers that just came in for fun clubs to use no problem except for me. I would come 2 or 3 times a week each time spending 24 bucks I would pick 2 clubs give my id ask for a tee and one colored ball for the putting ground. Every single time always the same clubs same everything. That is provided for everyone. But me. He started telling me I'm annoying, I'm so needy . Why u always use these clubs. And I promise you when I say I was 100 percent nice I treated his grounds and equipment with respect. I was clean. I wouldnt even respond to his rudeness because I never wanted to give him any reason to ban me from his range. I don't know of any other ranges and I came to destress and wack some ball. So I would just hold back my tears until I just couldn't take it anymore and I'd stop coming for a few months or a year. But passing the range everyday on my way home id begin to miss the sport I love and I come back. For a few months until I couldn't take his belittling comments anymore. I started to think it was because I was a Indian female and he had something against me .This went on for years . Until a few months ago I stood up for myself and wrote a Google review saying everything I just said. I just wanted it to stop. The son saw my review and had witnessed the harassment from his father sometimes he would say to his father don't be so disrespectful to me. It wasn't called for at all. Anyways the next day after I wrote the review he took me aside and apologized on his father's behalf , he gave me a couple clubs a golf bag a colored ball and a tee to have so that I wouldn't have to deal with his father id just come in and give him the money for balls . I was blown away by how nice that was. He acknowledged the harassment and it seemed very genuine that he was sorry and that it would not continue. He said my father wants to apologize to you. I didn't want to , nobody wants to talk to their tormentor. But I agreed. He didn't apologize just just tried to justify his harassment. I didn't really care. I was just happy I thought it was going to stopThen asked for me to take the review off. I was ecstatic, so greatful that now I could just come and practice my golf game without any drama that lasted a few months . Then it started again. Now he's harassing me about my golf game. So they have a putting ground that's nice and smooth with about 20 feet of grass around the smooth part then there's a wooden fence. Now when I go the range I go to practice the harder shots for me. So I would put from 6 inches into the grass and the rough into the whole that's 3 ft in front of me. And on numerous occasions he's walked out and asked me why I did this. Mind you there's no sign that says you can't put from the edge. There's only one rule on the putting ground " no chipping" which is beyond understandable of course you wouldn't want people to chip in the grass that would ruin your turf. And I respected that. Like I said I never wanted to give him any reason to ban me. So id answer his question with a simple answer. I'm just challenging myself with a harder shot. Because I won't always be able to put it in on the smooth part sometimes people overshot the put and it would go in the rough. Everyone would still hit it in if they overshot their putt. It's not like I would go deep into the grass by the fence and try golf from there. I was literally 6INCHES IN FROM THE SMOOTH TO THE GRASS. I just want to practice my shot and he's telling me that those aren't the hard shots it's in the smooth part rite next to the whole that's hard. I asked him is there a problem that I hit from here and he'd say no. Mind you people are now watching. Why is this man telling me what's hard or not. Why can't I just putt he lets everyelse do their thing . And it's not like he's trying to educate me or help me with my golf game. He's trying to tell only me not to hit the ball from the grass. The people around are staring at him berate me. I wish someone would have my back when the owner comes over to me . I want to be left alone. I spend a lot of money at this place. So having said all this if anyone reading this seesm this happening please help me make it stop. Nobody should be bullied like this . And if anyone knows of any other golf ranges close by please comment on this review or if this is happening to you too please comment on this review or if you've witnessed the owner harrasing other people please comment on this review. Everyone just please if you've read this comment on this review. Maybe if enough people see this and comment. I mite be able to get peace. Thank you #stopthebully read more

First time there, as it was only 8 minutes from the house. Nice place the gal that helped me was hella fine and the golf pro there helped me with glove selection. First time golfer with a rag tag set of clubs. Will definitely be back. Cheers! read more

Leader Golf - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Good spot for practice! Fellows at the shop are super nice. Grounds are clean and bucket of balls are affordable. Definitely will return read more

Leader Golf - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

Super reasonably priced ($24 for 200 balls). Selection of beer, drinks and snacks. Bathrooms available. Occasionally a food truck that sells great food. The complaints about this place are greatly exaggerated. The owner is incredibly kind and smiles every time he sees me. Just don't be an idiot and start chipping on the putting green or be loud and belligerent next to people who are clearly trying to practice and you'll have a great time. read more

Leader Golf - Driving range with moon setting over it - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

Very nice staff, clean area, and fair prices. Paid around 20 for 200 balls. Good place for beginners looking to perfect their hits. read more

No charge to rent Irons, $24 for 200 balls- a great way to spend an afternoon! Very accesible and good read more

I'm new to golfing and this was so approachable! Everyone is super friendly and the cars out on the course is so unique. Grabbed a glove at the pro shop and met the course cat meowmeow . Will definitely be back! read more

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I love leader golf. It's an old school driving range with all the perks. Great practice area for short game as well and the father/son owners have always been nothing but pleasant. This is my go to range. read more

