Steps to Starting a Driving Range
- Write your Business Plan. After coming up with the idea, the next step in starting your business should be to write a driving range business plan.
- Form a Business Entity. A business entity refers to how a business is legally organized to operate. ...
- Name the Business. Finding the perfect name for a business can be challenging. ...
- Select your Location. A prime, high-traffic location is important but not required to be successful. ...
- Apply for Business Licenses and Permits. A driving range owner will need to obtain certain business licenses and permits. ...
- Find Financing. Coming up with a good business idea and having the skills to run it are one thing, but getting the funding to start a driving range ...
- Open a Business Bank Account. Keeping your business and personal finances in separate business bank and credit card accounts makes it easier to track the business’s income and ...
- Get your Marketing Plan in Place. Driving ranges need to continuously market to bring in new customers. ...
- Get Business Insurance. General liability insurance protects the business if customers are ever hurt while on the property. ...
- Hire Employees. Driving ranges require at least a few employees to operate and tend to be the biggest operational cost.
- Set up an Accounting System. Setting up an accounting system for your driving range is critical to the long-term success of your business.
Full Answer
What do you need to start a driving range?
A driving range located in a high-traffic area or close to other entertainment activities can help bring in walk-in traffic. Finding a location can be challenging due to the size requirements, so rent or mortgage costs could be high. A driving range owner will need to obtain certain business licenses and permits.
What is a driving range in golf?
A driving range is referred to as an area where golfers can practice their golf swing. It can also be a recreational activity in itself for amateur golfers or something that can be used when enough time for a full game is not available.
How do you aim a golf club on the range?
So on the driving range, I recommend you lay down two golf clubs parallel to each other. One should point just right of the target and the other should point just left of the target. Select a spot a foot or so in front of the ball to aim the club face and make sure your feet align with the club closest to you.
How much does it cost to set up a driving range?
Go low-tech with no amenities, and the entire range can be set up for around $100,000. What are the ongoing expenses for a driving range? Property maintenance is key for an outdoor facility.
How profitable is a driving range?
How much profit can a driving range make? An indoor facility with full-service restaurant and rental space in a high-traffic urban environment can see a net profit of up to $2.9 million a year. However, if you have a low-tech field in the country, you could see an income as low as $40,000 a year.
How do you build a golf range?
0:3111:02How to Build a Driving Range for Golf from Scratch... ⛳️ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou build a driving range from scratch. And it's very similar to a golf swing. First of all itMoreYou build a driving range from scratch. And it's very similar to a golf swing. First of all it starts with intention. And that's visualization. So i had an idea in my mind of how it would look.
What should a beginner do at a driving range?
Use about 70 to 80 percent of your power, focusing on rhythm, balance and making solid contact with the center of the club face. Practice using the various targets on the range. Develop a pre-shot routine. Standing behind the ball, pick your primary and intermediate targets.
What order do you hit clubs at driving range?
For example: on the driving range most Golfers start with their shortest clubs (sand wedge or pitching wedge) and continually move to a longer club. A dozen wedges, then a bunch of 8 irons, a few 5 irons, hit some hybrids, a fairway wood or two, then Driver. From your shortest club to your longest club.
How many acres is needed for a golf course?
“This means an 18-hole course of all short par 3s could be built on as little as 30 acres, while an intermediate length or executive course of 18 holes of par 3s and 4s would require 75-100 acres, and a full size par 72 course would need 120-200 acres.
How do I set up a golf practice station at home?
0:4511:46DIY Indoor Driving Range - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou do need enough ceiling height. So that you can swing a club without hitting the ceiling boy. ItMoreYou do need enough ceiling height. So that you can swing a club without hitting the ceiling boy. It would be nice if you could have it be high enough to hit a driver.
How many golf balls should you hit at the range?
50-60 golf ballsOn average, golf coaches recommends that you hit 50-60 golf balls at the driving range. Hitting fewer balls more times per week and focusing on a specific area of your game is the best way to improve your golf game.
How far should a beginner hit a golf ball?
