Best places to introduce a beginner to golf in SW London?

[Hosel Fade]

I have a mate who is looking to get into playing and lives in Balham, is there anywhere better than that two tiered range on the a3 (can't think of the name) or Richmond Park to start off?

 

[TheDiablo]

I took up golf 2 years ago with a couple of flatmates when I was living in Balham - started at Central London Golf Center in Wandsworth. Little 9 holer, very tight. Short driving range though so would usually go down to New Malden on the a3 for the range. We laugh about it now but I'd still recommend it for beginners.

 

[TheJezster]

Try playing at Wimbledon Common when ready for catching round. Nice course, great friendly clubhouse and a fantastic place to learn

 

[Senseicads]

What about top golf down in addlington? better than a driving range as it actually gives people something to do in terms of a game?

 

[Sats]

Urban Golf if he's got no gear or mitcham on a weekday you can go round for around £10-15

 

[dewsweeper]

Addington Court, if it is still a public course.
Had many happy games there in the late 60's.

 

[Svenska]

Try playing at Wimbledon Common when ready for catching round. Nice course, great friendly clubhouse and a fantastic place to learn

I can second that, I used to play there and it was fantastic. The greens are some of the best I've seen in this country from just a normal golf course. Another option which is very good value for money is Mitcham, right by the tram line and about £11 to play twilight. It's not too long but it's a good course.

 

[backwoodsman]

The World of Golf driving range on the A3 at New Malden is a decent shout - as ranges go it's fair enough. Richmond Park also - two courses and (at least when i was last there) they had a decent enough outside range. As others say, Wimbledon Common & Mitcham Common both good for a try as courses. Avoid Central London Golf Centre like the plague. Crappy small driving/practice area and the small course is so tight as to be lethal (you have to guard against incoming from as much as 2 or 3 fairways away). In any case, it's not long for this world - going to be redeveloped as housing and a new public park. (Wouldn't say it about many courses, but for this one, good ridance...)

 

[road2ruin]

Thames Ditton & Esher is a 9 hole course with Esher station right next door so nice and easy for anyone traveling from London.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Try playing at Wimbledon Common when ready for catching round. Nice course, great friendly clubhouse and a fantastic place to learn

Another thumbs up for Wimbledon Common. I guess it depends how long the mate of the OP wants to spend travelling but straight down the A3 to Sandown Park and there's a range, pitch and putt, par 3 and 9 hole course in the middle of the race course

 

[Canmore]

World health of Golf driving range on A3 is good but can get busy at weekends during the peak times

Wimbledon Common is ok, but quite tight and has a few too many dog walkers and runners for my liking

Sandown par 3 is ok if you go at a quiet time and the 9 holer is good and open for a beginner