This spot is great to hit some shots and practice that swing. It's located right off the freeway which gives it easy access to all surrounding areas. They sell beer here which makes it a fun outing with friends. There's a small area to practice putting too. I've been here a few times and each time I leave saying I need to go back soon. Now I bought golf clubs so I've got no choice! It's not the nicest spot but I highly recommend it. Any beginner can show up, rent some clubs, buy a bucket of balls and go swinging. It's way cheaper than top golf. read more

Leader Golf - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

My friend and I came here for my first time golfing. While he was teaching me, a guy got upset that we were talking--even though others around us were too--and rudely told us to "shut the kcuf up" and move. Then a manager came over, and I explained the situation calmly. We didn't say anything disrespectful to the man, but the manager just said, "He's been coming here for 30 years, can you just move?" That felt unfair. We weren't the only ones who thought so--several groups left after that. Just because someone's a longtime customer doesn't mean they're always right. I'll be sharing this experience on all my socials because this isn't okay. read more

Leader Golf - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

Awesome owner, perfect place to hit balls and work on game! Short game, putt, irons, and driver, all parts of game

They updated the bays last year. Covers over all bays to avoid sun or rain. They added new mats, new balls and bench's. Lots of bays and room. Good selection of beer. Putting green is always in good condition. And the chipping area is nice. They have fittings, clubs adjustments and grips available. They ordered me some grips I wanted and they installed them for a good price. It's my favorite since it's easier to get space to get in and out. read more

It was my first time at a range and everything was super easy and smooth. I enjoyed my time and will be back. read more

Very nice and remodeled. The owner is very nice as well. They have a taco truck on site. We will be coming back! read more

Leader Golf - Really nice and looks new - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

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What a little hidden gem! I'll call this a poor man's Top Golf. $10 for a large bucket of golf balls. Came here on a Wednesday evening. Was able to get our own "lane." There are old cars, trash bins, flags, and distance markers that you can aim at. You can put your ball on a tee (your own or can be purchased here) on the grass or there are small patches of fake grass. There's also a putting area. The cats that roam around here love people. There is ample outdoor seating and a small shop where you can get golf gear and food. Really chill spot, we'll be back since it's open until really late when the night cools down. read more

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Terrible customer service. Been playing golf 30 years and I've never been "shood" off a putting green for chipping in my life. I get it there is a sign. But I didn't see it. Have some respect for your customers. read more

One star because they charge $5 to use the chipping area. Who does that? The range balls need to be replaced- like today! The bucket of balls isn't cheap either. The owner is a bit of a dry personality. Can't really read him but he seems a bit stern. The range needs more improvement than my golf swing. Enough said. read more

been going to leader for many years. never fails. the range is affordable & friendly to all skill levels. putting greens might be the slowest greens on the planet but it does make it fun to putt with a friend. read more

I'm giving it one extra star due to the new construction updates. They have recently added covers to all of the remaining stalls, so just about every stall has a cover. This is a huge improvement, especially in the summertime when it gets very hot. My only gripe about the place is the number of signs, telling people what is permitted, and what is not. For example, they have a sign outside the clubhouse, saying not to bring your clubs in. I brought in a single golf club, and was told that there was a sign constructing me to leave it outside. It was a single club, and I really didn't feel comfortable leaving a $600 driver standing alone outside. It's petty stuff like this, which prevents me from giving them five stars. read more

Excellent place to hone your skills. Hospitable management, equipment upkeep, and a friendly range cat are only a few of the perks.

At present more than half the hitting bays are out of operation. Rolled up there on a Wednesday early afternoon with not many cars in the lot, to find a long line to wait for one of the few bays available. Didn't have the time or patience to wait and went to haggin oak instead where all bays are functional. Leader golf is a two bit run down location. Not worth the drive out there. read more

Great place if you're looking to hit balls....Top Golf who? This is a great place to practice your shot, or if you just enjoy hitting for distance. They offer bay rentals at a fraction of what Top Golf costs. read more

This place has been in shambles for years and don't nothing to improve their nets or the quality of the range. The clubs they allow for rental are of the poorest quality. Not sure if it was the owner or just an employee but they were extremely rude by kicking me out for hitting some of my own balls on the range read more

Some of the reviews here are pretty hilarious... someone complaining they can't tee it up in the grass in front of the mat? Obviously that's not allowed at any driving range! People shank all the time and you could get hit. Look... this is a small, unassuming, old-school driving range best for having fun (date night!) or those trying to improve their game and get some reps in. If you want perfect facilities and someone waiting on you hand and foot, go to Topgolf or fight the crowds at Haggin. As a beginner looking to improve my game, this is the perfect place for me to do so. Yes you have to buy a tee (it's only $2 and you keep it for next time) and yes there is a charge for the chipping area (which I agree isn't ideal but I just don't use it), but as a small driving range they must need creative ways to increase revenue to stay in business. Can't really hate on that. I come here at least once a week and I think Leader Golf is a great facility if you appreciate it for what it is. Don't expect it to be something it's not. read more

