Aqua Golf Driving Range — Local services in Redding

The Sacramento River is a living thing. It coils through Redding like a bored python on pills—thick, brown, and always watching. On some days, it glistens. On others, it sweats. And perched precariously on its sun-scorched bank, somewhere between civilization and psychosis, sits the Aqua Golf Driving Range—a waterlogged fever dream of cheap entertainment and suppressed aggression.

This is not Pebble Beach. Hell, it’s not even a putt-putt course in Red Bluff. Aqua Golf is golf stripped of pretense, laid bare and steaming in the full blast of Northern California’s helllight. It's golf practice on the river, against the river, because of the river—a slow, muddy God rolling past as you whack dimpled spheres into its bloated gut.

I arrived near sunset, just as the sky turned the color of a nicotine stain. The Sacramento was low and surly, dragging its way past the banks like it was too drunk to flow properly. I half-expected it to rise up and swallow the place whole, like some ancient beast reclaiming its territory. But it didn’t. It just rolled on, silent and judgmental.

The range itself is absurd: a launchpad of Astroturf and rusting dividers, slinging range balls into a stagnant lagoon tethered to the river. The targets bob like lies—floating barrels, PVC pipe and capsized boats, other chunks of nautical detritus. All of them mocking you. Daring you. The water doesn't splash, it gulps. Every missed shot gets eaten by the river’s algae laden cousin, this man-made offshoot pond that gurgles and swallows your self-esteem.

There’s contemporary music playing. No polite golf etiquette. Just the rhythmic plop of failure and the occasional grunt from a young guy named Wyatt trying to impress his Tinder date with a 7-iron and a can of Coors Light.

But then, something happens.

Just for a moment, when you hit it clean—and I mean clean, like the old gods of golf leaned down and whispered sweet alignment into your spine—you hear it. A satisfying thwack, followed by a perfect arc and then DOING, it bounces off one of the floating barrels supporting the floating fence, into the current beyond, destined to float to sea and join some part of some floating island of garbage.

And the river notices.

Not that it cares. But it sees you.

It rolls on, indifferent but no longer ignoring you. You’ve communed with it. A brief, smoky handshake between man and current. You’re not a golfer. You’re a worshiper flinging tiny white offerings into the mouth of a constant beast that doesn’t need feeding.

The sun dipped low. Bugs screamed. Somewhere upriver, a jetski moaned against the current. I crushed my last ball, missed everything, and felt fantastic.

The place is under new management as of mid 2025. Their eagerness to improve the facility shows with the new ball dispenser and mats.

Final verdict? 4.5 out of 5 sacrificial range balls. Go alone. Go blistered. Go when the river is angry.

It’s not just golf. It’s ritual.

And the Sacramento is...

So today 7/10/19, I had gone to this location for the first time. I had rented a driver club for the bucket use of balls I purchased. During this day of fun I had brought a club of my own as well. I decided to use the locations club for a few times, during which the 5 stings I had used it the head just fell of without any issues. Lady at the front says I owe them 20 bucks not since she claims its new from 6/01/19. I don't see how my few times of wear on it is my fault of breaking set club. So if you plan on going, use your own stuff since they wanna rip others off after gluing clubs back together and...

What a great experience right here in Redding! I am an occasional golfer. I own an ok set of clubs and play when friends invite me. I like the game but just do not have the time spend 5 hours on the golf course. So when I want to hit some balls or hang out with friends or Gayle and I want something to do in Redding, Aqua Golf is a great place. Easy to get in and out, clean and upgraded facilities, beer, very friendly and helpful staff...and how can you beat the view. On a hot day the cool Sacramento River is perfect. Check this place out, you will have...