Range practice vs course practice?

[Beezerk]

Kind of confused at the moment. I can go to the driving range and hit lots of balls ok, that is "ok" to my standard as I've only been playing a few months. Played a local par 3 course today and absolutely bottled it off the tee, I'd say 12 of 18 holes were really poor (I was playing 2 balls when I could), some crazy wild slices which I rarely do on the range, also topped 2 or 3 which again I never usually do, you know, complete novice shots. On one hole I even used my #5 hybrid which I can hit nicely 90% of the time at the range but today hit it like a complete idiot. Shot +14 and to be honest my chipping and putting saved me from a far worse score which was a nice surprise as I practice more on my swing than short game. I'm obviously not aiming for perfection every shot but at the same time I don't want to feel like clubs are alien in my hands when I'm on the course. Kinda naffed off a bit but happy with some aspects today, time for a beer :thup:

 

[ScienceBoy]

Got to be a mix of both, I have neglected the range for a while and my driver has suffered.

1 range session a week, alternating between irons, wedges and long clubs would be best at this time of year, then get out on the course the other times for at least 9 holes.

Sounds to me like your issues are with alignment and routine. Do exactly the same on the course and the range for every shot and you should find it easier to bridge between the two.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The range has its place but you can't beat getting out and playing. My take is familiar to most but why not get a lesson or two and make sure the basics are correct. The range can be used for working on the drills so they bleed into the new swing. From there its about getting out and trying it on the course and not reverting to previous swings if it goes wrong

 

[Simbo]

It's in your head!!

Quite a common problem mate

 

[Conman85]

My two cents here would be use the range at your course if it has one. When I started out I used to go up to the driving range all the time, it's gd for driver/wood practice, but you can't take a divot out a plastic mat. I also found the range can be quite misleading its big and wide so you don't notice your ball tailing off like it would on a fairway into rough, those shots ur hitting at the range might look gd there, bt put them on a course and you might be shocked. I found when starting out going up to the grassy range at the course brought my game on a lot, it usually has a few people about and is slapped between two holes so I find myself concentrating more and aiming for key areas. Give it a try if you can and its always fun seeing if you can take the divot at the same spot like the pros, usually I have to move after each bag as I have dug half the place up!

 

[Jack_bfc]

It depends on what you are practicing and the facilities at your disposal.

I wanted to try out a stronger grip and setup to reduce my fade/slice with the driver last night so I went to the range (all grass, no mats) and hit probably 20-25 drives.

I was using the yardage markers as edge of fairway and the edges of the range. So producing a relativly narrow fairway to aim at.

Then with slight tweeks here and there, was regularly 'hitting' fairway and even put a couple out of the end (250+ with big bounce and roll) which I have never done before. Conditions helped but I was pleased with the work I had done and it gave me more of an insight in how the club face and swing path etc creates the slice and hopefully I can keep it down to the odd angry drive when I forget the principles.

 

[mykweb]

I do agree with the above poster.

When at the range get into a frame of mind of aiming at a target. If you break out the big guns then aim between two fixed points that is your fairway edge. Same with the flags aim at them like they are the green on a par 3 or even 2/3rd shot on a hole.

Also when out on the course do the same. Pick a point and work to aim at it. Take your time and don't rush thru the ball. Most bad shots/toppers come when you rush the ball. I am prone to doing this after 12 holes. The first 12 holes I hit nice smooth drives. The last 4 holes of my course I rush my swing and the balls slice off to the right.

Get a set routine at the range and take that to the course. Only one exception an that is taking the mickey on the course and spending 2-3 minutes on your setup. This will just hack off your playing partners and other golfers.

 

[Sweep]

All of the above is great advice. I also find that once I am into the rhythm on the range I can hit great ball after great ball, which leads to me flattering myself that I am better than I am. The truth is you have say 10 mins between each use of the driver, not 10 secs, so on the course your body is not given the opportunity naturally and instinctively adjust what you are doing wrong. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of the range and there is no doubt the more you practice, the better you will get, but you need to get the basics right, which will ensure you hit it at least reasonably every time both on the range and on the course. And don't go away from the range thinking you have cracked it because you bombed every drive apart from those first few.

 

[Brian_C]

My view is that a driving range 100% has it’s uses, thou not for everyone. I see it as a great uses for someone returning to the game or a new player, if you’re making adjustments to your swing, lessons, have bought new clubs, don’t have the time to play 9 or 18 holes it’s great to just pop down for half an hour/an hour just to keep the swing from getting rusty or the weather is just pish. If there was no driving ranges you’d soon hear people complain about it.

The range is just another tool to be used as and when it's needed.

 

[mykweb]

My view is that a driving range 100% has it’s uses, thou not for everyone. I see it as a great uses for someone returning to the game or a new player, if you’re making adjustments to your swing, lessons, have bought new clubs, don’t have the time to play 9 or 18 holes it’s great to just pop down for half an hour/an hour just to keep the swing from getting rusty or the weather is just pish. If there was no driving ranges you’d soon hear people complain about it.

The range is just another tool to be used as and when it's needed.

Exactly my view

 

[Beezerk]

Many thanks for the replies.
I did feel very under pressure on the tees, lots of people milling around and I know I rushed lots of the shots.
The place I usually practice has a lovely grass driving range but I've been going to a regular range recently as it's slightly closer, lazy I know but it saves having to collect your balls
Got a few days holiday in a couple of weeks, gonna book another lesson or two.

 

[One Planer]

My view is that a driving range 100% has it’s uses, thou not for everyone. I see it as a great uses for someone returning to the game or a new player, if you’re making adjustments to your swing, lessons, have bought new clubs, don’t have the time to play 9 or 18 holes it’s great to just pop down for half an hour/an hour just to keep the swing from getting rusty or the weather is just pish. If there was no driving ranges you’d soon hear people complain about it.

The range is just another tool to be used as and when it's needed.

I also like this view.

I started a thread yesterday in a similar vein. I have been using the range once a week just to keep my swing ticking over, basically hitting balls.

I play 3 days a week so I see no real need to "practice" at the range when I can learn much more playing the course.

I'll use the range in winter when twilight golf isn't an option, but then, I'll be having another series of lessons over the winter to try and kick on again next season.