Valley Golf Center preps for grand opening

Among the biggest problems with amateur golfers is over-swinging, said John Salerno.

Mr. Salerno is a golf instructor at Valley Golf Center, a longtime golf facility which recently re-opened under new management at 562 Danbury Road (Route 7 South) in New Milford.

The facility, which sits on seven acres, has a driving range, an 18-hole miniature golf course and 22 bays for hitting golf balls.

It is owned by Patty and Rich Gustavson of Sherman.

Valley Golf Center offers private and group lessons, clinics, club repairs, custom fittings and birthday parties. It has outdoor picnic tables and a snack shop, and sells golf equipment.

A 40-minute lesson costs $50. Beginner group lessons are $90 an hour.

Mr. Salerno earned PGA of America membership in 1990. The group, founded in 1916, is made up of 27,000 golf professionals.

"The PGA has a great system of certifying their golfers," he said, "and keeping them up to date on the latest trends and technology in the sport of golf."

One reason the Gustavsons said Valley Golf Center is special is its natural setting.

"People that are hitting can follow their balls a lot better," said Rich Gustavson, 49, who worked in the investment business prior to opening up the facility.

"The backdrop of the mountains, water, sand traps and trees give much more depth perception than artificial turf," he said.

Customer Bob Black of Newtown is a Valley Golf Center patron once a week.

"It's clean and friendly, and all the yard markers are pretty accurate," said Mr. Black, who has been golfing for about 30 years. "They have good quality tees and balls."

Valley Golf Center will have its grand opening Saturday with free golf demonstrations and refreshments.

Regular hours are Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mr. Salerno offers a complementary, 30-minute consultation.

For more information, call 860-799-6006.