Slice Golf Pizza does exactly what it says on the tin, a new experience where you can eat, play golf and have fun. And just as Flight Club’s dart offering has taken off in The Westgate, so the owners of the new Botley business hope that golf will become a new go-to.
Long renowned as a sport for retired pensioners, (no emails please), golf is having a come back it would seem, albeit in a different format. But for those of us who don’t have the time or inclination to play 18 holes, this is a good place to start.
Because whether you love trying for a hole in one, or just fancy giving it a go and seeing what the fuss is all about, Slice Golf Oxford is a great place to start. Throw in its well stocked bar, cocktail menu, 18′ pizzas and a vibing environment and we arrived brimming with curiosity.
The golf stations are divided into open cube-like spaces, staff explaining the rules, technology and the technique required to join in
Opened four months ago, the new owners hope Slice Golf Pizza will be the first of many country-wide, and we are the first ones to give the whole concept a try. Golf guinea pigs then!
The golf stations are divided into open cube-like spaces, staff explaining the rules, technology and the technique required to join in. Pick a programme, from all the best global golf courses to pitch and putt, a level, and parr, which allows you to take it mega seriously or just have a laugh. A full set of golf clubs is also on hand, the scores and distances being calculated and relayed onto the screen – bowling style.
As total amateurs we went for the seaside variety first, whilst settling in with some cocktails and mocktails, an espresso mar-tee-ni (£11) and an elderflower apple fizz mocktail.
Within seconds however our concentration was consumed by the instant competition kicking off between the five of us
Within seconds however our concentration was consumed by the instant competition kicking off between the five of us, there’s no way to avoid it, taking the mick out of each other at their poor shots until its your turn and you realise its harder than it looks.
The golf balls are set on an astroturf like material, the virtual course laid out in front of you, allowing you to whack it as hard or putt it as required. If you play the crazy golf style options they can be as easy or complicated as you want, and equally as frustrating.
its not until it’s your turn that you realise its harder than it looks
Judging the distance is as hard in Botley as it is in situ, harder actually, because while it tells you the distance on the screen, it’s difficult to gauge, despite the imagery. That was my excuse anyway, as I hacked my way around the course, thinking I could play and then realising I needed to up my game.
Luckily a huge pizza than arrived to divert everyone’s attention away from my inadequacies as a golfer, Rory McIlroy I am not. The pizzas are really good as well. Not to take anything away from Slice Golf Oxford, but we were expecting the normal cardboard, bowling alley style offering, but this was something else, but these were good!
Not only are the pizzas vast but they come with some exciting toppings
Not only are the pizzas vast but they come with some exciting toppings – we opted for the pepperoni and hot honey – although the nduja burrata was pretty enticing and the summer house (tomato base, courgettes, artichokes, black olives, mixed peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, pesto, lemon zest, fresh herbs and balsamic drizzle) had it all going on, along side some of the classics – a margharita or the BBQ chicken.
You can buy them by the slice (around £5 each) or go for the whole hog from £24.50 upwards, which might seem a lot, but between five of us was pretty good value, the slices huge.
Switching up from the pitch and putt endeavours we now felt able to tackle the bigger courses, Augusta to be precise, needing to choose from the variety of golf clubs to take the advised shots, the tempo building, the rivalry rising to fever pitch.
we extended our booking by another half an hour, but to be honest we could have stayed all afternoon
Our hour and a half finished too easily, our skills improving with each thwack of the club, so we extended our booking by another half an hour, but to be honest we could have stayed all afternoon.
What can we say? It’s fun, perfect for families, groups, work colleagues, parties or just for whiling away an afternoon with your friends, we’ll back back for another round very soon!
Slice Golf Oxford. 7 West Way Square, Botley, Oxford, OX2 9TJ. Book at https://www.slice.golf
