Summer trend: Golf is the new barefoot bowls
If we said ten years ago that lawn bowls was going to be the next big social thing to do with friends, you probably would have laughed at us. Taking that in mind, we are standing firm in calling golf the next big social activity for this summer. So we picked the two closest courses not requiring membership, the Brisbane City Council St Lucia Golf Course and Victoria Park Golf Course, and put together the top nine ways you can channel your inner Happy Gilmore and test out your golf swing.
- Traditional tee-off: In our fast-paced lives, you can see why slowing down and strolling around spectacular green spaces is just part of the addiction of a round of golf. Add to that the challenge of sinking a ball in a small hole using a stick with a long bit at the end, and you have a game that keeps you coming back for more.
- Monday Mates Rates: Got the day off or just want to get a round in before work? St Lucia has a deal where you and a mate can play 18 holes for only $17 per person. Not available on public holidays.
- Golf voyeurism: This is when you sit back at the St Lucia Hundred Acre bar and cafe, or the Victoria Park Bar & Bistro with a refreshing beverage and snack or meal while your die-hard golfer friends hit the 18-hole green.
- Cheap Tuesdays: Not only designated to movies and tacos, you can now save some cash on a round of nine or 18 holes at Victoria Park every Tuesday at only $15 per player. Not available on public holidays.
- A drive on the range: Feeling the need to de-stress with a group of mates, or maybe get close and personal with a new beau? Head to the 300 m two-level all-weather driving range at Victoria Park and whack the daylights out of a large or small bucket of balls. The floodlit facility is stunning at night with the city skyline in the immediate distance. It’s fully licensed and boasts 61 hitting bays and ten grass tees. Open early every morning (except Tuesdays from 9:00 am) until 10:00 pm or later on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Tuesday’s ladies comp: And who said women weren’t competitive? This ladies only nine-hole social competition runs every Tuesday morning at St Lucia and includes green fees, prizes and an entry in the weekly lucky dip. Excludes public holidays.
- Sunday putt putt: Sunday sessions will never be the same if you add a round of putt putt to the afternoon. Victoria Park’s 18-hole fully licensed mini golf course will test friendships, especially if the novice beats the fanatical golf buddy. Of course putt putt is not just open Sundays, it’s open every day.
- Get into golf: So you want to find out what all the fuss is about? Victoria Park hosts two-day beginner courses over two consecutive weeks every month to teach you the fundamentals on putting, chipping as well as hitting your irons and woods (plus explain what those terms all mean!).
- Dawn or dusk nine holes: Catch a sneaky nine holes all year round. Just make sure you’re hitting off before 7:00 am or after 2:30–3:30 pm depending on the time of year.
Just ensure you book ahead (three days suggested for the courses) so you don’t miss out, and happy trend-setting!
This article was created in conjunction with our friends at Brisbane City Council.