BEWARE OF VICIOUS OWNER!!! Incident 1: I was hitting balls at the driving range. There was a worker driving a ball-collecting cart in the target area. The cart was without a roof, was open on all sides, and the worker did not wear a helmet or any protective gear. I was aiming away from the cart but sometimes the ball flight would shape and head toward it. Still way out of my drives' reach, though. The owner approached me threateningly and bawled me out in front of other customers. I told him that he should temporarily close the driving stalls when his worker was collecting balls under those conditions. I could have reported him to Labor authorities for employee endangerment, but I didn't. In fact, I continued to patronize his business. Incident 2: After practicing at the fenced short-game area. I left his golf ball shagger inside. I went to the putting green and the owner confronted me menacingly and screamed at me in front other customers that I should have brought back the shagger to the pro shop. I can grant that that was the proper thing to do, but I've done that before without issues. Regardless, there is absolutely no excuse for him to treat his customers that way. A civilized owner would simply have said "Please return the ball shagger to the pro shop." Incident 3: There will be no incident 3 since I'm never going back there. The owner seems nice when you're just giving him your money, but watch out for the mad dog behind that smiling face. read more

The only reason I go here is because it's close to my house. If there was another range close by, I'd go there. The customer service at this place is some of the worst I've come across in my life. I dunno if it's the guy that owns it or what, but today I went to hit some balls only to find that there were no tees in the mats. Apparently you have to buy a tee? Since when?? So I decided to tee it up myself in the grass right in front of the mat. That was when the guy came out and said I couldn't do that. You can't tee it up on the grass? Taking no divots out mind you! I'm not sure I'll be coming back here, I'd rather just take practice swings in my yard. read more

It's true the owner is a grump, and everything is pretty overpriced. The range is average quality.

Okkkuuurrrr... Don't be scurrred (no typo)! So my hubby randomly sprung a last minute date to Leader Golf on me during the week. Other than mini golf I've never actually tried golf or been to a driving range before. I guess you can say I'm a big girl now! Of course, I was intimidated and had the jitters like "I hope I don't embarrass myself!" Since it was a weekday and based off reviews the best time would be around 2pm or anytime before their happy hour. Leader Golf is conveniently off the highway, a lot with plenty of space, driving range to work on your golf game (real grass) that also offers limited shade coverage, a putting area (turf) and I believe a mini golf course. I'm sure there's so much more they offer but we came strictly for the driving range and paid for 200 balls (insanely cheap). We didn't even use all the balls but we had a great time and it made for a great first experience! Also when we pulled up to the spot, we saw a family and instantly wish we brought the kids with us! Shucks, maybe next time! Oh yes, there will be a next time! read more

Leader Golf - Beer and golf - Golf Near Me - Sacramento, California

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My cousin introduced me to Leader Golf soon after we moved up here. She had been itching to hit some golf balls and I was ready to partake. I plan on going a lot more especially with the weather clearing up. **DISCLAIMER, and I say this with positivity** Another Yelper dubbed this "a poor man's Top Golf" and I appreciate everything about this statement. You can show up in jeans and a t-shirt with absolutely no judgement passed. You can show up looking like a Pro golfer with absolutely no judgement passed. Like the famous purple gym, it's a no-judgement zone. The other great catch is the cost for balls. Also, you can bring your own beverages! There are selections of real grass, turf covered and turf uncovered. I was thankful for the covered turfs because it was pouring the first night we went. I have yet to hit off of grass here, but the turf pads are also in good condition. Rubber tees were not an issue the first 1-2 times going, but apparently you're supposed to purchase your own? No biggie- I finally did and I keep it in my bag. Maybe those were extras or some left behind and we lucked out. The range is plenty long and plentiful of fun targets. Old cars, large empty trash/oil drums, yard markers, etc. It can get pretty noisy, especially later at night after some beers under the covered area, but it's a fun and light environment. If you're really trying to practice your swing, I recommend going to the real grass and probably earlier in the day. We have personally enjoyed the noise because it's kept the mood fun and also nice knowing that we can have a conversation without disturbing others. There is also plenty of room to work on your short game and putting. Included are multiple greens, bunkers, and taller grass... because we all end up in all three eventually! I haven't spent too much time playing these areas, but they look to be kept in good condition. They seem to challenge from easier (flat putts) to harder (breaks, mounds...). The website states there is a 9-hole putt-putt you can play for free. I haven't seen it, but again I've only used the range. The clubhouse is pretty well stocked with club options and accessories. I saw the beer fridge and was like a fly to the light... after I bought my ball tokens, of course. All beverage options are pretty well priced, respectively. As I said earlier, you're more than welcome to bring your own. It's a great, relaxed environment- a perfect way to unwind after a long week or 'just because', as well as work on your game. read more

Best driving range in town. Old school driving range and a great place to have fun. Cheema the owner is super helpful and has a great ping selection in the pro shop read more

Good driving range with covered and uncovered spots. This place is tucked away so it's never too busy even on the weekend. Like most places you need to bring your own rubber tee. read more