We've been off-line for some time and Gourmet Golf is back from sabbatical. We had a chance to do some international travel, visit some friends, and gain a greater perspective on life. Of course, golf was not far from mind. We're back and we apologize for not delivering the gourmet content that you expect and deserve.

Have a look at some of golf related pictures from my travels. Make yourself comfortable and get ready for some serious blogging.

As always...stay tuned and keep that bag fresh.

-Gourmet Golf 

This is the entrance to the driving range in Shanghai. It's on the Pudong side of town and under the watchful eye of the 88 story JinMao Tower/Grand Hyatt Hotel. It must be tough for all the business men to stare out of the window and watch people hitting balls all day.

This is the view from the second floor of the 3-story driving range. Not bad. If you go back to this same spot next year, the skyline will be dramatically changed. On this day, only the first two levels were open. There are 50 stalls on each level and every stall was filled. The driving range is considered a "golf club" and memberships are available. It seemed like members hung out all day to hit balls, relax, socialize, eat, drink, and hit some more. Imagine all the people in China and imagine all the balls they would hit at the driving range.

Now, imagine having to pick up all of those balls....by hand....or by foot....or whatever that contraption is. I've spent plenty of hours picking range balls from a gas powered cart. I thought I was doing hard labor, but it is nothing compared to what this guy deals with.

Here's a closer look at the range picker. No motor, not much protection, and no chance of dodging all the hostile golf balls. This can not be efficient.

This golf shop was around the corner from the driving range. It's a tiny little shop that sells American and Asian golf clubs, bags, and accessories. I picked up a snazzy Mizuno duffle for 210YUAN (about $30). It was fun to check out some of the "China-only" grips and accessories, although I question the authenticity of some of the products. Regardless, the service was great and the bargaining was intense. I tried to take some pictures of the unique merchandise, but the owner would not allow it. If you're ever in Shanghai, China I recommend a trip to the shop to see what they have on the shelves

My trip to China was fantastic and enriching and I left with a sense of the growing golf market. The trip was everything a sabbatical should be. 

Posted by jyip at 11:38 AM | Permalink