A 'Fore Gone Conclusion

by Jim Obert

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 exciting 18-hole miniature (putt-putt) golf course, a full-service pro shop where you 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 is ideal for birthday parties and other special events. Parties can last for hours.

Call for reservations.

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.

Coming soon are night clinics for juniors, families and couples.

Spend summer days and nights hitting those dimpled, little white spheres.