What makes a good driving range?

One that I use has a set of rugby posts in the middle of the range to aim through which is fun, and a metal plate hanging from the crossbar which makes a good clang when you hit it.
 
Capella said:
They do have a short game area, but it pretty much sucks. It is basically a raised "green" in absolute awful condition (very mossy and bumpy, no matter how soft you land your balls, they will never even remotely react like they would on a regular green) with three pins in it and an area with all relatively long grass around it that you can hit chips or short pitches from. Plus a tiny bunker with some stuff in it that is more dust than sand. I really wasn't impressed. Actually you are better off misusing any one of the footgolf holes for chipping/pitching practice, because those greens are at least slightly better.
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Ah I wondered what it must be like, I have been having lessons with Rick and when we discussed a short game lesson he said we would meet at St Annes old links and use their chipping and putting area/grass driving range.
 
paulv said:
Ah I wondered what it must be like, I have been having lessons with Rick and when we discussed a short game lesson he said we would meet at St Annes old links and use their chipping and putting area/grass driving range.
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Definitely the better option, the practice facilities at St. Anne's Old Links looked beautiful when I was there. I did not use them though, only the putting green (which was also quite impressive).
 
paulv said:
Lytham golf academy where Sheils and Finch are based now is ok. Mixture of power tees and normal matts, nice bays usually protected from wind and rain, mixture of nike and srixon balls, good coffee, nice friendly staff. Im sure they have a short game area and bunker as well in the summer when the ground isn't water logged. Only downside is its only 200 yards but they let you hit over the fence so not much of a problem.
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Yeah I like LGA a lot. The short game practise area in the summer is a killer though... major drop offs. :)
 
paulv said:
Ah I wondered what it must be like, I have been having lessons with Rick and when we discussed a short game lesson he said we would meet at St Annes old links and use their chipping and putting area/grass driving range.
Click to expand...

The short game practise area is very nice. Its a proper green, to the extent that when they close a hole, they use it as a par 3 '19th hole'. The tee is in the corner to the right of the 18th green. The putting green (as Capella commented) is also superb. Quite large with a number of breaking and flat putts. The pace is also very consistent with the greens on the course.
 
I've been a range rat this winter and largely enjoyed myself. A good range will have decent enough balls (you cant expect prov's), mats, different size tee's, and a range of targets to aim at. Imo, you cant ask for more otherwise the price will be crazy. I often think that owning a range alone with no shop attached must be a tough business to run financially. The electricity bill alone for the floodlights must be mega bucks.
 
a flat mat, a variety of tee heights and some accurate distance targets is all I need
 
A place i have been give you one red ball in every hundred with a number on. Get it in the target at 100 yards and you win stuff. never seen it done.
 
BrizoH71 said:
Do they still stop you taking your bag into the range? I got moaned at for wanting to do so... got told I could only take 4 clubs maximum into the range area.
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I hate it when ranges stop you taking your bag in, Its such a pain trying to carry your stuff if your working on something new in your swing and want to take alignment sticks, face tape and obviously your clubs and glove. I always end up forgetting something.
 
For a range the only two things I really need are decent balls and decent mat's. The rest I can go without.

If we're talking decent practice facility then I'd want to be hitting off decent grass. Have a good short game area, bunkers, chipping area and a decent putting green.

When I play down at Brocket hall I get there extra early to make use of their facilities which are top notch :thup:. I could spend all day there just practicing.
 
The nearest range to me is at Belton Woods and I went there after work only once. As soon as I realised that the range was lined up so as you were facing directly into the low evening sun and could not see where the ball went at all I gave up and headed home.
 
delc said:
The Top Golf Centre in Watford has heated bays, and most of the other things you could want. Only problem is that it's £5.50 for 20 balls, so you would soon go bankrupt if you practice there too much! Seems to be very popular though, as it is usually pretty crowded in the evenings and you often have to queue up to get a bay.
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Aren't Top Golf ranges aimed more at the social side, so you can get something to eat, have some food, play some games with mates and have some fun. And not primarily aimed at the serious golfer that wants to just practice, as most ranges are?

I'd love to give Top Golf a go but there isn't one near me. Surprised it hasn't taken off more as they look a great idea.
 
davidy233 said:
I love the range at St Andrews - simple stuff but really well done - I don't need power tees but do need good mats and balls - It's always beautifully looked after and has the best view of any range I've ever been at
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Yes that place is great - and they have a very nice short game area which is cheap as chips to use.
 
davidy233 said:
I love the range at St Andrews - simple stuff but really well done - I don't need power tees but do need good mats and balls - It's always beautifully looked after and has the best view of any range I've ever been at
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Have to agree was impressed with the whole place. Was up the other week and was on range on morning
 
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