It's just plane fun

By David B. Lukow

The time had finally come.

After decades of hearing both players and non-participants sing its praises, I decided early last summer to start golfing. Sure, I had tried before back in 1992, but I wasn’t really serious about it then. I knew I had put on a fairly hideous display, but hey, I was just testing the waters. This would be different.

Before getting started, I thought it would be best to talk with someone more intimate with the game. I needed wisdom and the choice became obvious. I went to the Galleria Mall.

"I bet you’ll be a big hitter," said the sporting-goods salesman, after spending a few minutes hearing me out. "That’s a plus."

"Big hitter," I repeated, instantly cocky from his astute observation. "Should I go to a driving range?"

"Best place to go," he answered. "But don’t worry about driving the ball, that’ll come later. You have to learn how to hit the thing first. I suggest a 7-iron."

After providing what I perceived as a major compliment, his choice was my command. Armed with my new club, I headed for my first course, the Airport Driving Range & Pro Shop.

Located just north of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport runway, the Airport Driving Range & Pro Shop had everything I was looking for and proved an ideal setting to grasp the basics. With 60 hitting spots, including 22 that are covered, golfers have room to breathe, and for those just getting started, some healthy distance.

Prior to actually hitting the ball, I spent several minutes studying the other golfers. I looked at their feet, how they gripped the club, where they finished. Coming in, I knew nothing, so anything I could learn would be beneficial. When I spotted someone that appeared approachable, a high school kid that seemed to know what he was doing, I asked him for some tips. Quick to answer my questions, he provided valuable insight. I later found out he was a member of the facility’s staff and a scholastic league ace.

Not wanting to start too fast, or more importantly, make a complete spectacle of myself, I gently guided my first few hits off the tee. Careful not to miss, as I had done on numerous instances 10 years earlier, I kept my eye on the tee and concentrated on meeting the back of the ball. And before long, I began to get comfortable. I was hitting the ball fairly well, getting solid distance and doing a lot less thinking. The process was becoming more natural.

As the summer wore on, I proceeded to make the Airport Driving Range & Pro Shop my home-away-from-home. I spent many afternoons and evenings practicing my shots, getting some exercise and despite the periodic roar of incoming planes, just enjoying the outdoors. With a helpful staff led by PGA professional Dan Lucas, Airport offers a casual atmosphere, convenient hours and a central location. It’s been a perfect place to learn the ropes.

Airport Driving Range & Pro Shop is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Buckets come in various sizes and annual memberships are available.

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