Driving Ranges - Are they really worth it?

[HomerJSimpson]

I tend to use the practice ground in the summer as nothing beats hitting off grass. If I do go to the range it is usually to work on specific drills, normally after a lesson. I try not to bash balls anymore and use this to make it more constructive http://www.mygripzone.com/

 

[Imurg]

I only use ours for shots from the tee if I'm struggling with any of the long clubs - seems like I should be there most of the time then.

They've recently had a fire at the range - taken out about 3 bays and the teaching bay plus a store room.......

 

[Fader]

For me the range is totally worth it. My work doesn't lend me to taking clubs to pop into my clubs range and practice area after work and the local driving range however is a mere 5 minutes from my house.

i never go there just to bash balls i always focus on making sure fundamentals are right and then work to hitting to targets. I'm not worried about how far they go or what club i have to use its purely about shot dispersion to target for me. Then I'll work on hitting different shot shapes with each club. High, low, fade and draw etc. after that its playing a few holes in my head so having to switch clubs after each shot. Plus each shot is going through full routine rather than just taking another out the basket and whacking away.

just back from range now and hit 75 balls but it took me a good while to do as i take my time and have a break for a few minutes just as you would on the course. As long as you practice with purpose then there is no bad practice but if you just bash a bucket then its pointless.

 

[chrisd]

I love the range too

When I can't get onto the course in the winter evenings I usually do a couple of range sessions a week. Sometimes I work on things and sometimes just bash balls. A couple of weeks ago my driver stopped performing, 30 balls at the range, worked out the fault, equilibrium restored.

I shall always use the range as part of my practise regime

 

[groundskeeperwilly]

My club has a very limited practice area-I run out of grass at 9 iron....

The range therefore is useful for me to work on a few things including technique and longer clubs. It's also close to work and so can fill a gap at lunch time nicely.

 

[DaveyG]

Lets not forget anyone who signs up to a golf forum is clearly very into golf.

Ranges are not only for lessons or ingraining technique but somewhere fun for people who like the idea of golf and don't want to go on a course feeling unequiped.

For newbies its brilliant. I don't think taking someone who wants to give golf a go to stand on the 1st and say go on then.

Like you mentioned yourself its great to keep loose and the swing ticking over.

The club I am at has great practise facilities and hitting off finely cut grass is much more beneficial for me (and cheaper) so I personally don't bother much anymore but oberall ofcourse they are a good thing!

I would rather be at a range than not swinging a club at all