Driving ranges can be a frustrating experience. Especially if you’re just getting started or if you’re new to a particular facility. After all, there are so many different kinds of driving ranges out there. So how do you know which one is right for you?
Finding the right range is important because not all driving ranges are alike. Some will cater for beginners with smaller distances and easier obstacles, while others will focus on advanced players who want longer and more challenging holes. But what does that mean for someone who is just starting? Let’s look at things you should keep in mind when looking for your next range.
Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
Before you head out to your range to see what they offer, it’s a good idea to research what to expect. Here are some of the main things to research ahead of time.
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What can you play on
the range? - It is the most
important thing to know ahead of time. While most ranges will have similar
obstacles, some will have one or two that are different from the rest. If you
aren’t sure what’s available at the range you’re considering, go and ask a
staff member. They’re usually more than happy to help you out, and most ranges
have an online directory or brochure where you can look up what’s available.
●
What kind of staff do
they have? - Not all
driving ranges will have the same kind of staff. Some have one attendant to
help you with everything, while others will have a team of staff who are all
there to help you with your game. It can make a big difference, especially if
you’re starting.
● What facilities do they offer? - Most ranges are indoor or outdoor, but if you want to go to a course with certain features, such as golf netting, natural grass or lighting specific to the course, you’ll want to go to an area with those features.
Be Discerning With Your Range Of Choice
Golf is a huge sport, and there are many ranges. But to be perfectly honest, not all of them are great. They can all have their issues, from courses far from what you’re looking for to facilities that don’t have the experience you want. So before choosing a range, take some time to review their offerings. Consider the following list before you make your decision.
●
What kind of courses
are they offering? - Many driving ranges today have courses that are just
flat green boxes. But that’s not what you should be looking for. Ideally, you
want a range with a full course layout and few obstacles so you can practice
different shots. Does the range have a full 18-hole course with various
obstacles? If so, that’s a good sign.
●
What kind of obstacles
are they offering? - Depending on the course layout you’re looking at, this
can vary quite a bit. Full course layouts will have more advanced obstacles,
while a short course will have simpler ones, such as chipping areas.
● How far do they go? - Are they only offering a few obstacles of varying lengths, or are they offering a full round? It is one of the most important things you should look for. If you only want to go a few times a year, then a driving range that only offers a few holes is perfect. But if you want to use it more regularly, you’ll want something with a longer distance.
Don’t Forget About The Staff And Facilities
While the course and obstacles are important, they won’t be enough to make you great. You also have to have the right attitude, the right equipment, and the right practice. But even then, it’s easy to forget when you’re just starting. Make sure you’re aware of the staff members working at the range. They should be knowledgeable and friendly. They should be willing to help you with any questions you have, and they should be willing to offer you some advice. If they aren’t, then find a new range.
Be sure to check out the facilities the range has to offer. You want to ensure the range is clean, has enough toilets and drink dispensers, has driving range netting, doesn’t charge too much (or at all), and has a good atmosphere (no annoying sounds or smells).
Look For Attendants Who Are Knowledgeable And Friendly
Working at a driving range can be a tough job. Attendants have to deal with frustration from beginners and often deal with people in various moods. Because of this, you want to ensure that your range staff members are knowledgeable and friendly.
Ideally, you want staff members willing to help you with your game and offer some advice. If the range you’re looking at doesn’t have staff members willing to help you, move on and look elsewhere. If you find them to be too distracted or rude, then move on. You don’t want to spend your time at the range annoyed by staff members.
Check Out The Course Layout, Obstacles And Tee Boxes
This one is much like the staff and applies to the other things you’ll find inside. Please ensure the course layout, obstacles, and tee boxes are all correct and are what you expected. If you’re starting from scratch, ensure you know exactly what the target area is, so you know where to aim.
If you’re moving from another range or course, ensure the target is in the right spot. Make sure the greens are at the right distance and make sure the holes are in the right spots. It isn’t just important for beginners; it’s important for everyone. You want to ensure that the course layout, obstacles, and tee boxes are easy enough for anyone to enjoy. If they aren’t, you won’t have anyone playing here, and the range will be closed.
Keep An Eye Out For Other Features That Help Make Your Experience Better
Driving ranges can be an expensive hobby. Finding an affordable range that offers everything you need can be hard. But don’t just look for the lowest price. Instead, look for ranges that offer the following extras.
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Online tee times - Many ranges
now offer online tee times, where you can book a time on their website. It can
help save you some money, and it can also help you avoid waiting in line.
●
Paid instruction - It is
especially important for beginners who want to learn how to play the game. If
the range doesn’t offer this, you can look elsewhere.
●
Lighted greens: If you want to
play at night, you’ll want the greens to be lit. It can make the difference
between enjoying your time at the range and just going through the
motions.
●
Natural grass: If you want to
play on real grass, ensure the range you’re looking at has that.
●
Showers - If you want a
hot shower to relax after your round, check out the range you are looking at if
they offer this facility.
● More - There are lots of other things that can make your range experience better. The best way to find them is to talk to people who have used the range before you
Conclusion
Driving ranges are a
great place to practice your game with friends and family or to get a break
from the course. They can be expensive, though, and they can be hard to find.
Fortunately, now that you know what to look for, you can find the right range for
you.
