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

[timchump]

I played a fair bit of golf over the weekend, a friend commented he thought my swing looked a lot better, but my scoring has got worse. Confirmed when i went round a fairly easy course in 19 over, last time i played it about a year ago i was 9 over. It's fair to say i've put a lot of work into my swing at the range this last year, i like the fact my swing looks ok, i can't help feeling if i just "played" instead of spending time down the range my scoring would be much better

So just wondering how many guys do spend a fair bit of time at the range and how many thought the range is just a home furniture store

 

[Doh]

I only tend to go occasionally but that will be to practice what I have been through in a lesson. The rest of my practice will be on the course either on my own or with a mate. The only time I don't treat playing as practice is in comps.

 

[One Planer]

I'm a regular at the range as I feel I alweays have something to work on.

At the minute I go every Tuesday as I can get out for a twilight round ono a Thursday after work.

In the winter when twilight golf isn't an option I "may" consider an extra range session, just to keep my swing tocking over.

 

[dufferman]

I rarely play other than weekends, so spend 2 / 3 nights a week down the range. I'm lucky to finish work at 4 so get down before it gets too busy and it keeps the missus happy I'm not there till late at night!

My game has radically improved since January, and it really is down to range sessions. Saying that, the range I go to also has a putting green & short game area, so it's not just a case of hitting 50 balls off a mat and going home.

 

[Slab]

Range a couple of times each week for 90 mins - 2 hours a time with maybe a quick 30 min session in an odd evening

 

[patricks148]

Untill this year i never went to the practice ground, but started lessons and trying to get lagg so go at least once a week now and sometimes even before a round but only hit mybe 10 balls with a 9 iron.

i was not a fan, i'm still not really

 

[Birchy]

You definately learn how to score playing the course more imo. Range is ok if your working on a swing change or ironing out a problem but apart from that i would only practice short game.

 

[mcbroon]

I go a couple of times a month in winter, as there are fewer chances to play.

In summer, I only go to the range when I don't have time to get out on the course but need to keep the swing ticking over i.e. if I haven't played for a couple of weeks. The only exception is if I am hitting a consistently bad shot (like just now, when I'm struggling to control my 5w) - then I'll go and work on ironing it out.

If I can, though, I'll always play rather than smash balls down the range.

 

[bangaio]

For me playing brings my game on no end. The range jars my wrists on the mats, has me over analyse everything and isoy useful for a quick warm up. The lack if any turf interaction I find really challenging.

 

[londonlewis]

I rarely play other than weekends, so spend 2 / 3 nights a week down the range. I'm lucky to finish work at 4 so get down before it gets too busy and it keeps the missus happy I'm not there till late at night!

My game has radically improved since January, and it really is down to range sessions. Saying that, the range I go to also has a putting green & short game area, so it's not just a case of hitting 50 balls off a mat and going home.

What do you do for a living and do you need to hire another person? haha, I'm serious!

 

[Neddy]

Too much.

Decided to try and limit myself to twice a week as of now.

 

[Imurg]

The words "As", "little", "as" and "possible" spring to mind........

I get bored with it very quickly

 

[Iain.faulkner]

Depends on how you classify "regularly" or "occasionally". I try to go once/twice a week, just for an hour or so, hit up to 100 balls. But a lot depends on if I'm playing a midweek 18 or not, as this would take the place of going to the range.

 

[G1BB0]

I have stopped going of late as I was getting too many swing thoughts and trying to many tweaks. I have decided to just go out and hit the bloody thing and what will be will be as I had stopped enjoying it so much.

 

[londonlewis]

I love going to the range.
I find hitting golf balls relaxing and helps me clear my mind. I also like the idea of working on my game. I reckon I go to the range circa 4-8 times a month (really depends on whether I get out on the course).

I tend to work on every club in my bag typically starting with 5,7,9 irons before hitting my wedges and working through 4,6,8 irons. I spend time with the hybrid and only hit a few drives - depends how well or badly I hit my driver in my last round.

One of the things I read is about using the practice mats to your full advantage. The theory is that the turf like mat around the tee does not replicate the conditions on a golf course and will promote poor contact (i.e. you can hit it fat but it will still produce a good flight so you can end up making poor contact). Therefore you should use the mat that you stand on as it plays more similarly to actual golf conditions.

But I have only been playing golf for 3 years and am always keen to keep improving; I see the range as a great way to help me do this. Maybe when I have been playing the game for a decade I might limit my time at the range to the same as a number of other posts on here.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I go to the range when I working on something or it's winter\the course is closed and I can't do anything else

 

[duncan mackie]

our range is next to the 1st tee...90% of golfers use it before setting out.

I guess this isn't what you meant so I didn't vote

 

[dufferman]

What do you do for a living and do you need to hire another person? haha, I'm serious!

I'm a web developer, but start at 8am and work through till 4pm. I live in Surrey & work in London, so mainly do it to avoid some rush hour traffic! It has its upsides!!

 

[big_eck]

i go to the range just to practise my driving and saves me walking all over the place to pick up balls, i would much rather walk round a nine hole course playing 2 balls for overall game improvement though

 

[Rooter]

I am a range addict. its not often i get anymore than 90 minutes free, so if i want to hit a ball, the range is my only choice. i will usually use the putting and chipping area too, but am never there longer than 90 minutes. if i had more time than that, i would be on a course instead. but i go to the range probably 3 times a week for 90 balls, and then some putting/chipping.