Kids Need a New Hobby? Here’s a Fun One To Try

With the easing of Covid restrictions this past week, we have been able to finally restore some normalcy in our lives and get back to our daily activities, fun stuff included.

I guess we all have forgotten what normalcy is ‘cause I’ve actually been kind of in awe of the variety of places I can go and take my kids to now. One of these places I’m talking about is Peanut Tour Golf, a cozy indoor golf studio tucked away in the elegant setting of the MOMA complex in Dongzhimen.

The studio actually serves as the main office and base for China Long Drive Championship, an organization that aims to promote the sport of long drive in China and other Asian countries. For those not familiar with this particular sport, it’s golf where players need to hit a ball as far as humanly possible. Sounds fun and quite simple, doesn’t it? So why not head over there and give it a try? Even better, let your kid take a swing too and make it a fun family day out.

Other than being a gathering spot for long drive enthusiasts, this little gem offers golf lessons to both adults and children. So, whether you are already an avid golf player, need a break from your routine and are looking to take up a new hobby, or just want to make it a one-time thing and try something new for fun, you can do so by picking up a golf club and learning some cool techniques. It can also be a great way of showing your kids that trying new things can be a fun learning experience where you get to spend time together and have a blast!

I recently had the opportunity to visit the place, and as soon as we stepped in, I noticed the big projector screen with a swing pad in front of it and a big selection of golf clubs. My son Noa, of course, went for the biggest and heaviest one, although there were shorter clubs available that were more suitable for kids. So don’t worry if you don’t own any golf equipment and have absolutely no clue how to choose. The coach will find the best option for you or your kid, but of course, you can bring your own set if you own one.

According to Shine Liu, the managing director of China Long Drive Championship, as soon as a kid turns 4 he/she is ready to start playing golf, although mine had loads of fun at only 3.

As a father of two young kids himself, Shine said “I don’t want my kids spending hours sitting in front of a computer screen playing video games. Combining video games and real sports where our kids actually participate and are physically active is ideal.”

The studio provides one-on-one coaching sessions at prices ranging from RMB 800 to RMB 1,800/hour, depending on the coach and the number of lessons you choose. There is also a free trial class available, so why not go for a swing, just for kicks? You may end up with a new hobby! But even if you only get a fun afternoon out of it, it won’t be wasted time (or money). You can also just sit back and relax (there is a nice comfy sofa right by the hitting platform perfect for this) and watch your kid get all excited about having his first golf lesson.

The studio is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 9pm, and weekends from 8am to 9pm. You can call them at 84388177 to schedule a free trial class.