Driving Range Vs Golf Course: A Full Comparison

Am I the only one who seems to think the game is easier on the range? It wasn't until I learned all about the differences between the driving range and the golf course that I understood you need a good balance to become a better player.

Many players don't really know what's more important: practicing on a golf course or sticking to the driving range.

Well, the truth is, the answer depends on many factors, including your experience, expertise, and expectations.

So, if you're among those who feel like they hit the ball better on the range and aren't certain whether you should start playing on a course, this article is for you.

Here are several differences between the driving range and a golf course and how you can improve your game:

Differences Between a Golf Course and a Driving Range

Playing on a golf course can be challenging. Considering there aren't as many golf courses as there are courts for some other sports, not everyone can practice at the most convenient times.

Because of this, many people opt to train on a driving range. It is an excellent substitute for an unavailable golf course and allows you to improve your golf game at a convenient time.

As a result, some players believe that practicing on a driving range alone is sufficient for their practice sessions.

However, this isn't true. To become the best player you can be, you need to find a good balance between playing on a golf course and driving range.

Here are some of the main differences between a driving range and a golf course, so you can understand what I mean:

Accessibility

As we've mentioned, it can be challenging to find time in a work schedule to play on a golf course. Golf courses are not readily available, and the waitlists can be long. Additionally, a round of golf can take a long time, which extends the waiting time.

According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), a golf game typically lasts between four and four and a half hours. This means that only a limited number of players can play each day.

Driving ranges, on the other hand, are almost always readily available, which is why many low-handicap players spend time hitting balls at the range.

Golf Balls

All balls need to be approved by The R&A and the USGA. Driving ranges typically use balls with a limited flight range to prevent players from hitting them beyond the range boundaries. This, too, can affect your game when you transition to playing on a course.

Course Management

Course management might not seem like rocket science, but it is actually a challenging skill to master. It takes a lot of time to fully understand how to make the right decisions at the right moments to achieve the best possible score on any course.

Course management requires good visualization skills and extensive experience, which are not aspects you can easily practice on a driving range, especially if you plan on competing in tournaments.

This is one of the reasons why practicing on a golf course is so important for aspiring professional golfers.

Mental Game

When you're practicing on a smaller driving range, the game may seem relatively easy, especially as you improve. However, stepping onto a real golf course can reveal that hitting the ball under actual playing conditions is a completely different experience.

This is why most experts recommend using a driving range to refine your techniques, but to truly understand the mental aspect of the game, you need to play on a real course. Only then can you get a genuine sense of what it's like to play a full game of golf.

Time Commitment

As mentioned earlier, playing a round of golf on a course can take a significant amount of time. The vast size of the course means you can spend several hours completing a round. In contrast, driving ranges are much smaller and do not require as much time.

In today's busy world, finding time to play on a golf course can be challenging. Ultimately, your choice between practicing on a range or playing on a course may depend largely on the amount of free time you have available during the week.

Dress Code

Most golf courses enforce a dress code that players must adhere to, adding a sense of exclusivity and helping set the proper atmosphere for the game. In contrast, most driving ranges have no specific dress requirements, making them more convenient for those who want to practice after work or need to run errands afterward.

Distractions

One thing no golf player appreciates is having too many distractions during the game. While much depends on the behavior of spectators, golf courses generally attract a more professional audience that understands proper etiquette during a match.

In contrast, driving ranges often have larger crowds, many of whom may not be familiar with the expected behavior. This can lead to more noise and distractions, increasing the likelihood of making bad shots.

Additionally, the larger size of golf courses typically provides more privacy compared to the often more crowded driving ranges.

Turf and Practice Conditions

Golf courses use real turf, which adds a sense of realism to the game. In contrast, most driving ranges use mats that simulate the feel of turf. While these mats can provide a similar experience to playing on real turf, they avoid the maintenance issues associated with natural grass.

But do you actually need real turf to play? Prolonged use of mats can strain your wrists and hands. Therefore, it's beneficial to balance practice between mats and real turf to get the most out of your training and avoid potential injuries.

Price

One undeniable fact is that driving ranges are much cheaper than golf courses. This price difference is a major reason why driving ranges are so popular for practicing short irons and wedge shots. Not everyone can afford the nearly $100 it often costs to play on a real golf course.

