Tips for Central Park Pitch and Putt

I really like the fact that the image of golf as an elitist, exclusionist sport reserved for the privileged has gone by the wayside, thanks in part to Tiger Woods and John Daly.

Green Fees in Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland are as low as $25-30 making a round of golf fairly inexpensive.

Another even more affordable way to get in a round is at a Pitch and Putt course.

Pitch and Putt--so named because it only requires a pitching wedge and putter--is a smaller version of golf where the holes are usually no longer than 100-something yards and are Par 3s.

One of my favorite Pitch and Putt courses is Central Park Pitch and Putt Golf Course on 3883 Imperial St. in Burnaby, where a round will only cost you around $10.

Here are some things of note if you decide to give Central Park a try:

- As mentioned you only need a pitching wedge and a putter, if you bring your entire bag, you'll only look foolish.

- Club rentals are available.

- Wood tees work, but soft rubbery tees are made for Pitch and Putt.

- Hole 7 is trouble because it's the longest (defying convention at 130 yards) and there always tends to be a logjam of golfers there.

- Take it easy at Holes 13 and 17. They're only 50 yards long and it would be wiser to chip it onto the green as opposed to hitting it over.

Have fun.