By Amy Casebier
Contributing Writer

Come wind, snow, sleet, rain or other unpleasant elements, golfers can still practice their passion at Cozy Acres Golf Course in Madison, Ind. Gone are the days of layering and bundling up just to hit a few balls.

Photo by Amy Casebier Golfers can now enjoy hitting balls in all types of weather.

Cozy Acres has recently added a new feature to its course: a heated driving range area sheltered from the elements. The metal structure is enclosed on three sides, opening up to the driving range. Golfers wishing to practice their swing enter the shelter through a door and twist the timer on the wall to turn on the overhead heaters.
“It takes about five minutes to heat up,” said Dale Crafton, who owns Cozy Acres.
The new area officially opened last fall, but Crafton began planning the covered feature in the winters of 2006 and 2007.
“There’s nothing like that around here,” he said on why he decided to construct a sheltered driving range. “People didn’t have the opportunity to hit balls in the winter. We wanted to afford them that opportunity.”
So far, golfers have responded positively to the new addition, Crafton said. While the bitter cold still keeps even the most avid players at home, the course has seen an increase of golfers on the range when the weather has been moderately cold.
The new covered driving range has not only benefitted the golfers who want to stay loose during the winter but do not want to brave the worst elements, but also Cozy Acres itself.
“We do a lot of instruction,” Crafton said. With the addition of the heated shelter at the range, Cozy Acres can continue giving instruction during the winter and inclement weather.
When warmer weather does arrive, Crafton said that the sides of the shelter can be taken down to allow for air circulation for the golfers. The roof will remain to provide reprieve from the rain.
Cozy Acres has been operating since 1994. In addition to the new covered driving range, the course offers nine holes, an 18-hole miniature golf course, lessons and classes, a full pro shop, club repair and scrambles.

• Cozy Acres Golf Course is located at 4040 N. Old State Rd. 62, Madison, Ind. For more information, including hours of operation and information about lessons, call (812) 273-3137 or visit: www.cozyacresgolf.com.