National Golf Month kicks off this week, so here’s our guide to teeing off in central London
For all its swanky bars and tourist attractions, central London is in dire need of a golf course.
City workers are rarely seen carrying golf clubs in the Square Mile – many well-heeled workers either go through up-market travel agents or shell out for expensive memberships at clubs in the Home Counties to get their fix.
National Golf Month tees off on Wednesday, but don't worry if you're not able to get out to the home counties for a round of 18 holes – London is full of places to indulge your love of rural sports without ever leaving Zone one.
Swap visors for virtual reality
Space is at a premium in the Square Mile, but with the latest advances in virtual reality well-heeled workers will have no problem improving their rank at Smithfield's Urban Golf clubhouse.
The venue uses virtual reality simulators that let players choose from a range of real courses around the world to pretend to play on. Urban Golf's owners also suggest leaving club etiquette at the door; punters are encouraged to goad their teammates as they tee off, while drinks are served to customers on the virtual green.
London's hedge fund set in the West End can also get in on the action, as the Urban Golf has a sister clubhouse in Soho.
Find a driving range
For those who are truly serious about improving how they handle their nine iron, there's a range of indoor driving ranges and tutors to choose from in London's financial quarters.
Situated between Mansion House and Monument stations, BD Golfing Academy offers one-to-one coaching, a personal "swing analysis" service and corporate packages for City workers who want to have a go on an indoor driving range.
Canary Wharfers needn't feel left out of the fun either. The Reebok Sports Club in the Docklands has its very own "Golf Lab", using state-of-the-art simulators and swing-tracking technology so financiers can hone their skills.
Go crazy (golf)
Crazy golf has had a young creative makeover – Zone one is brimming with bars and pubs that pit putting punters against each other in the name of a good night out.
For those in the City, Hoxton's Plonk bar is only a short walk away. Admission to the nine-hole mini-golf course is just £7.50 per head, and each game lasts around 30 minutes – just enough time to play without your post-work pint affecting your handicap.
Also opening for National Golf Month is new putt-and-pint place Swingers. The Shoreditch pop-up is making its permanent home in a former war bunker at the foot of the Gherkin tower. There’ll be two courses, a clubhouse, cocktails and street food to boot.
But if you want a view of the City with your post-work putt, Birdies' rooftop mini golf course in Battersea is your best bet. Set on the edge of Battersea Park, Birdies' sessions start at £8 per head for groups of up to four people.