Have you ever wanted to thwack golf balls in the middle of the city centre? Well now you can - kind of.

City golf in Shoreditch is a great way to spend a day or an evening whether you are a keen golfer wanting to improve your swing, a hyper-stressed businessmen needing to release some tension or just a group of guys wanting recreational fun, tee up a spot of alternative interests and have a ball. And if you’re girlfriend is doing your head in nagging, pretend the ball is her kneecap. Though membership is offered, most of the facilities are open to the general public.

Having not played golf for over a decade, my first visit proved to be a disaster. A couple of steady practice swings and I thought the old magic I never had in the first place had suddenly conjured in my blood. Isn’t swinging a golf club so much more difficult when there’s a ball in front of you? I topped the shot, swung round and fell over. The second shot was a little better, but that it trickled about 100 yards, not much really.

Still I got into the swing of things after a few attempts and was soon slicing and hooking the ball like the good old days. You never lose it! If the weather is not favourable for playing outdoors, City golf also has indoor simulators which have a choice of over 50 championship courses from around the world and better scenery than the wire meshing on the driving Range. It also has a swing analysis feature.

After all that crippling swinging I was ready for a drink so retired to the bar for a pint or three. Now there’s a sport I am good at!

City golf is located at 40 Coleman Street, a short walk from Bank, Cannon Sreet and Moorgate undergound stations.