It’s that time of year again. You get a random invite to your alumni golf outing — or someone in HR comes up with some team-building thing where you’re forced onto the links with a bunch of your colleagues. Or, perhaps, you fancy the idea of teeing off but have no idea how it technically works.
For the golf-inclined who lack skills, there are places to learn or improve and then immediately test those skills sans training wheels. While some of these places are membership-based, some are not and will provide a range of instruction for your edification.
Lansdowne Resort
One of only 28 clubs in the US to offer Gears Sports golf swing assessments, Lansdowne Resort calibrates your stance and swing style to help you pay attention to what your body is doing while you tee off. The golf pro will use the system to fit you for a club so you can buy the right size without trial and error. The Landsdown Golf Academy also offers golf camps and programs for kids between the ages of four and 18. 44050 Woodridge Pkwy., Leesburg
The St. James Squash & Golf House
This experience includes six golf bays, an in-house putting green, expert instruction, programs, leagues, and custom fittings. The HD Golf simulators provide a focused environment for golfers to improve their swing path, clubface angle, distance, and speed. In addition to training, guests can play virtual golf on over 30 of the most prestigious courses around the world, or they can play lower-stakes games including mini-putt or golf darts. 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield
Creighton Farms
For members, the club has practice facilities that include a double-ended practice range, a dedicated short-game practice area, and putting greens. At The Stable, a teaching and golf learning center, you’ll find Trackman Simulation software, three indoor-outdoor all-season hitting bays, indoor putting, club fitting studio, and SportsBoxAI, all of which will help improve your game. 22050 Creighton Farms Dr., Aldie
Massanutten Resort
The Shenandoah Valley resort has a range of options for beginners. You can sign up for group or private lessons or hit the driving range to perfect your swing before going to one of the resort’s two 18-hole courses. If you’re not sure about your attention span for a full game but still want something golf-like, try FlingGolf, where you use a FlingStick (think lacrosse) to whip the ball down the fairway. Three people are needed for a session. 1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Parks & Rec newsletter.
