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Golf clubs, check! Golf balls, check! Tiger Woods’ pro skills, now where did I leave those? Not everyone is born a golf protégée, so if you’re just starting out, need some work, or simply interested in giving it a go, here are three places perfect for golfing novices looking to brush up on their game using advanced microchip technology, motion measurement video assessments and premier private lessons from the pros.
Top Golf
Photo courtesy of Top Golf
This hip shooting range uses microchip technology inside of their golf balls that are shot at several targets to score points. Points are scored based on how close you hit the ball to the center of the target and on how far you hit the ball. Top Golf also features several other games that focus on consistency and performing under pressure, making this game perfect for beginner golfers. If you’re looking for more one on one help, they also offer private beginner and intermediate lessons with an instructor. All that golfing will definitely have you working up an appetite so take a break and chow down on some delicious grub from the Top Golf menu. Enjoy local favorites The “Virginian” sandwich and the Chesapeake crap cake and remoulade slaw sliders. And if you game wasn’t so good they serve alcoholic beverages too.
6625 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria; 703-924-2600; topgolf.com; @TopGolfDC; $40/Adult Playing Card, $15/Junior Playing Card (for 12 and under); 22 minutes from Fairfax
Features:
Photo Courtesy of GolfTEC
-mini golf
-private/group lessons
-golf academy
-party rooms
-food & drinks
GolfTEC
As the world’s largest golf instruction company, the guys at GolfTEC have got golf lessons down to a science. GolfTEC’s premiere instruction is based on five factors. They begin with fact-based diagnosis using video, motion measurement and a database of over 150 professional tour players to form an objective analysis. Then they begin to teach you some new moves with sequential lessons from certified personal coaches. That’s followed up by video-based practice to get visual feedback on those new moves you’ve learned. Advanced retention tools are also available online in their player performance center to reinforce the lessons. Finally, they provide precision-matched clubs ideal to the player’s personal swing. This tested proven formula will have beginer golfers hitting farther, swinging better and feeling more confident when they step to the tee.
1122 Kirkwood Road, Arlington (Inside Sport and Health); 703-894-3120; golftec.com; @GolfTEC; Swing Evaluation Session/$165*, Personal Club Fitting/$99; 24 minutes from Fairfax
Features:
- swing evaluation
- private lessons
- video-based practice
- online educational performance center
- personal club fitting
Twin Lakes
Tucked just behind Centreville High School in Clifton is Twin Lakes, a 36-hole golfing facility comprised of two golf courses made to satisfy the needs of any golfer. For classic games on the green try the original Lakes Course that was created in 1967 around two scenic lakes. In a quest to modernize the courses, 13 new types of tees were added to 10 of the holes to help accommodate a greater range of golfers. For a newer challenge try Twin Lakes’ Oaks Course that’s surrounded by giant oaks designed for a straight shooter. If you’re skills aren’t quite where you want them to be, don’t hesitate to get help from their PGA Class A Pro and his staff in private or group instruction. They can help with driving range practice, on-course playing lessons, specialty clinics and video swing analysis.
6201 Union Mill Road, Clifton; 703-631-9372; fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/twinlakes; 12 minutes from Fairfax
Features:
- private/group lessons
- 36-Station Driving Range
- grass teeing area
- putting & chipping area
- pro shop