What NOT to do at the driving range: 7 mistakes beginners make
One of the biggest barriers to entering the sport of golf is the extensive learning curve. Unlike so many other sports where physical fitness and physique can get you far, golf is quite the opposite: Golf is finicky, technical, and has higher expectations of etiquette—which can be intimidating for beginners.
So how can you get better? And how can you avoid making a fool of yourself? Is the driving range a good place to start? In this article, we’ll go over the uncertainties and questions first-timers might have about the driving range, plus the top 7 etiquette mistakes beginners often make (and what to do instead!).
Looking to get better and optimize your time at the driving range? Check out our top 5 tips on how to do that.
The top 7 etiquette mistakes beginners make at the driving range
1. DO NOT swing without knowing your surroundings.
Potentially hitting someone with a club isn’t just rude—it’s a safety issue. This may seem obvious, but it’s the biggest mistake new golfers make. When you have a swing thought, you may be prone to pull the trigger immediately, but take the time to look around before you do.
This is especially important if you are receiving technical swing advice from another golfer. If they don’t have designated bays, give yourself safe and sufficient space from other golfers.
In the same vein, keep your distance from other golfers taking a swing. No one wants to get hit in the face with a golf club. Need we say more?
2. Do not run out and gather golf balls to hit.
Another safety issue. We’ve all been there. You run out of golf balls, but you still want to work on your swing. While some golf balls may be in close proximity, it is dangerous to gather them when the range is full. This is frowned upon. Have I done this? Sure, but honestly, I feel guilty every time.
We recommend buying another small bucket—more practice, and you support a local business. Win-win.
3. Do not hit a driver if the range does not permit it.
Some ranges are smaller than others and may have houses, busy roads, or other private property surrounding the range. You would be personally liable should you hit a house or car.
4. Do not have your cell phone notifications on loud.
Some ranges will be serious and quiet; others may be social and loud. With that said, driving ranges are arguably more casual than the courses. So the tone of each range varies. Like a library, just respect others around you.
If you need to take a call, I recommend stepping back or walking away if it’ll take some time. Courtesy.
5. Do not hit outside of the designated “tee off” area.
If the driving range is grass as opposed to artificial turf mats, they may have multiple tiers and tee boxes so the range can remain open while the previously used grass can grow back.
*BONUS TIP* on the topic of grass- To keep the range in good shape, try to keep your divots in a line as opposed to scatter.
6. Do not take the balls you have purchased.
This might be tempting when you’re running out of daylight or you see a nice needle in the haystack in the form of a polished pro-v1. What momma doesn’t know won’t hurt her, but it might hurt the local business. Be courteous.
7. Do not aim for the ball collector.
Just kidding—this is a myth! Some ball collectors will even stop their protected cart to try and let you hit them.
Have fun! But maybe don’t beam him with a hard punch shot when they’re within close proximity. Even with the cage protecting them, it’s still really freaking loud and jarring.
FAQs on what to do at the driving range
What do you do at the driving range?
The purpose of the driving range is to work on your form and swing technique by hitting a number of golf balls from a stationary position. Most driving ranges have targets to aim at and yardages to gauge the quality of each shot.
At the driving range, you will buy a bucket of balls: small, medium or large. You will take those balls to an empty artificial turf mat or an open section on the grass range. You will then hit the golf balls with your clubs until you are out!
Can you talk at the driving range?
Because it is also a place where lessons are conducted, talking is permitted, and often common.
In this modern world, most public ranges are social. A little banter is definitely okay. However, some ranges might have a more serious tone. Talking loudly, laughing, or playing music in this scene may be frowned upon.
Can you play your music at the driving range?
On most (if not all) public driving ranges I have been to, playing music is permitted.
Did you know? Music is legally permitted during competition. Frankly though, on the range, it might be awkward depending on the environment. Factors to consider here are time of day, event, and busyness. Playing music will vary on the tone of the range; read the room.
What to wear to the driving range?
Public driving ranges are usually casual attire. Private may require a dress code.
Shoes and flip-flops are common. Most people will be in golf attire or athletic wear.
How often should a beginner go to the driving range?
A beginner should go to the driving range more frequently than playing 9 or 18 holes.
The driving range is cheaper, shorter in time duration, and more inviting than the course. How serious the hobby is for you will determine how often you go to the driving range, but for beginners, a good start is 1-2 times a week.
What order do you hit clubs at a driving range?
I would recommend starting with your short irons: 9,8,7 irons or wedges. Work your way up to the more challenging longer irons and woods.
You want to start with the short irons because they are easier to hit, and you want to loosen up before swinging the (harder-to-hit) longer clubs.
What I like to do is to start with a few “punch” shots where I’m taking a half swing. The purpose of this is to start by striking the ball well. Work your way up to a full swing. It is very common to hit your woods and drivers after your irons.
How long do you spend at the driving range?
Expect to spend anywhere from 25 minutes to 1 hour.
This will depend on the purpose of your visit and the size of the bucket you buy. Are you trying to fix something specific? Are you going with a friend? How much time do you have? Some golfers may spend more or less time, and that’s okay.
Spending more time on the range does not necessarily mean better practice. If you want to get better, be specific and practice with a purpose. Or be social and have fun!
How much does the driving range cost?
Buckets will cost anywhere from $5-15 at most driving ranges.
Bucket size options are small, medium, and large. These buckets can be bought at the clubhouse or through an automated ball dispenser, which will accept credit cards. The bucket sizes will hold anywhere from 25-100 balls.
I would recommend a small or medium bucket to start. 50-60 balls will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Hitting more balls does not necessarily mean better practice. Practice with a purpose.
Should I hit 50 or 100 balls?
Hit 50. When starting out, less is more.
To start, I would recommend getting a medium or small bucket, unless you are splitting it with a friend. You may lose focus for those 100 balls pretty quickly, and regret paying more. If you do run out of your small/medium bucket and you want to hit more, you can always buy another bucket!
Is the driving range fun?
The driving range can be a fun place to go. Here are my top reasons to give it a try:
- It is super affordable!
- You get a lot of swing attempts. Bad shot? Hit another one.
- Low-pressure environment. No old men complaining about slow play.
- You are stationary. No walking 4-5 miles like you would for a normal round.
- It is a quick activity, much shorter than a full round.
What should you do next?
If you are trying to improve, read our article about how to get better at the driving range.
The driving range was my “lab,” the place I went, not necessarily to get better, but to fix problems. It was also my safe place and a good break from the more demanding course. Lots of laughs, smiles, and “aha” moments happen on the range.
If you can utilize your practice facilities correctly, you will certainly improve, save time, and of course, bring back some glee to the game!