Bag at the range

[Slab]

Used a few different ranges and while most allow users to bring their golf bag a couple don't so you end up with golfers carrying several clubs like they're off to play a giant game of ker-plunk

Reason seems to be that you might nick their range balls!

Really, the gentleman's game where honesty, self regulation & etiquette are prized qualities. Surely no one has ever lifted a range ball to take away?

Does your range permit bags and if so how do they cope with the pilfering of the scabby range balls? Come to think of it how did the balls get so scabby if stock is continually being nicked!
(the ranges that permit bags actually seem to use better quality balls anyway)


Footnote, at the range Sunday, saw a guy with all new TM kit & carry bag...very shiny...he'd left the plastic wrapping on the legs of the bag though. Is this sad or astute? & is it symptomatic of TM users

 

[pbrown7582]

think it is obviously an issue as i have been to a few where bags are not permitted onto the range.
doesnt really make sense to steal range balls but some people must not agree and have a liking to them.

 

[Phil2511]

You mean you guys don't play with them? At £2 for 3 dozen its great value. Lol. J/K

Have never actually seen anyone use them on our course, but heard as I arrived late to the TeeBox how a man had just teed off on the first using balls off our range.

Even the juniors at our place don't take the range balls and they are all Srixon 2 piece and usually quite new as many seem to get hit out of the range or at this time of year plugged on the range.

Of all 3 ranges near me they all allow bags onto the range.

 

[Fader]

Never seen anyone steal or play with range balls. But never been to a range where bags were not allowed, if people are desperate enough to nick range balls they'd find a way without their golf bag.

 

[virtuocity]

if people are desperate enough to nick range balls they'd find a way without their golf bag.

Correct. If I go for a range session, it's generally to hit quite a lot of balls- playing through an imaginary round of golf. This involves a lot of clubs and would prefer to take a bag.

 

[One Planer]

The range I use allows them, and they have shiney, new Srixon balls.

What I can't understand is, if it's the case, why someone would want to pilfer golf balls that don't go as far as regular balls

Spending a fiver on some Sports Direct specials wold probably give better results than many places range balls!

Seems counter productive stealing range bals to me

 

[AverageJoe]

Not allowed to take your bag to the bays at my local range. The reason I was told was that they clutter the place up and may be a trip hazard

 

[MetalMickie]

Certainly agree that the few ranges I have seen that ban bags are the ones with the scruffiest balls. As for safety e.g. tripping I would also say that they tend to have worn out, unstable mats; a far greater hazard.

 

[golfdub]

iv never heard of a range that don't allow bags. why would you want to play with a ball that are made badly and dont perform like a any normal ball should.

must admit though when my local range shut down which was opposite my house i went over and picked up about 100 balls but just purely for hitting over the fields as a bit of practice. i never used one in a game

 

[user2009]

I'll admit I've picked up a few range balls from the 17th fairway on my local which is right next to the range. I keep a few in my bag for water hazards and other tricky shots where there's a good chance I'll lose the ball. It seems lots of other people have the same idea because there's loads of range balls found scattered far and wide across the course. Nothing dishonest, just a redistribution of them. Anyway I've used a few of my own balls at the range so it balances out

 

[Adi2Dassler]

I 'liberate' range balls when ever I play Renaissance.Brand spanking new pro-v1's!

 

[stevie_r]

World of Golf at Clydebank has received balls from me. Range balls from the course at the end of my garden which are donated by friends and neighbours who find them when dog walking; they go straight in the ball feeder.

 

[BrizoH71]

Melville Golf Range is the one I use most, there is a big sign at the entrance stating no bags. I have, however, seen several people take bags in so I guess it depends on who is in the shop at the time.

I wouldn't be nicking their balls though, most are rocks and have big smiles on them .

 

[Stuey01]

I use Hambrook in Bristol. They have a big sign that no bags allowed on the range for "Health and Safety". Eh?

I should steal the sign and put it outside the pub on a friday night. :cheers:

 

[garyinderry]

no bags at the range behind lee park. i took it in one night when it was dead. the woman mentioned about it but let it slide. the balls are rubbish although i keep any real balls i find in the bucket for chipping practice! bonus balls

 

[tagnut69]

bags are allowed at teh 2 ranges I use. I have also found range balls on 1 of the courses which could not have got there with out being played

 

[SaintHacker]

I had a nice new pro v1 land in my bucket last week. I guess someone has hacked it over the fence from the course and the tractor picked it up. Its not stealing if its not meant to be there in the first place right?

 

[Rooter]

I am another magpie, can always spot a proper ball in among the rubbish range ones!! the 13th fairway runs along the range i use. this sunday i came away with a new Zstar and a pro-V1, both in good enough nick for a provisional/practice ball.

 

[LIG]

The 17th and 18th go up and down either side of the range I use and both fairways are always littered with range balls, so much so that it can be difficult to spot your ball .... from a distance that is!

I usually pick up a few to use as warm up balls for the next week, as the range is usually not open when we tee off early on a Saturday morning. It's quite good practice using a 7iron to get the ball over the enormous fence back into the range. Always have to watch out for the two guys collecting balls with the roller tho'. :lol: Usually have a good bit of banter if someone fails to make it over the fence a few times in a row!

Would never have thought of taking range balls that I've paid for to practice with. If I'm satified that I've achieved what I came for I just leave the remaining balls in the bay for the next punter.

 

[Piece]

No bags allowed at Hilsea range in Portsmouth. I'd assumed its to stop people 'exchanging' clubs when they try them!