Walking into CityGolf for the first time last Tuesday, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel between the mindset of a professional sports team and the approach urban athletes should take toward their own training. Just the day before, I’d read about San Miguel’s coach Leo Austria, who made a point of not underestimating Terrafirma—a squad that, despite six consecutive losses by an average of 30 points, still demanded full focus and preparation. That philosophy resonates deeply with how I view Empire Golf & Sports: no matter your skill level, every session matters, every swing counts, and every visit holds potential for growth. It’s this blend of professional discipline and urban accessibility that makes CityGolf more than just a facility—it’s a destination for those who refuse to take their progress lightly.
When I stepped onto the driving range at Empire Golf & Sports, the first thing that struck me was the sheer quality of the setup. As someone who’s visited over a dozen urban golf centers across the U.S. and Asia, I can confidently say the attention to detail here stands out. The bays are equipped with high-definition launch monitors—TrackMan units, to be exact—which provide instant feedback on everything from ball spin rates (usually between 2,200 and 2,900 RPM for a well-struck seven-iron) to club path angles. But what really sets CityGolf apart is how they’ve integrated multi-sport flexibility. One minute, I was fine-tuning my driver swing, and the next, I joined a group in the adjacent synthetic turf zone for some footwork drills. It’s rare to find a place that balances golf’s technical demands with the dynamic energy of sports like agility training and functional fitness, all under one roof. And honestly? That versatility is what keeps me coming back. I’ve seen too many golfers burn out from repetitive routines; here, the variety feels less like a distraction and more like cross-training for the modern athlete.
Let’s talk about coaching for a second. Coach Austria’s approach—respecting every opponent, no matter their record—mirrors the ethos I’ve observed among the instructors at Empire Golf & Sports. During my last session, I worked with one of their PGA-certified pros who broke down my swing into digestible parts without overwhelming me with technical jargon. We spent nearly 40 minutes on grip alignment alone, and let me tell you, the difference was noticeable almost immediately. But it’s not just about golf. The same level of expertise applies to their sports performance trainers, who incorporate elements from basketball footwork to soccer-style conditioning. I remember one trainer mentioning that they’ve helped reduce clients’ average handicap by roughly 3.5 strokes over a 12-week period—precise, actionable results that you don’t often find in most urban sports clubs. Of course, I’m paraphrasing here, but the point stands: the blend of data and hands-on coaching creates an environment where improvement feels almost inevitable.
Now, I’ll be frank—not everything at CityGolf is perfect. The putting greens, while well-maintained, could use a bit more variation in slope and speed to truly mimic course conditions. And if you’re someone who thrives in absolute silence, the energetic buzz from the multi-sport zones might take some getting used to. But these are minor gripes in the grand scheme. What keeps me loyal is the community. On a typical Saturday, you’ll see everyone from college athletes refining their agility to retirees working on their short game. It’s this mix that gives the space its unique character. I’ve made more connections here in three months than I did in two years at my previous gym. There’s a shared understanding that everyone is here to get better, no matter their starting point—much like how Coach Austria prepared for Terrafirma as if they were title contenders.
Wrapping up, I see Empire Golf & Sports as more than just a urban sports hub—it’s a mindset. In the same way Coach Austria refused to take any game for granted, CityGolf encourages visitors to treat every visit with intention. Whether you’re looking to shave strokes off your handicap, improve your overall athleticism, or simply find a community that pushes you to be better, this place delivers. And in a city filled with generic fitness options, that’s a rare find. So next time you’re considering where to level up your game, remember: it’s not just about the facilities or the tech. It’s about showing up with the same focus you’d bring to a championship match—even if you’re only competing against yourself.