Pros 
Cons Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf: A Chicago Gem with Room for Improvement
Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf, nestled in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood, presents a unique urban recreational opportunity. Featuring both a well-regarded driving range and a miniature golf course, the facility consistently receives a 4.3-star rating, indicating a generally positive experience for visitors. While conveniently located at 141 W Diversey Pkwy, and boasting readily accessible payment options, customer experiences reveal a mixed bag of praise and points for improvement. Here's a breakdown of what golfers and mini golfers can expect.
Mini Golf: Fun & Affordable, but Showing its Age
The miniature golf course at Diversey offers a reasonably priced escape within the city limits. It’s marketed as a simple, fun course – and many agree. The views, especially during warmer months, add to the enjoyment, making it a popular choice for group outings.
However, several visitors have flagged the need for better course maintenance. Specifically:
- Hole #4 is consistently mentioned as being in disrepair. Reports describe it as being in "terrible condition" and requiring repair.
- A confusing course layout. Some players have noted a strange numbering system, with a missing hole (#7) that reappears mysteriously at the end of the course after #18.
- Accessibility is good: The facility provides wheelchair accessible entrance and parking.
Despite these issues, the affordability of the course is a significant draw, particularly within Chicago.
Hours & Customer Service: A Point of Contention
One of the most recurring themes in reviews centers around the facility's operating hours and the customer service experience surrounding them. While Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf officially maintains extensive hours – 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week – several patrons found this information misleading, particularly concerning the mini golf.
“I recently tried to puttputt nearly an hour before close (plenty of time) and the shop was already closed up and locked down…she was super short with me and not at all polite or warm.”
This points to a "last purchase" cut-off one hour before closing time, which isn’t clearly communicated. Disappointment arises because customers spending time at the adjacent bar/restaurant weren’t informed about this, leading to a ruined planned activity.
The staff’s response to these concerns has also been criticized. A lack of warmth, coupled with the assertion that they have no control over the Google Business listing (which is inaccurate), left a negative impression on at least one reviewer, leading to a conditional promise of an updated 5-star review if the issue is rectified. Accurate online hours are crucial for planning visits.
The Driving Range Experience: A City Oasis for Golfers
The driving range portion of Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf receives consistently positive feedback. Managed by the Chicago Park District, the facility is praised for being well-maintained, especially considering its inner-city location.
Key features include:
- Year-Round Access: Enclosed and heated stalls allow for golfing even during colder months.
- Capacity: The two-level design comfortably accommodates a large number of golfers.
- Value: The rates are considered reasonable, representing a good deal for city golfers.
However, a truly concerning account highlights a significant lapse in customer care.
A golfer’s driver head detached during a session and rolled down the range. Despite multiple attempts to alert staff, the situation wasn't addressed promptly. While the driver was eventually found, it was returned in a severely damaged condition. The golfer's subsequent efforts to seek resolution through both Diversey and the Chicago Park District were met with silence and a lack of accountability. This incident underscores a potentially serious issue regarding how lost or damaged equipment is handled.
Parking Woes & Added Convenience
Parking near Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf appears to be a significant source of frustration. The facility outsources its parking to a third-party company, Metropolis, and numerous reviews cite excruciatingly long wait times to exit the lot – up to 30 minutes in some cases.
Despite this logistical hurdle, the facility offers some convenient amenities:
- Snack/Beverage Options: A small clubhouse allows visitors to purchase reasonably priced refreshments.
- Summer Bar/Restaurant: A seasonal, adjacent bar and restaurant provides a relaxing spot to unwind after a session.
- Small Putting Green Great to practice your putting.
- Single Restroom: There is only one restroom available, located outside and is transferrable.