New York - May 08, 2006

Do You Swing?

Drive 495 Opens

Lazy friends inquired within, so we’ve been wracking our brains for some ways to conduct “business meetings” outside the office.

Obviously, golf comes to mind. But handicaps, hideous khakis, and golf’s general stodginess have kept us at the putt-putt.

Until we hit Drive 495, a new Soho country club (of sorts) for (potential) greens enthusiasts.

The spacious loft is divided into two parts. Downstairs: an elegant, state-of-the-art gym (complete with weights, machines, flat screens, steam rooms, and cafe). The upstairs is partitioned into studios with floor-to-ceiling videos that simulate real golf courses and climate conditions. Play a round at China’s Nine Dragons in the rain or tee up at Teeth of the Dog in Casa de Campo during a light fog. Cue chirping birds.

Amateurs too green for the green can learn posture and positioning from pros. Oh-so-close-to-scratch golfers can perfect their technique with one-on-one clinics and computerized training.

The club’s capping out at around 500 members and costs around $5,000 a year. But you might be able to write it off as “company research.”

It’s just a matter of how you swing it.

Drive 495, 495 Broadway, between Spring and Broome Streets (212-334-9537 or driveclubs.com).

  Golf