Whilst the driving range can offer some benefits to golfers, there are several ways in which it can be actually causing harm to your game.

What are the pros of going to the driving range?
Going to the driving range can be beneficial for some golfers.
Improvement of swing mechanics
Going to the driving range can be an effective way to improve swing mechanics for a number of reasons:
- Practice: Consistent practice is key to improving any skill, and going to the driving range allows you to practice your swing repeatedly. The more you practice your swing, the more you can identify areas that need improvement, and the better you can fine-tune your mechanics.
- Feedback: Many driving ranges have instructors or technology available to help golfers analyse their swings. This feedback can provide golfers with insights into their swing mechanics and areas that need improvement.
- Muscle Memory: Repetition is key to building muscle memory, and the more you practice your swing, the more your body will learn to repeat the correct motions. Going to the driving range allows you to consistently practice your swing, which can help build the muscle memory required to perform a consistent and effective swing.
- Experimentation: The driving range provides an opportunity for golfers to experiment with different clubs, swings, and approaches. This experimentation can help golfers find what works best for their swing and identify areas that need improvement.
Warm-up before a round
Warming up before going to the driving range can be very beneficial for golfers. Here are a few ways it can help:
- Injury Prevention: Warming up can help prevent injuries by increasing blood flow and warming up the muscles, making them more pliable and less likely to be strained during the golf swing.
- Improved Performance: Warming up can also improve performance by preparing the golfer’s body for the physical demands of golf. A good warm-up routine can help increase flexibility, range of motion, and balance, all of which can lead to a more efficient swing and better shots.
- Mental Preparation: Warming up can also help golfers get mentally prepared for the round. It gives them time to focus on their game, set goals, and visualise successful shots, which can help build confidence and reduce stress.
Some warm-up exercises that can be helpful for golfers include stretching, light cardio exercises, and practice swings.
Stretching can help increase flexibility and range of motion, while light cardio exercises can help increase blood flow and get the body warmed up.
Practice swings can help golfers focus on their mechanics and build muscle memory before they start hitting actual shots.
Convenient and accessible
Going to the driving range is often very convenient and accessible for golfers. Here are a few reasons why:
- Location: Driving ranges are often located in easily accessible areas, such as near major roads or within golf course facilities. This makes it easy for golfers to find a driving range near their homes or workplaces.
- Open Hours: Driving ranges are typically open for long hours, sometimes even into the evening, which makes it easy for golfers to fit in practice around their work and personal schedules.
- Affordability: Most driving ranges are very affordable and offer a variety of packages that cater to different budgets and needs. This makes it accessible for golfers of all levels and abilities to practice their swings without breaking the bank.
- Equipment: Driving ranges typically provide golfers with all the necessary equipment, such as clubs, golf balls, and mats, which eliminates the need for golfers to invest in expensive equipment before they’re ready to do so.
- No Tee Times Required: Unlike golf courses, driving ranges typically do not require tee times, which means golfers can drop in and start practising whenever they have the time.
What are the cons of going to the driving range?
Lack of pressure to perform
One potential downside of going to the driving range is the lack of pressure to perform that can be present in a real golf game.
While this may seem like a positive aspect of driving range practice, it can also be a drawback in some ways.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Unrealistic Expectations: Because there is no pressure to perform, golfers may be less likely to focus and take their practice seriously. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and a false sense of improvement. When golfers do eventually play a real game, they may be surprised at their lack of success and become discouraged.
- Lack of Real-World Experience: Driving range practice does not simulate the real-world conditions that golfers may encounter on the course, such as different lies, varying terrain, and wind. As a result, golfers may not develop the skills they need to adapt to different situations and perform well in a real game.
- Over-Reliance on Equipment: Because driving ranges typically provide golfers with equipment, such as clubs and balls, golfers may become too reliant on this equipment and not develop the skills they need to use their own equipment effectively.
- No Consequences: Golfers may not experience the consequences of poor shots, such as lost balls or penalties, when practicing at a driving range. This can lead to a lack of accountability and an overemphasis on hitting the ball as hard as possible rather than developing a consistent and effective swing.
Hitting off mats vs. grass
One potential con of going to the driving range is hitting off mats instead of grass. While mats can provide a consistent surface for golfers to practice on, there are a few reasons why hitting off mats may not be ideal.