In contrast, the cost of using a driving range typically ranges from $10 to $20. However, it's important to note that the exact price can vary depending on the amenities offered, the location, and the popularity of the area.

Pros and Cons of a Driving Range

Driving ranges might seem like a choice for amateurs, but they offer many advantages. Some of these include:

Accessibility: Driving ranges allow you to practice without dealing with long waitlists. They are an accessible option for everyone, whether you're looking to improve your game or just have fun.
Affordability: They are quite affordable compared to the cost of playing on a golf course. If you don't want to spend a significant amount of money just to play for a couple of hours, a driving range is the way to go!
Convenience for Busy Schedules: Driving ranges offer short games, making them a great choice in today's busy world. If you don't have hours to spend on a full game, a driving range provides a quick and enjoyable alternative.
All-Weather Play: Many driving ranges allow play in all weather conditions, something that isn't always possible with golf courses.
Suitable for All Skill Levels: Driving ranges cater to both beginners and professional players. Anyone can grab their favorite club and enjoy a session at the range.
Flexibility: You can practice without the need for extensive preparations or bookings. Simply arrive at a driving range, check availability, and start playing.
No Dress Code: Typically, driving ranges don't have a dress code, allowing you to play straight after work or a family dinner without needing to change.

Of course, driving ranges have their drawbacks. Some of them include:

Transition Challenges: They can make the transition to a much larger golf course challenging.
Potential Injuries and Improper Swings: If a driving range uses mats instead of real turf, it can lead to injuries and improper swings.
Crowdedness: Driving ranges can often become more crowded than golf courses.
Lower Quality Equipment: The golf balls and other equipment at driving ranges are generally not of the highest quality.

Overall, driving ranges are a classic example of "you get what you pay for." They offer an excellent opportunity for people to practice their shots in a convenient and accessible way. However, don't expect them to be too fancy, or you might end up disappointed.

Additionally, if you aspire to become a professional player, it's important to remember that you can't rely solely on driving ranges forever.

Pros And Cons of a Golf Course

Golf courses offer several advantages over driving ranges, including:

Authentic Golf Experience: They provide a true golf experience in an open environment.
Mental Game and Course Management: Golf courses are invaluable for practicing both the mental aspects of the game and course management, as you'll be playing in a professional, full-sized setting.
Playing on Real Grass: They offer the unique sensation of playing on real grass, as opposed to synthetic mats.
Variety of Shots: Golf courses allow you to practice a wider variety of shots.
High-Quality Equipment: Golf courses typically provide high-quality balls and equipment, attracting some of the best golfers.
Fewer Distractions: There are generally fewer distractions on a golf course compared to a driving range, as most of the audience consists of true fans who understand proper etiquette and avoid disturbing players.

However, even golf courses have their drawbacks. Here are some reasons why some players may dislike them:

Not Suitable for Short Games: Golf courses aren't ideal if you don't have a lot of time for practice, as they require a significant time commitment.
Strict Dress Codes: They have stricter dress codes, which may not be convenient for everyone.
Limited Accessibility: Golf courses are not as accessible as driving ranges, and securing a spot can be a real challenge.
Expensive: They are generally more expensive than driving ranges.

Golf courses are favored by professionals and players who enjoy the full experience of playing a real game of golf and exploring different greens. While they may cost more and require advance booking, there's nothing quite like the authentic experience of playing on a true golf course.

Is It Better to Practice on the Range or Course?

Even after listing all the pros and cons of driving ranges and golf courses, it's impossible to definitively state which one is better. Both serve different purposes and may be more suitable for different groups of people.

A driving range is designed to help people, especially new players, practice their golf game. It offers a convenient way for beginners to improve their skills and practice essential shots without needing to reserve a spot weeks in advance. This convenience is why most casual players prefer driving ranges over golf courses; they can enjoy practice time without the hassle of dealing with a busy and formal location where availability may be limited.

However, you can't fully experience a true golf game without playing on a golf course. Over-reliance on driving ranges can cause players to lose touch with the full scale of the game, making it more challenging to complete a round on an actual course. Additionally, golf courses offer a more professional environment and higher-quality equipment.

Ultimately, balance is key. While driving ranges allow for frequent practice, golf courses provide the experience needed to become an expert player.

If you're interested in finding available golf courses in your area, you can visit our website. We offer a wide range of courses worldwide, so all you need to do is make a few clicks and enjoy your favorite sport.

Good luck!