Review: Greenwich Peninsula Golf

An experience that is worth teeing off for

Golf is hot. Always has been, always will be. Yet, for young professionals in London, novelty mini-golf spots such as Junkyard Golf and Swingers is all they know. Very few central London locations offer anything beyond Instagram-friendly experiences.

The majority of golf courses and driving ranges are located on the outskirts of the capital, making them challenging to reach. Greenwich Peninsula Golf Driving Range changes this.

Situated barely 200-yards from the entrance to the Blackwall tunnel with traffic meltdowns abound on the A12, it hardly seems like the ideal location for a driving range. Golf is supposed to be relaxing, played surrounded by greenery and nature, but this is not your run-of-the-mill golfing local.

As soon as you pass through the steel gates, the sound of traffic fades away and your preconceived expectations disappear with it.

You are greeted by an immaculately kept lawn and the understated entrance suggests you are in for a different experience. A smarter experience.

As you stroll through the lobby, there is a palpable aura of calm and you can feel yourself becoming more relaxed by the minute. Life in London can often be an endless, stressful hustle and bustle set to a relentless pace. But, at Greenwich Peninsula Driving Range, the pace of life itself seems to slow down.

All of a sudden, no one seems to be in a rush. Once you have been allocated your area at the driving range, two floors composed of roughly 60 separate bays, it is yours for up to two hours. If you are lucky you can have a much longer session if it is a quiet day. Either way, it allows you to have a leisurely game entirely at your own pace.

On weekends, there may be a bit of a wait for space, but while waiting, grabbing a quick bite to eat and drink at the in-house restaurant, The Joint. You can enjoy the food from the restaurant either within its cosy surroundings or have it delivered directly to your bay.

Opting for a simple but extremely tasty beef burger, which arrives very quickly, and coupled with a bottle of cider, the quality of the restaurant is readily apparent. For vegetarian and vegan patrons, there is a plenary of choices on offer too.

With the food and drink just under £20 and the golf itself costing £10 off-peak and £12 peak for 120 balls, the prices are not at all extortionate, especially considering its prime location.

Each bay provides a spectacular view of Canary Wharf and the banks of the Thames, as well as the O2 Arena and even as far as the Orbital statue in Stratford’s Olympic Park. There is a reason this iconic view from the course has become such a celebrated and promoted part of the business.

It is also really striking how quiet and peaceful it is, despite having one of the UK’s busiest business districts on your left and frenetic motorways directly behind you. It is almost like you are in a bubble.

The golf itself may not be as technologically focused as other driving ranges but, again, there is a likeable simplicity to it, with the rented clubs being the latest models and occasionally an instructor or two, who often stop to give you some pointers.

One of the best things about this driving range is that it is accessible for people of all abilities. For expert golfers, they will appreciate the traditional style of the green, as well as the fact it is the longest driving range of anywhere with a London postcode, allowing them to test their ability to the limits.

For novice golfers, the relaxed ambience and different mini-games - which incorporate different clubs and types of shots - provide a fun and engaging introduction to golf. Greenwich Peninsula does what very few other ranges have; creating an environment in which everyone can enjoy playing golf.

Overall, the Greenwich Peninsula Golf Driving Range is certainly worth a visit. Most importantly, it is accessible for golfers of any ability and making the game fun for all, with its ideal location and exemplary customer service making the range a must-visit!

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