What Is a Golf Range?

A golf range is the perfect laboratory for your golf swing, a dedicated space designed specifically for practice. Whether you call it a driving range or a practice facility, it’s a place where you can hit ball after ball without the pressure of a real round of golf. This guide will walk you through what a golf range is, what you can expect to find there, and most importantly, how to use it effectively to actually improve your game.

What Exactly Is a Golf Range?

At its heart, a golf range is a large, open area where golfers can hit balls from designated stations, or “bays,” toward various targets at different distances. It’s a controlled environment built for one purpose: repetition. Unlike a golf course, there are no fairways to follow, no holes to play, and no score to keep. This freedom allows you to focus entirely on the mechanics of your swing and the outcome of each shot.

Many golfers use the term "driving range" interchangeably, but that name is a little misleading. While you can certainly practice hitting your driver, a good practice session involves hitting every club in your bag, from your shortest wedges to your longest woods. Think of it less as a "driving" range and more as a "golf swing" range - a place to work on every aspect of your full swing.

The Anatomy of a Golf Range

While ranges vary in size and quality, they generally share the same core components. Understanding these parts will help you feel more comfortable and get the most out of your visit.

The Hitting Bays

This is your personal station for the session. Most ranges have a long line of individual bays separated by small dividers. You'll typically find two types of surfaces to hit from:

• Artificial Mats: These are the most common. They are durable, all-weather surfaces that mimic fairway grass. They are great for beginners because they are forgiving - the club can easily slide across the mat even if you hit the ball a little "fat" (hitting the ground before the ball). However, this forgiveness can sometimes mask swing flaws, as a shot that would be chunky on real grass might feel okay off a mat.
• Natural Grass Tees: Some higher-end ranges or practice facilities at golf courses offer a section of real grass to hit from. This is the gold standard for practice because it perfectly replicates on-course conditions. Hitting off grass gives you true feedback on your ball striking. If you hit it fat, you’ll take a big divot and the shot will be a dud. This honesty is fantastic for experienced players but can be frustrating for newcomers.

The Range Balls

It’s important to know that the golf balls at a range are usually not the same as the ones you play with on the course. Range balls are built for durability, not performance. They typically have a harder cover and a different core to withstand being hit thousands of times.

What does this mean for you? Don't get too caught up in the distance. Range balls often fly about 10-15% shorter than a premium ball like a Titleist Pro V1. They also spin less, meaning they won't stop as quickly and won't curve as dramatically. So, if your shots seem to be going a little short, don't panic - it's likely the ball, not you.

The Targets and Yardage Markers

The vast open field in front of you isn't just an empty space. It's dotted with targets to give your practice session purpose. These can come in many forms:

• Flags and Pins: Lined up at various distances, just like on a real green.
• Yardage Signs: Large signs that clearly state the distance (e.g., 100, 150, 200 yards).
• Nets and Baskets: Excellent targets for dialing in your wedge shots and short irons.

These targets are your best friends for practicing accuracy and distance control. The distances are usually measured from the hitting bays, so you can start to learn exactly how far each of your clubs goes.

Your First Visit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Walking onto a golf range for the first time can feel a bit intimidating, but the process is quite simple. Here’s a quick rundown to give you confidence.

Step 1: Get Your Gear

You don't need a full set of clubs for your first few visits. In fact, it’s better to keep it simple. Just bring a few key clubs: an iron like a 7-iron or 8-iron, a pitching wedge, and maybe your driver. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and athletic shoes (sneakers are fine).

Step 2: Buy a Bucket of Balls

Head inside to the pro shop or the counter. You'll usually see options for a small, medium, or large bucket of balls. Start with a small or medium bucket, it's more than enough for a productive session. You'll pay the attendant and receive either a basket of balls, a token, or a code to use at an automated ball dispenser.

Step 3: Find a Spot

Walk out to the hitting area and find an open bay. There's no secret to picking the "best" one. Just find a spot that feels comfortable and gives you a good view of the targets. Set down your clubs and bucket of balls where they are out of the way of your swing but easy to reach.

Step 4: Start Swinging

Don't be in a rush to smash it. The single best piece of advice for any range session is to start slow. Begin with your wedge or short iron, and take a few easy, half-swings without a ball just to loosen up. Once you feel ready, place a ball on the mat and focus on one simple thing: making a smooth swing and hitting the back of the ball. Forget about distance for now. Your only goal is to feel the club connect with the ball.

How to Practice with Purpose (And Actually Get Better)

The biggest mistake most golfers make at the range is mindlessly hitting balls, one after another, usually with their driver. This is the equivalent of going to the gym and just randomly picking up weights. To truly improve, your practice needs structure.

Start with a Plan

Before you even hit a ball, decide what you want to accomplish. Is your goal to work on consistency with your 7-iron? Improve your aim? Figure out your yardages? Having a single focus for your session is far more valuable than trying to fix everything at once.

Warm Up Like You Mean It

Never grab the driver first. Your body needs to warm up to an explosive movement like a golf swing. Start with gentle half-swings with a wedge. Gradually increase to full swings, then work your way up through your irons (e.g., wedge, then 9-iron, then 7-iron) before you even think about hitting your woods.

Use Blocked and Random Practice

To really ingrain a skill, split your practice into two styles:

• Blocked Practice: This is when you hit the same club to the same target over and over. For example, hit 15 balls with your 8-iron trying to land them as close as possible to the 150-yard sign. This is great for building muscle memory and working on a specific swing change.
• Random Practice: This is a better simulation of real golf. After you've worked on a specific club, start mixing it up. Hit a driver, then a 7-iron, then a wedge. Pick a different target for every single shot. This forces your brain and body to re-calibrate for each swing, just like they have to on the course.

One Target for Every Shot

Even if you're just hitting balls, never hit one aimlessly into the field. Pick a specific target for every shot. The target might be the 100-yard flag, the edge of a small green, or even a single color panel on a large sign. This builds the habit of aiming and makes every swing meaningful. Over time, you’ll find this focus transfers directly to the course.

Check Your Alignment

The square shape of the hitting mats can trick your eyes. It's incredibly easy to accidentally aim your body far to the left or right of your target without realizing it. A great habit is to place an extra club or alignment stick on the ground, pointing directly at your target. This gives you a clear visual reference and ensures you’re practicing with a proper setup.

Final Thoughts

A golf range is much more than a place to let off steam by smacking a bucket of balls. When used correctly, it’s a powerful training ground where you can build a consistent swing, learn your distances, and develop the confidence you need to take out onto the golf course.

Of course, translating practice from a flat mat to the uneven lies and pressures of the course is a challenge in itself. To help bridge that gap, we created Caddie AI. Our app provides you with instant, on-demand strategic advice when you’re standing over a tough shot on the course. From analyzing a tricky lie in the rough to helping you choose the right club from 150 yards out, we give you the kind of expert insight that makes your range practice pay off where it counts.