If you feel like trying your hand at golf, but lack the time, money, patience or confidence to do so, there are two fun alternatives: driving ranges and mini-golf.
Driving ranges are a great way to practice your swing and smash away your stress, either by yourself or with a couple of friends. Many venues have undercover bays, which means that rain is no obstacle, while lighting is also common, allowing you to play at night. Because there's nobody keeping score and nobody waiting behind you, there's no pressure. Take your time, chat to your friend and do your best. If you fluff your lines, who cares? There's plenty more balls where that one came from.
Having honed your long game at the driving range, you'll want to head to your local mini-golf course to work on your short game. The holes are generally full of wacky designs and crazy obstacles, so you couldn't take it seriously even if you wanted to. By the time you make it to the end, it's almost certain that you'll have done more giggling than putting.
There are plenty of driving ranges and mini-golf courses throughout any major city – indeed, some places even offer both. Whether you're looking for a gentle introduction to the sport, or have concluded that you prefer the less traditional forms of the game, they make a great way to pass a few hours.
To find your local little-white-ball-punishment-club look no further than
Google.
