Arena Golf in Cape has activities for all ages

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Whether you're a golf fanatic or a keen beginner, golf driving ranges are great places to practice, take lessons, try out new clubs and generally have fun.

Arena Golf in Cape Girardeau has covered and open driving tees, an 18-hole miniature (putt-putt) golf course, a full-service pro shop where golfers can buy name-brand clubs or have clubs custom-made, a club repair service and a golf professional who teaches a variety of classes to golfers of all ages.

Open year-round, Arena Golf covers 25 acres. Besides all the golf-related activities, visitors can enjoy the challenge of three baseball batting cages and two slow-pitch softball batting cages.

Arena Golf opened in 1997 and has been steadily expanding. Brrr Ice -- Hawaiian frozen-snow drinks -- were added last year, and this year owner Jack Pettet increased the size of the patio by adding eight tables with umbrellas.

The patio is next to the colorful miniature golf course, and Pettet says it is ideal for birthday parties and other special events. He says kids will enjoy the putt-putt and snacking on the patio. Parties can last for hours.

There is a teaching professional at Arena Golf. Chris Schneider holds one-hour clinics three times a week. The clinics are limited to 10 people and the $10 fee includes a medium-sized bucket of golf balls and personal instructions.

Arena Golf is considered a golf academy. There are programs and classes for adult and junior golfers. People new to golf can learn the fundamentals of swinging, chipping and putting. Also taught are golf etiquette, terminology, rules and on-course skills. Private lessons are available.

Junior golf camps begin in June. For $99 youngsters receive three hours of personalized instruction Monday through Friday. Coming soon are night clinics for juniors, families and couples.