Unlike learning how to swim or cycle, not many of us have been taught how to properly grip a golf club and drive a ball 100 yards away. After all, golf seems like the kind of high-SES sport that’s only played by adults who can afford country club memberships and many afternoons off.
First impressions aside, golf is actually a pretty accessible sport, with many public golf courses in Singapore where you can play at affordable prices. Over at the North-East, we discovered Punggol Golf Driving Range. Ulu as it may be, this hideout is quite the haunt with many other interesting things to see close by.
Spanning 2 floors, Punggol Golf Driving Range is located just along the PCN. To sharpen your bearings, it’s opposite the Artbox-inspired Punggol Container Park that’s known for its chill supper spots.
Golfers are not required to make prior bookings on the range, and are free to wheel their own clubs in whenever there’s space available.
For the record, I went with my colleague John who is a first-time golfer like myself, his only knowledge about golf coming from anime.
Thankfully, even if you have zero golfing experience like us, you can hit the coaches up for free trial lessons suited to both beginners and newbies.
The classes are run by Poh Brothers Golf Management, one of SG’s most experienced team of coaches. Once you’re done with the free trials, you can choose to sign up for a lesson package.
Beginners can consider the Tee-To-Green Programme ($850/pax), where you’ll get 8 hours of coaching before obtaining the Golf Proficiency Certificate.
Tiger Woods and other pro golfers may have shown us how effortless a golf swing can look, but if you walk away thinking the sport is easy – wrong.
Perfecting your technique takes a bit of flair and a whole lot of practice. It’s a good thing that students have full access to the golf gym that houses machines specifically designed to improve golfer’s strength.
Trainees are likely to do quite a bit of work at this particular machine, a unique contraption that trains your biceps, triceps, and other muscle groups that are required to drive the ball to far distances.
Once our trial session was completed, it was time for the real test. Without any guidance, we headed upstairs for a lil practice sesh to see how much of the basics we were able to carry out.
Prices for free-and-easy sessions are pretty affordable, with 100 balls going at $8+. Although golf clubs are not available for rent yet, they will be very soon. For now, you can purchase affordable entry level golf clubs at Decathlon from $35.
Getting into formation.
Let’s just say my greatest achievement was simply hitting the ball off the ground.
Aside from driving, a golfer’s expertise is also determined by his or her precision. Likewise, you can practise your putting skills at the mini putting course, a miniature version of the driving range.
Sipping a beer while enjoying the cool evening breeze is surely a relaxing way to end the day.
Few things can beat the feeling of enjoying good food while admiring a pretty view. Once you’ve packed up your clubs, have a refuel at Tend Bistro Izakaya Bar, which is located on the second floor overlooking the driving range.
Kushiyaki (top) and Yakitori (bottom) platters.
On top of its range of Japanese sake, beers and other alcoholic drinks, the bar specialises in char-grilled skewers. We were recommended to get the Yakitori platter ($14), which consists of different cuts of chicken, as well as the Kushiyaki platter ($13), which is a mix of their best vegetable, meat and seafood skewers.
You can get a pint of Kirin ($11) fresh off the tap, which has a light and refreshing flavour that complements the dishes well.
Address: 60 Punggol East, #02-01, Singapore 828825
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 2.30pm-11.30pm | Sat-Sun 11.30am-11.30pm
Telephone: 8786 8781
If you’re craving fried chicken after golfing, the good news is that there’s a Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop outlet right at your doorstep just at the entrance of the driving range. Even better, there’s a Cat & The Fiddle Cafe tucked within the restaurant where you can grab a sweet treat after your meal.
The restaurant has a green rustic decor in both the exterior and interior sitting areas.
For those who’d like a healthier option, opt for their roast chicken.
Keep your eyes peeled for the restaurant’s Fried Spring Chicken ($18.50), their signature dish that balances the textures of both the tender meat and crispy skin well.
Address: 60 Punggol East, #01-09, Singapore 828825
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10.30pm | Sat-Sun 8.30am-10.30pm
Telephone: 8950 5583
Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop website
Beyond going to hiking trails and running tracks, there are many other outdoor places to hit up in Singapore to get some exercise done. Plus, we love it most when these haunts are relatively lowkey, and have perks that can’t be found elsewhere.
Well, look no further than Punggol Golf Driving Range, which is more than just a regular golf spot in country clubs. From attending free trial lessons to having a meal at the F&B places within the range, you’re in for a fulfilling day while learning a trick or two along the way.
Address: 60 Punggol East, Singapore 828825
Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun 7am-11.30pm | Fri 7am-12am
Contact: 6244 6188
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Photography by John Lim.
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