- Different Feel: Hitting off a mat can feel very different than hitting off grass. Mats are typically harder and less forgiving, which can make it difficult for golfers to get a sense of how their shots would perform on an actual course. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and a false sense of improvement.
- Less Feedback: When hitting off a mat, golfers may not get as much feedback on their shots as they would if they were hitting off grass. Divots can provide important information about a golfer’s swing, such as the angle of attack, which can be more difficult to observe on a mat. Without this feedback, golfers may not be able to make the necessary adjustments to improve their swing.
- Potential for Injury: Hitting off a mat can also increase the risk of injury. The harder surface can put more stress on a golfer’s joints and muscles, which can lead to strain and overuse injuries over time.
- Different Lie Angles: Hitting off mats can also limit a golfer’s ability to practice shots from different lie angles, such as uphill or downhill lies. Without the ability to practice these shots, golfers may struggle to perform well in real-world situations where these types of shots are common.
Overall, while hitting off mats can be a convenient and consistent way to practice, it may not provide the same benefits as hitting off grass. Golfers who are serious about improving their game may want to seek out a driving range that provides the option to hit off both mats and grass so they can get a more well-rounded practice experience.
Unrealistic environment compared to the course
Another potential con of going to the driving range is that the environment may not accurately simulate the conditions that golfers will encounter on the course. Here are a few reasons why this can be a drawback:
- Lack of Variety: Driving ranges typically offer a limited number of targets for golfers to aim at, which can make practicing feel repetitive and monotonous. This lack of variety can also make it difficult for golfers to simulate the different situations they will encounter on the course, such as hitting over hazards or playing into the wind.
- Flat Terrain: Many driving ranges have flat, even terrain, which does not accurately simulate the undulating terrain that golfers will encounter on a real course. This can make it difficult for golfers to practice shots from uphill or downhill lies, which are common on many courses.
- No Real Obstacles: Driving ranges do not typically have the same obstacles, hazards, or bunkers that golfers will encounter on the course. This can make it difficult for golfers to practice shots that require them to navigate around or over obstacles.
- Lack of Pressure: As I mentioned in a previous response, the lack of pressure to perform at the driving range can be a con for golfers who are serious about improving their game. Without the pressure of a real game, golfers may not develop the skills they need to perform well under pressure and in real-world conditions.
Reinforcement of bad habits
Reinforcement of bad habits is another potential con of going to the driving range. Here’s how it can happen:
- Lack of Feedback: If a golfer is practising on their own at the driving range, they may not be receiving feedback on their swing mechanics. This can make it difficult for them to correct bad habits or to even be aware of them.
- Repetitive Practice: Hitting the same shot over and over again at the driving range can reinforce bad habits, especially if the golfer is not consciously trying to work on specific aspects of their game. Repetitive practice without a focus on improvement can lead to muscle memory that reinforces poor technique.
- Inconsistent Practice: Even when golfers do make an effort to work on specific aspects of their game, the driving range may not provide consistent practice conditions. For example, if the range is crowded or if the wind changes direction, the golfer may not be able to practice the same shot under the same conditions.
- Lack of Consequences: Finally, practising at the driving range doesn’t come with the same consequences as playing a round of golf. On the range, golfers can take mulligans or adjust their shots without penalty. This can reinforce bad habits and lead to a lack of mental toughness when playing on the course.
What are the most common mistakes made at the driving range?
Only hitting the driver
One common mistake that golfers make at the driving range is hitting the driver only.
While hitting the driver can be fun and satisfying, it’s not always the best way to improve your game. Here are a few reasons why:
- Limited Practice: Hitting the driver only limits the types of shots you can practice. Golfers who only practice with the driver may not get the opportunity to practice other shots, such as fairway woods, hybrids, irons, and wedges.
- Unrealistic Practice: On the course, you don’t always use the driver on every hole. By practising with only the driver, you’re not practising the types of shots you’ll actually use during a round of golf.
- Poor Ball Striking: Many golfers struggle with consistent ball striking with the driver. By only hitting the driver, you may be reinforcing poor swing mechanics that will affect your entire game.
