For many people, the idea of golfing conjures up an image of the elite class taking to the greens as an expensive recreation. Although Beijing boasts scores of golf courses of refined standards, playing golf is still seen as a costly activity.
However, subtle changes are being charted as more and more people are having bulging wallets and regard playing golf as a fashionable sport. In fact, as a beginner or for people who just want to have a different experience, one doesn't need to toss hard-earned cash on an 18-hole course which may take long time to complete.
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Simply find a practice range before you head to a real course and see if golf is for you.
The good news for people interested in trying their luck at a tee box is that similar to the abundant supply of formal golf courses, Beijing also has a large number of driving ranges, which, due to increasing competition, are lowering their prices while offering improved services to meet the diversified demands of different people. The followings are some major driving ranges within and outside of Beijing. They generally charge around 70 yuan (US$8.50) for 100 balls and 60 yuan (US$7.30) per hour over the weekend with a 20 per cent discount during the week.
Beijing Laipeng Golf Practice Course
Tees: 48
Location: 1 Dongwaihuan Beilu, Laiguangying
Tel: 86-10-84904351
Shangdi Resort Range
Tees: 66
Location: east of Yuanmingyuan Villa, Xiaoqinghe Lu
Tel: 86-10-62829066
Beijing Haipeng Golf Range
Tees: 75
Location: south end of the Shangdi Development Zone
Tel: 86-10-62980038
Beijing Jiawei Golf Range
Tees: 50
Location: 150 Laiguangying Beilu
Tel: 86-10-84916966
CBD International Golf Range
Tees: 60
Location: 99 Gaobeidian Lu
Tel: 86-10-67384809
Yaowahu International Golf Range
Tees: 60
Location: 1 Dongsihuan Nanlu
Tel: 86-10-67306688
Tiande Golf Range
Tees: 64
Location: 28 Xiaohongmen, Jiugongzhen
Tel: 86-10-87910545
Gaorun Golf Range
Tees: 45
Location: 1 Laiguangying Xinbeilu
Tel: 86-10-84917848
Greystone Golf Centre
Tees: 45
Location: 1 Xiangjiang Beilu
Tel: 86-10-84506888
(China Daily June 10, 2005)
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