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Everything you need to know about driving ranges

If someone mentions the word ‘golf’, the first image that comes to mind is usually a golf course, with its greens, fairways and bunkers. But players who take their golf seriously can spend the same amount of time on the driving range as they do on the golf course. So, we thought it was high time that we wrote a guide that covered everything you need to know about golf driving ranges, and answered some commonly asked questions about them.

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What’s the purpose of a driving range?

A driving range is there to help you practise your long shots and refine your swing. Whether you’re playing with a driver, a hybrid, a fairway or even an iron or wedge, the driving range is the place to go to perfect your swing. You can also use the driving range for training sessions and lessons, or to warm up before a game.

It’s also a great place to focus on details like your grip, stance and alignment. There’s a lot to think about when you’re at the driving range, so it’s a good idea to get into a practice routine so that you have a structure to follow.

And finally, if you’re buying new golf clubs but aren’t sure which model is right for you, the driving range is an ideal place to try a few different ones out and see which feels best for you.

What does a driving range look like?

Because the name of the game is to hit as many balls as far as you can, most driving ranges are contained using netting or something similar. The range itself is divided up into booths, and each one has a patch of grass or astroturf where you can put your tee and set up your shot. Because there are no players out on the range, you can hit the ball as hard as you like in any direction and it won’t hit anyone! There are usually targets and/or nets on the driving range that you can use to improve your aim.

The driving range is a great place to perfect your swing

How do I use a driving range?

You can book a slot online in advance at most driving ranges, and some also allow you to walk up on the day and take a slot as long as one is available. You’ll buy your basket of balls (usually in multiples of 50, either from a staff member or a vending machine) and you’ll usually be given an allotted amount of time to hit balls from your booth. You can buy more balls if you run out before your time is up.

How do they collect the golf balls?

Thousands of balls are hit from a driving range every day, and they all need to be collected so that they can be used again. While the range is open, you might see driving range staff in protective headgear using a range-picker that’s enclosed in mesh to scoop up the balls, and they usually do one final sweep after the range is shut every day. If you see them out there, let them pass. They may be wearing protective gear but they will still appreciate not being aimed at!

How should I start using a driving range?

It’s a good idea to book a golf coach to accompany you to your first session on the driving range. They will be able to give you plenty of tips on techniques that will stand you in good stead in your practice. The temptation when you go to a driving range tends to be to hit the ball as far as you possibly can, but try and resist this urge! Instead, begin by hitting shorter shots and gradually increasing the distance in 10-yard increments.

What sort of distance should I aim for at the driving range?

Over two-thirds of amateur golfers have an average driving distance of under 250 yards, and most golfers aim for between 200-224 yards. While it’s easy to fixate on distance, the driving range is also the place to work on your accuracy too, so don’t forget about that and use the targets provided to work on your precision shots.

Increase your distance incrementally rather than hitting as far as you can each time

In what order should I use my clubs at the driving range?

Because it’s called a ‘driving range’, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s all about practising your driver technique. It is to a certain extent, but you want to be refining your technique on all the clubs, not just the driver. It’s a good idea to have a practice plan so that you arrive at the driving range knowing exactly what you’re going to be focusing on.

Instead, start with your pitching wedge (for your shortest shots). You could then try practising with any other type of wedge. Start with small 20-yard pitch shots, working your way up to around 50 yards, then 70, etc. By starting with your shorter shots you are allowing your body to warm up and you’re less likely to pull a muscle.

Next up, work on your 7-iron technique. You’re going to be using it a lot on the course (more so than your driver), so it will pay to prioritise your iron technique.

Then, work your way up to the clubs with the longer shots (fairways, hybrids and drivers). This tends to be different for everyone, depending on which clubs you use most regularly on the golf course and which ones you feel like you need to work on to suit your game.

The main thing to remember is to take your time and not rush. When you slow down and think about every aspect of your technique, you’ll reap the rewards on the golf course down the line.

What’s the etiquette on a driving range?