To improve your game, it’s important to practice a variety of shots with different clubs. Here are a few recommendations:
- Start with the Short Game: The short game is often the most important part of a golfer’s game. By starting your practice session with your wedges and putting, you’ll get a better feel for the greens and build confidence in your ability to score.
- Practice with a Plan: Before you go to the driving range, make a plan for what you want to work on. This will help you focus your practice time and ensure that you’re working on the shots that will help you improve your game.
- Mix It Up: Vary the clubs you use during your practice session. Practice hitting fairway woods, hybrids, irons, and wedges to get a feel for the different types of shots you’ll encounter on the course.
By practising with a variety of clubs, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges of the course and you’ll be more likely to see improvement in your game.
Relying on aim points
Another common mistake that golfers make at the driving range is relying on aim points. Aim points are visual markers that golfers use to align themselves with the target.
While aim points can be helpful, relying on them too much can be a mistake. Here are a few reasons why:
- Overthinking: Relying on aim points can cause golfers to overthink their swing mechanics, which can negatively impact their performance.
- Lack of Flexibility: If a golfer relies too heavily on aim points, they may have difficulty adjusting their alignment to changing wind conditions or other variables.
- Ignoring Feel: By relying on aim points, golfers may not be paying attention to the feel of their swing or the feedback their body is giving them.
To overcome these potential problems, golfers can use visualisation techniques to improve their alignment and focus on the feel of their swing. Here are a few recommendations:
- Use Visualisation: Before hitting a shot, visualise the shot in your mind. Imagine the ball flying through the air and landing where you want it to. This will help you align yourself with the target and focus on the feel of your swing.
- Trust Your Instincts: Golfers should pay attention to the feedback their body is giving them. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it. Trust your instincts and adjust your alignment or swing mechanics as needed.
- Practice Without Aim Points: Golfers can also practice hitting shots without using aim points. This will help them develop a feel for their swing and learn to adjust their alignment based on how the shot feels.
By using visualisation techniques and paying attention to the feel of their swing, golfers can develop a more flexible and intuitive approach to their game.
This will help them perform better on the course and make more consistent shots.
Not focusing on targets
Another common mistake that golfers make at the driving range is not focusing on targets.
Instead of aiming for specific targets, some golfers simply hit balls without a clear objective in mind.
Here are a few reasons why this is a mistake:
- Lack of Purpose: By not focusing on targets, golfers are not practising with a specific purpose in mind. This can lead to a lack of improvement in their game.
- Limited Feedback: Without a clear target, golfers may not get the feedback they need to assess their performance and make improvements.
- Inability to Translate Practice to the Course: Golfers who do not focus on targets during practice may struggle to translate their skills to the course, where specific targets are a key part of the game.
To overcome this mistake, golfers can set specific targets and practice hitting shots to those targets.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Use Alignment Aids: To help you focus on targets, use alignment aids such as alignment sticks or golf balls to create a specific target.
- Set Realistic Targets: Choose targets that are appropriate for your skill level. Start with larger targets and gradually work your way up to smaller, more challenging targets.
- Vary Your Targets: Practice hitting shots to a variety of targets, including straight shots, fades, and draws. This will help you develop a well-rounded game and prepare you for the variety of shots you’ll encounter on the course.
By setting specific targets and focusing on hitting shots to those targets, golfers can improve their accuracy, consistency, and ability to translate their skills to the course. This will help them perform better during a round of golf and see greater improvement in their game overall.
Mindless swinging
Another common mistake that golfers make at the driving range is mindless swinging. This means simply swinging the club without any focus or intention, and can be a waste of time and effort. Here are a few reasons why this is a mistake:
- Lack of Improvement: Mindless swinging does not lead to any improvement in the golfer’s game, as there is no intention or focus on improving any aspect of their swing.
- Reinforcing Bad Habits: Mindless swinging can reinforce bad habits in a golfer’s swing, which can be difficult to break later on.
- Wasted Time: Mindless swinging can be a waste of time, as the golfer is not working on anything specific and is not likely to see any improvement in their game.
- To overcome this mistake, golfers can focus on the process of their swing and be intentional with their practice. Here are a few recommendations:
- Set Goals: Before starting a practice session, set specific goals for what you want to work on during that session. This could be improving your swing plane, working on your grip, or increasing your clubhead speed.
