By Joe Kelly

Grab a golf club and swing away at the newest addition to the sports scene in the Northwest Corner—Goodfellas Driving Range, east of town on Route 44 just over the Colebrook border. Once known as the Rock Pile, it’s been a golf range off and on for a long time—in recent years more off than on, with the grass frequently left uncut and ball baskets unfilled.

Now run by the Travaglini family—Mike, Anne-Marie and their son Marco—the Rock Pile has been reincarnated as Goodfellas. The family also operates Norfolk Storage and Supply nearby on Route 44.

The hitting area has been cleaned of debris, the grass is mown and there is now an automated golf ball dispenser so the range can be used anytime. Baskets are priced the same as before: $5 (small) and $10 (large). Cash is required. The ball dispensing machine at Goodfellas does not accept credit cards or prepaid tokens. 

Mike Travaglini is the driving force behind the operation, but Marco is the golfer. It’s a sideline for all of them—in addition to the storage center, Michael is superintendent at O & G Industries in Torrington and Marco is busy with his home renovation and construction business, Travaglini Home Improvement.

About the name. Is it a homage to the 1990s film? A nod to Robert DeNiro or Martin Scorsese? Queries on this topic were met with reticence and even exasperation. At one point, Mike declared flatly, “We’re Italian.” 

The naming decision was left to Marco, who said he was looking for “something different.” He seems to have succeeded—an online search turned up many Goodfellas pizza parlors, but no other driving ranges with that name.

The Travaglinis currently lease the property. If all goes well, they hope to enhance and expand the operation, rebuilding the stalls and possibly adding a putting green. For now, locals should leave the putter, take the clubs and don’t forget the cash.