By Kaili McDonnough, Staff Reporter
Golf pro Jason Lopez shows off his swing at the National Golf Academy in New Kingston. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
NEW KINGSTON is quite the place these days for the athletically stout. If you enjoy exercising or if you are just looking for something new to do in Kingston, then have I got the place for you.
In addition to the track at Emancipation Park, the tennis, squash and swimming facilities at Liguanea Club and Putt 'n' Play Mini Golf Park, Jamaica's first public golf driving range now exists in the heart of this lively hub, thanks in part to the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Jamaica Golf Association.
I am not athletically inclined in
any shape or form. However, last Thursday I decided to try my swing at the National Golf Academy. The only golf I have ever played has been at a putt-putt park, so I was trying to take this golfing-for-sport thing seriously. My first dilemma was that I had no idea what to wear. I knew that there was such a thing as proper golf attire, but I was unsure of the boundaries. On television golf's Wonder Boy Tiger Woods is always dressed in some kind of khaki pants and Polo shirt ensemble. Still, I opted to do some online investigation, to avoid showing up dressed inappropriately.
I arrived at 5:00 p.m. with sneakers, a pair of slacks and a collared shirt in my bag. My instructor informed me that I need not fuss about changing as suitable golfing attire is only needed when practising on a golf course.
If you are a follower of sports in Jamaica then the name Jason Lopez might ring a bell. He was my instructor and, for the uninformed, has been one of Jamaica's primer golfers for the past 12 years. Lopez was awarded a full golf scholarship to Florida State University and upon graduation turned professional. He has golfed with the best of them and has been on tours, visiting some of the most remarkable countries in the world, including Argentina and Brazil. He is one of two golf pros who will be delivering instruction at the National Golf Academy, teaching everything from putting to chipping to driving.
SWING IT RIGHT
The first thing to learn as a beginner is the right way to hold the club. "If you do not hold the club correctly then you will never be a good golfer," explains Lopez. A 5-iron club was handed to me and it took a few attempts to get my grip precise. Once I had mastered that, the next step was my stance. When golfing you need to stand with your feet shoulder width apart, your upper body at a 45-degree angle and your knees slightly bent. From this point you have to perfect your swing.
If you are like me and have a problem with co-ordination and balance then this might pose a slight problem. My ball was teed up by Lopez and it was time for me to swing. Strike one, missed. Strike two, missed. Strike three was the charm. Although the ball only went about two yards I was pleased with my progress. The next challenge was the putting green where I tested my stroke, aiming to get the ball into the hole. It was definitely more miss than hit.
ENJOY BEING IN THE SWING
You do not need an instructor
to practise at the range, although it
is recommended, especially for
first-timers who need to learn the basics. Clubs are available for rent and there is an ample supply of balls for the 22 driving stations and the putting green. If you are unable to scope out the range during the day, don't worry. It opens from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The range is luminously well lit, making night practice quite easy. The National Golf Academy is a great place for people of all ages to go and enjoy themselves as it offers something for everyone.
As for me, giving up my day job and becoming a pro-golfer I think that I will pass. The hand-eye-body co-ordination was a little too much for me to grasp all at once. For those of you less clumsy, have a ball!
HOW TO GET THERE:
The Academy is located adjacent to Emancipation Park (Knutsford Boulevard and Trafalgar Road, New Kingston).
THINGS TO DO:
If you work in New Kingston and are looking for a way to beat the traffic, consider stopping off for an hour or two, taking a couple of swings or having a drink in the soon-to-be-opened bar. In addition, a restaurant, still unnamed, will be serving up scrumptious finger foods such as Chester Fried Chicken, pizzas, hot dogs and salads.
A fully stocked pro shop is on site, so alas, golfers, you will no longer need to travel to Miami to get all of the latest golfing paraphernalia.
COST:
There is no entrance fee. Cost per bucket containing 50 balls is $200 and you can practise for as long as the balls last. Renting a club costs $100 and private lessons range between $2,300 to $4,000 per hour for the head pro.
WHAT TO WEAR:
My advice to first-timers: Wear comfortable sneakers as it makes practising on the simulated turf
much easier.
