Driving range or no driving range that is the question...

[AmandaJR]

I like to hit a basket before a comp to warm up and (hopefully) get some confidence in my swing...

Otherwise I'll go a couple of times a week if I'm working on a specific element of my swing. Will also go after a game if something has bothered me...beats crying

Most of my practice is on the course though and don't like it when there are too many competitive rounds and I don't get the opportunity to play on my own and hit a couple of balls.

 

[Snelly]

I go with my 9 year old son from time to time and we have great fun together.

But that is all a range can be, a bit of fun. If you think that it is going to improve things then I disagree. It is easy to hit a ball off a perfectly square mat that is totally level with the ball at ideal height. That is not what happens on the course though and poor setup is the cause of most bad shots. Not much point going to a range to develop your golf game then but I admit that they can be a bit of a laugh and a good way to release tension and escape the daily grind.

 

[bluewolf]

I quite enjoy going to the range when I don't have time to play, but I'm going to have to knock it on the head for a bit as hitting off mats has messed up my elbow. I'll just use the short range at the club and hit off grass when I want to practice....

 

[AmandaJR]

I go with my 9 year old son from time to time and we have great fun together.

But that is all a range can be, a bit of fun. If you think that it is going to improve things then I disagree. It is easy to hit a ball off a perfectly square mat that is totally level with the ball at ideal height. That is not what happens on the course though and poor setup is the cause of most bad shots. Not much point going to a range to develop your golf game then but I admit that they can be a bit of a laugh and a good way to release tension and escape the daily grind.

That's certainly true for me and struggle with alignment on the course which is pretty much done for me on the range. Have started to change the targets though so I am forced to stand skew whiff and that can help me recognise whether I'm standing open or closed as a general guide.

It is also fun to have a playing partner and finish with some competitive target practice or shot-making comps.

 

[Garesfield ACE]

Driving range/PAR 3 is a must for me even though I can only get there occassionally.....once every 7/8 weeks.

Been today,feel it brings confidence back after a poor round (Sunday)....spend an hour on the range then around 2 hours on 18 hole par 3 course.....was a bit iffy on the range (mid to high irons as usual ) but it came togethor on the par 3 course......stacks of pars,2 birdies and NO doubles.......loved it.....dont feel I could improve without range,par 3 and other forms of golf 'practice'.....when I hear other golfers say "but I'm not getting any better"...........is it any wonder when all they do is play 18 hole comps/odd friendlies???

Kev

 

[Slime]

Can't answer that one.
Today the answer would be 'Never' as I've not used one this year.
When I get the okay from my surgeon, hopefully in the next few weeks, my answer would be 'Regularly'.
I can't wait!

Slime.

 

[Andy808]

In the winter at least four times a week when I'm working on swing changes during the low season. Once I get to February then I cut that down to twice a week with most of my work on focusing on the target rather than swing thoughts and changes combined with two sessions a week on the chipping area.
April sees me cut range time down to once a week with all my focus on the target with two sessions on the chipping area and one on putting.
I play as much as possible all year round.

 

[Captainron]

I take my 2 boys down occasionally for a bit of fun. I like to hit some balls before I play a round to warm up but that's about it now. I get a bit bored just pounding balls unless I am with friends and we play games to keep us interested/provide focus.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I use the range a lot although I'm trying to play more and practice less. The problem has been the fact that its been pouring down after work and no way am I going out in that for a casual round. The range at least keeps the swing ticking over and I can work on some drills. Might be coincidence but I haven't practiced much in the last 10 days or been out after work and had a meltdown on Monday. I really do need to be hitting balls regularly to keep my rythmn (if you've seen me dance you'd know I'm no blessed with natural rhythmn anyway).

 

[JustOne]

I would go to the range for an hour EVERY DAY if I could, even if it's to practice 90 yard shots and a dozen drives.

Nothing beats hitting golf balls to know where your swing is at. A good pro - even the assistant in your pro shop - will likely hit a basket of balls throughout the day.

 

[timchump]

Thanks for all the replies

Looks like going to the driving range is pretty popular. I was expecting more people to be in the never go category

I'm perhaps trying to blame my current poor scoring on the driving range.... :mmm:

To be honest i like the range, i can go pretty much everyday the only reason i don't is i think the pro & friends would be expecting me to play of cat 1 which i don't think will ever happen .

But i agree with JO if i could go everyday it would really help feel where my swing is, which is a big thing for me if i'm in the groove i can play very well