Driver ranges just got an upgrade at San Antonio’s Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas. The golf club has opened 35 new Toptracer Ranger golf bays, allowing players to virtually tour a dozen famous courses without leaving Alamo City.

“Toptracer introduces an entirely new kind of experience to the resort, one that pairs technology, entertainment, and social connection in a way that feels both elevated and accessible,” said Steve J. Smith, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas. “Whether guests are seasoned golfers or picking up a club for the first time, this is about creating a memorable, interactive experience that brings people together and adds a new dimension to how they enjoy their time at Hyatt Regency Hill Country.”

How Does it Work?
Toptracer bays are still actual driving ranges. Players hit real balls into real fields, just like a standard driving bay. The difference comes in the tracing technology on the bay touch screens. They used advanced ball tracking to show simulated paths on a variety of famous links such as Pebble Beach, Royal St. George’s, St. Andrews, and Torrey Pines. Players can also participate in a round of Angry Birds.

One area in which the Toptracer system excels is in putting. When a ball gets within putting range, the system still encourages players to chip the shot to land the appropriate distance. This cuts down on players having to putt into an imaginary hole they can't see in front of them, concentrating only on distance control to achieve a good score. You can see a good example of this in this Facebook video.

The Hill Country Resort has 20 covered bays and 15 open-air ones. Each one accommodates up to six players with Callaway clubs and unlimited golf balls. Food and beverage service is available. Pricing starts at $35 per hour with a 15 percent discount offered to resort guests. Reservations can be made at the Hyatt website.

The addition to the Toptracer Range bays is just another part of the Hill Country Resort's expansion over the past several years. The resort now includes five stand-alone villas, spa services, and access to a variety of community spaces.

“These enhancements mark a new chapter for the resort,” continued Smith. “We’ve reimagined the experience to offer something truly distinctive, where guests can move seamlessly from high-energy, social moments like Toptracer to the laid-back luxury of the lagoon, villas, and spa. It’s a more immersive and memorable way to experience the Hill Country.”