Driving ranges tend to be a lot more laid back than golf courses, and there’s no dress code that you’ll have to abide by. You can wear whatever clothes and shoes you like, although they should be practical and comfortable to aid your practice. If you’re playing off grass, then make sure you cover over any divots you create, and make a line of divot marks rather than them being all over the place – that makes them easier for the maintenance team to repair.


It’s fine to aim for different targets, but avoid major crossover (e.g. if you’re at the left-hand side of the range, don’t aim for targets on the far right-hand side). You’ll see that other golfers sometimes empty out their bucket of balls so they can hit them one by one. Don’t do this unless you intend to hit each one, otherwise leave what you don’t use in the bucket for the next golfer onto the range to use.


When you’re walking up and down the range, be sure to give other golfers plenty of space. A swing takes up a lot of space, and you don’t want to be in the way when they swing back! The final thing to note is that when people are practising on the driving range they are often very focused, so it’s not the time for small talk or to ask them for their tips, etc.

That’s about all you need to know in terms of etiquette at the driving range. We’ve also written a guide to etiquette on the golf course to help you play with more confidence. As ever, if you’re not sure of something, just ask someone – golfers are a friendly bunch!

Can I use a driving range just to relax or get fitter?

Of course, there are a raft of physical and mental health benefits of golf, whether you’re on the golf course or the driving range! Many people head to the driving range when they are feeling stressed, angry or upset, as they find it a therapeutic way to offset the frustration by whacking a few balls nice and hard! Equally, you can burn a good few calories off at the driving range, and while it may not be as much exertion as a round of golf, it’s still very good for you.

Some people use the driving range as a social gathering, and this is a great way of bringing all your golfing mates together. You could even follow it up with a meal or a pint somewhere nearby.

Are driving range balls the same as golf club balls?

No, so don’t be tempted to stick a few in your pocket! Range balls tend to endure a much harder life than standard golf club balls, so they are built first and foremost for durability with a harder cover than is usual to protect them. For this reason, they generally don’t conform to the rules of golf (and neither would you want to use them on the golf course). You can tell the difference because they are marked up as ‘range’, and sometimes have coloured bands to set them apart.

What techniques should I work on at the driving range?

There are various techniques that you should work on when you’re practising at the driving range, and we’ll take you through them here.

1. Your grip

Pay attention to your grip and make sure you are conscious of it as you hit the balls. Your grip shouldn’t feel tense or tight, as it can impede your swing and travel through your body making you too rigid, so try and relax. Invest in some replacement grips if yours are feeling a bit worn and/or uncomfortable.


2. Your stance

Posture is everything in golf. To make your practice as beneficial as possible, pay attention to your stance and posture and ensure that everything is as it should be. Check out our top five tips for improving your swing to learn more.


3. Your alignment

Lining up your body with the ball for the perfect swing is trickier than it seems. Starting with shorter shots is a great idea as that will allow you to focus on your accuracy and precision. Increase the yardage as you work on your alignment. The key thing to remember when you’re concentrating on improving your alignment is that your feet should be parallel to your club face (and not aimed towards the target) in a square stance as per the diagram below.


4: Your contact with the ball

Once you’re aligned well, with a good stance, grip and posture, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re actually making contact with the ball! You want to aim to make contact with the ball right in the middle of the club face (that’s where the sweet spot is), for the best chance of an accurate and precise shot. Beginner golf clubs tend to have more forgiveness than most, which means that they tend to have a slightly lighter shaft and a bigger clubhead to maximise the chances of a successful shot (despite a bad hit).

Can I practise my short game at the driving range?

Normally you can, yes. Your short game technique is as important as your long game, and most, if not all driving ranges tend to also have a practice green where you can perfect your putting shots.

That wraps up our essential guide to driving ranges. If you’re a beginner, we highly recommend you get yourself to your nearest range, book a lesson or two, hit some balls and start working on your technique. And even if you’re an intermediate player or a professional, you’ll still benefit from working on your swing! Enjoy, and let us know if you need help choosing some great second-hand golf clubs that you can try out on the range.

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