Family: Home on the range

I always imagine I should be able to play golf, but since I have never got around to having proper lessons, it hasn't happened.

However, every so often the family all think of something to do that won't involve a long drive or walk, is enjoyable rain or shine and involves a slight skill which might be bettered. And generally this leads us to Port Royal by Edinburgh airport where there is a driving range, putting green and small pitch and putt course.

My husband, who usually accompanies us and claims he had a single figure handicap before he married me, always takes it upon himself to try and teach us how to swing correctly. As you can imagine this only makes for arguments, John McEnroe-style throwing down of the clubs and general sulking. The children are almost as bad.

However this time it was just me, Ellen and her friend Olivia who ventured out to play. Without bossy boots there it did get a bit chaotic at the driving range at times. Olivia's balls were flying all over the place (luckily it wasn't too busy so there were no disapproving glances from other players), with one even bouncing off the roof and hitting her on the head. The phantom shots are always disappointing but the girls' excitement at managing to reach the 75-yard flag made them try a little bit harder.

After our hundred balls were gone, we headed to the putting green as it was a nice afternoon. Although I know weather doesn't matter to seasoned golfers – my father had orange golf balls so he could play in the snow – we certainly weren't interested in getting our hair wet.

The girls didn't really get the idea of putting and zoomed around using the golf club like a hockey stick. As far as they were concerned, this was very successful as they got the balls into each one of the nine holes. Twice over.

I heard recently that golf is actually an acronym for Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden, and there are a few clubs that seem to adhere to that as much as they can. But I say golf balls to that. If you want a bit of fun then keep swinging, girls.

Port Royal Golf Club, Eastfield Road, Edinburgh offers a range of lessons and courses as well as "turn up and play" on the range, putting green and course. Adults, 100 balls on the range, 6, juniors (under 14), 50 balls, 2.80, tel: [phone], www.portroyalgolfrange.co.uk

• This article was first published in The Scotsman, Saturday July 3, 2010