- Use Feedback: Use feedback from the ball flight, swing feel, or a coach to help guide your practice and focus on areas that need improvement.
- Be Intentional: Focus on the process of your swing and be intentional with each swing. Visualise the shot you want to hit, feel the swing you want to make, and focus on executing that shot.
By focusing on the process of their swing and being intentional with their practice, golfers can make more meaningful improvements to their game. This will lead to greater confidence and better performance on the course.
The Alternatives to Driving Range Practice
One alternative to driving range practice is practising on the course itself.
While the driving range is useful for honing specific aspects of your game, such as swing mechanics and ball flight, practising on the course can help you develop your overall game in a more realistic environment.
Here are a few reasons why practising on the course can be beneficial:
- Simulates Real-Game Situations: Practicing on the course allows you to practice in the same environment you will be playing in, allowing you to simulate real-game situations and prepare for the challenges that the course presents.
- Teaches you better Course Management: Practicing on the course can help you develop your course management skills, including club selection, shot placement, and decision-making.
- Improves Confidence: Practicing on the course can help build your confidence as a player, as you become more comfortable with the course and your ability to navigate it.
To get the most out of practice on the course, it’s important to approach it with a plan and a specific set of goals in mind. Here are a few recommendations:
- Identify Areas to Work On: Identify specific areas of your game that you want to work on during your practice round, such as driving accuracy, approach shots, or short game.
- Play Multiple Balls: Play multiple balls during your practice round to give yourself more opportunities to practice different shots and work on specific areas of your game.
- Keep Score: Keep score during your practice round to help you stay focused and give you a clear measure of your progress over time.
By practising on the course and using it as a way to improve your overall game, you can become a more well-rounded and confident golfer.
Simulator training
Another alternative to driving range practice is simulator training. Simulator training allows golfers to practice in a virtual environment that simulates the experience of playing on a real golf course.
Here are a few reasons why simulator training can be beneficial:
- Realistic Environment: Simulator training provides a more realistic environment for practising than the driving range, as it allows golfers to practice on virtual versions of real golf courses.
- Immediate Feedback: Simulators provide immediate feedback on shot distance, accuracy, and ball flight, allowing golfers to make adjustments to their swing and technique in real time.
- Year-Round Practice: Simulators can be used year-round, allowing golfers to practice during off-seasons or in inclement weather conditions.
To get the most out of simulator training, it’s important to approach it with a plan and a specific set of goals in mind.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Focus on Specific Areas: Use the simulator to focus on specific areas of your game, such as driving accuracy or putting, and work on improving those areas.
- Track Progress: Keep track of your progress over time using the simulator’s scoring system, and set goals for improving your scores on specific courses or challenges.
- Use Different Clubs: Practice using different clubs to simulate the variety of shots that you would encounter on a real golf course.
By using simulator training as an alternative to driving range practice, golfers can improve their skills in a more realistic and engaging environment, while also being able to practice year-round regardless of weather conditions.
Private lessons with a pro
Another alternative to driving range practice is taking private lessons with a golf pro. Private lessons allow golfers to receive personalized instruction and feedback from a professional instructor. Here are a few reasons why private lessons can be beneficial:
- Personalised Instruction: Private lessons allow golfers to receive personalised instruction and feedback from a professional instructor, who can identify areas of strength and weakness in their game and provide specific guidance on how to improve.
- Immediate Feedback: Instructors can provide immediate feedback on technique, swing mechanics, and other aspects of the golfer’s game, allowing for real-time adjustments and improvements.
- Accountability: Regular lessons with a golf pro can help golfers stay accountable and motivated to continue practicing and improving their game.
To get the most out of private lessons, it’s important to find an instructor who is a good fit for your learning style and goals. Here are a few recommendations:
- Research Instructors: Research potential instructors online or through word of mouth, and read reviews or testimonials to get a sense of their teaching style and approach.
- Set Goals: Set specific goals for what you want to achieve through your lessons, such as improving your swing mechanics or reducing your handicap.
- Practice Between Lessons: Use the feedback and guidance from your lessons to inform your practice sessions between lessons, and make sure to incorporate the instructor’s suggestions into your routine.
By taking private lessons with a golf pro, golfers can receive personalised instruction and feedback, and accelerate their progress towards achieving their goals on the course.