Is the range the place to be?

[Basher]

I posted earlier bemoaning my lack of practise possibly contributing to my bad golf experienced lately.

My club, although having a superb course has a shockingly poor practise area. The other option open being a trip down to the driving range for practise sessions.

My question is;

Does practise down the driving range (synthetic mats, pop up tees etc) contribute to good golf practise?

I can apreciate that the range could well be a good place to groove a good swing and practise driving. I just don't think it's the place to hone your general shooting skills as the synthetic mats bear no resemblance to hitting shots off grass.

 

[USER1999]

It is better than nothing, which is often the alternative.

 

[Basher]

What about lessons?

My putting is horrendous at the moment. Putting lessons are available at the range....... but they're on an astroturf type putting green! Is it a good surface to learn on or is the real thing the best way forward?

 

[drawboy]

I think it all depends on your ability to practice effectively and not get drawn into just smashing balls as far as possible in any direction as a lot of people do. If you have no alternative but to use a range just go with the clubs you need to practice with and stick to what you need to do, don't be afraid to leave the driver at home.

 

[USER1999]

Technique is technique, so no, learning on astro should not be a problem, however, I wouldn't practice too much on astro, as it is way too different to grass.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I wouldn't practice my putting on an astroturf surface as it doesn't bear any resemblance to grass in terms of pace and borrows. I'd be reluctant to even have a putting lesson on it personally.

I think a range can be a useful environment and to be honest once the dark nights come round again soon its the only place most of us will have the opportunity to keep our swings grooved. I think if you can either play the course and so start off with the club you would hit your opening shot at your club with, then use whatever you'd take for an approach etc you'll be varying the clubs. If you go through your routine too at least it will be as close to playing as possible.

Alternatively if you are grooving a swing thought or drill, I always make sure I walk off the mat after every shot so I don't fall into the habit, especially if I hit a bad one, of just hitting another ball. I make sure I address every ball and treat each shot as a separate entity. If I'm working on a set thought, I might hit 10-15 with one club, go away and hit a few wedges etc and then come back to it.

I guess it also depends on the quality of the range. If its full of kids just bashing balls and being loud and obnoxious its not a conducive atmosphere. If, like the range I use, it is only used by golfers who are there soley to practice and improve then it becomes a tranquil environment to concentrate solely on your game.

 

[sasquatch]

I don't bother with the range at all now,i can play when i like-trying all different types of shots with any club down at my course,ive found the driving range doesnt help me and is just another cost which i can spend on something else.
And to be honest going to the driving range bores me silly!!!

 

[Imurg]

In general it seems the quality of practice facilities is shocking. At my new club we have a great 9 hole par 3 course and a decent putting green near the 1st but if you want to swing anything other than a wedge before going out there are 2 manky nets and mats to choose from.
At my last club they had a decent range but the putting green was dreadful and 600 yards from the 1st.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm lucky in that we have a grassed practice ground with targets at 50, 100, 150 and 200 which are all fairly accurate (as measured on SC5) plus a decent practice bunker and a putting green which we are now allowed to hit chip and run type shots (no Micklesonesque flop shots or lobs). Ideal to practice the short game. I guess the only downside is a) its open to the elements and the prevailing wind is from left to right so will accentuate a fade b) no use if its raining and c) you have to pick your own balls up

On the plus side I note from the minutes of recent meetings there are tentative plans to build a 2-4 bay range which I guess wil be ideal for the winter and would make the pros life much easier to teach in the winter.

 

[jammydodger]

We too have a nice grassed area about 80-100 yds wide and flags at 50,100,150,200 but you can go further back when you want to hit your long irons/woods as theres another 50/60 yards to use. 2 practice bunkers available too and theyve even built a new pitching green that should be up and running next year. We also have a large green that you can putt on half and chip on the other half (or if noones looking you can chip right along the length of it)

These facilities were one of the main reasons for joining as I cant get enough practice