are driving range balls rubbish?

[stu3y]

Today I went and tried a few drivers on a launch monitor, the best driver by far was the Taylor made r15 I went to a different shop that didn't have a launch monitor just a driving range which I went on to test out a cobra fly z I was up the top level of a 2 tier range hitting 190-200 yards pretty constantly, the r15 on the launch monitor was gettin 210-230 yards, as I have quite fancied the r15 for quite a while I bit the bullet and bought it, I then when to our local driving range where the balls are just mix and match makes etc hit about 80 balls and I was struggling to even make 200 yards, so now I feel abit disappointed in my self and my purchase, and trying to put my finger on why it was so bad when I was doing so well on the monitor my only thought is the old mix and match crap quality balls but can a ball really be that bad?

 

[ManinBlack]

In a word "yes". I think you'd hit a proper ball 30 yards further than a lot of range balls. I shouldn't worry if I were you.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If the balls you used on the monitor were proper ones and then you used range ones, there will be a discrepancy. Even the best range balls won't travel as far so it's a bit of a chalk and cheese comparison. Add in the cold air today which makes balls go shorter distances and I'm not surprised. If you like the R15, get out on the course and enjoy it. Distance is only one part of the driving equation

 

[patricks148]

the ones at the driving range in Inverness are, no dimples on them and they have been known to change direction several times in mid flight

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Generally yes, probably around 80% of a regular ball distance wise

 

[hovis]

Range balls are designed to go as far as the range owner wants. If they own a small range then they can buy 60% distance balls. This is usually identified by some form if marking. Srixon use a different stripes to denote what percentage ball they are

 

[Tashyboy]

My local driving range is fives mins drive away. If I hit 50 balls I feel like I have broke my wrists after a session. The balls are rubbish, which is why I have not gone there for nearly a year.
However, at my course the balls are taylor made and are a lot lot better. But and this is a massive but. This time of the year nothing is flying as far as it should do. Whether it is a decent ball or rubbish ball, also I have been up to the range today with young Bradley Tash and some of the balls were cracked in mud. they are deffo not flying as they should do.
As much as I would never buy another TM driver again through personal experience and would love to rip TM to bits, I think your own assessment of range balls is spot on, and the problem is with the balls and deffo not the club.

 

[huds1475]

the ones at the driving range in Inverness are, no dimples on them and they have been known to change direction several times in mid flight

Some like that at place near me.

Hit the big dog right put of the screws Friday, went left, right, left then straight down at 150.

Typical driver for me!

 

[Dando]

As most have said range balls never go as far as proper ball.
when I use the range I'm not bothered by how far the ball goes as I'm there to keep my swing going. I'm more comcerned about the contact and where the balls goes as I know my club distancs

 

[Chisteve]

I would agree with above generally

one of my local ranges is particularly bad in that the distance markers are to suit the balls so incorrectly positioned don't use it any more as gets confusing on the course after

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Depends on which range you use.
The Turnberry ones are very good

 

[stu3y]

The range I used to test the fly z was a good modern range with new balls, the one where I'm a member is using old balls and they are literally any old ball they can find, there's a mix of driving range balls, branded balls, cheap I Dunlop balls etc all seem battered, scuffed to hell, almost smooth some of them!

 

[delc]

Range balls are normally cheap and nasty one piece balls that will go about three-quarters of the distance of a proper ball. And when they've been bashed around for a few months.......! The micro-chipped Top Golf range balls aren't too bad by the way.

 

[xcore]

Balls at one of the local ranges (bowenhurst) are half eaten by animals!

 

[stu3y]

makes you wonder if half these driving ranges are worth using, we go to practice, but if the balls are bad etc is it worth it?

 

[BrizoH71]

The pro at my local range reckons you lose around 10% distance on range balls v proper balls. They use Wilson range balls and they are bricks.

 

[Merv_swerve]

makes you wonder if half these driving ranges are worth using, we go to practice, but if the balls are bad etc is it worth it?

yes, still worth it.
Doesn't matter how bad the balls are, you still need to practice getting your body in the right place at the right time to make a good swing.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

For me the range is simply about the quality of impact and direction. I'm not bothered how far the ball goes as long as I'm swinging properly and making good contact

 

[Khamelion]

It depends on the range and how it is to the back, the shorter the distance to the back, the range will use a golf ball that will only fly X yards no matter how sweet you hit it.

 

[351DRIVER]

Range I used to go to had PROS who worked there that were not aware that the signs had been adjusted to reflect the %s of the balls

So 300yards was actually 260 something yards, but if you reach the sign it was if you had hit a 300 yard drive.

I thought i was the worlds longest hitter, when I hit the odd proper ball (Used by one of the bays for lessons) its quite appalling that the pros were not aware of this fact. Oh yes they were and maybe still are a national fitting centre, so i would think that when they use the proper balls with their machines in the private booth everyone will have the best results in history.