A 9-iron should hit a golf ball 80 to 90 yards for a beginner, 125 to 135 yards for an average player and 135 to 145 yards for a professional player. For each number that the iron decreases, add about 10 to 15 yards to the distance.
How often should a beginner go to the driving range?
We would say you need to be getting a solid practice session in at least two times per week to see any real improvement quickly but don't be afraid to crank that up to 4-5 times per week if you have the time and facilities to do so.
Do you use a tee at the driving range?
Use the low tee to replicate a cushioned lie in medium rough, or no tee at all to work on getting some height into your chips. There are plenty of elements to a driving range bay, so make sure you use them all. Perhaps even try hitting at an angle as if there was a tree in the way!
Do you need your own golf clubs at a driving range?
Yes, most driving ranges will rent clubs to golfers. The clubs you can rent are sometimes dated and not in the best of shape, but they will at least give you the ability to practice and enjoy hitting some golf balls.
Can you hit irons at a driving range?
Rushing through a session on the driving range is a great way to develop bad habits on the course. Move through irons from high to low: Start your session with a 9-iron and move down. This natural progression eases you from light swings to fast, strong swings with low irons and woods and drivers.
What are the costs involved in opening a driving range?
This depends wildly on location. Opening an indoor local in a metropolitan area can cost millions on the property alone, while one removed from the...
What are the ongoing expenses for a driving range?
Property maintenance is key for an outdoor facility. Such maintenance includes mowing the range, maintaining grass, and keeping tee areas clean. Fo...
Who is the target market?
Your customers will include golf lovers of all ages and skill-levels. Students and young professionals will use your facility to improve their golf...
How much can you charge customers?
The more services you offer, the more you can charge for a bucket of balls. Most ranges offer 50-80 balls for $5-$8. Monthly memberships go for $50...
How much profit can a driving range make?
An indoor facility with full-service restaurant and rental space in a high-traffic urban environment can see a net profit of up to $2.9 million a y...
How can you make your business more profitable?
Provide more services for each customer, such as snack foods that require minimal preparation and reserved parking for members. Monthly memberships...
Is this Business Right For You?
Ideal driving range owners are those interested in golf and experienced in customer service. Great customer service is a vital part of your busines...
What happens during a typical day at a driving range?
Your own list of daily duties can depend on whether you open an indoor or outdoor facility with or without food services, but the average day of a...
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful driving range?
Successful owners will have excellent business skills and they will be able to adjust their marketing plan to meet the needs and demands of their l...
What is the growth potential for a driving range?
The location of your driving range will determine how much business you can generate. While property values in rural areas lower your initial inves...
What is a driving range?
A driving range may simply consist of a few or several teeing areas facing an open field, but some driving range facilities include elaborate entertainment centers. There are many options to consider when you open a new driving range.
Why do you need barriers on a golf course?
At the very least you’ll need barriers between each tee to prevent shanks from striking neighboring players. Unless your range is completely isolated you’ll also need nets on the sides of the range to catch extreme hooks and slices.
Can you put a bunker around a golf green?
You can even place a bunker or two around a green so your customers can work on sand shots. A driving range can be a handy place to employ some golf pros to offer lessons, and you can have a full pro shop and permit players to sample clubs on the range before buying.
Can you serve pizza and hot dogs in golf?
If so, consider serving more than just pizza and hot dogs, if you have a food area, so players can combine golf with dinner. Consider adding heated tees to expand your season if you live in a colder climate.
What is a driving range?
Driving ranges give golfers a chance to practice their swing without playing an entire game of golf. These ranges typically have markers designating different differences, allowing golfers to monitor their progress.
When will golf driving ranges grow?
IBIS World predicts that the industry will continue to grow, though more slowly, from 2020 to 2025. Americans are predicted to increasingly participate in sports during that time, and golf driving ranges should see increased customer attendance.
How does GPS affect golf course maintenance?
The United States Golf Association reports that multiple trends affect golf course and driving range maintenance today. Courses in the Western part of the country are increasingly facing water shortages, causing them to replace turf with less maintenance-intense low-water grasses. GPS-guided sprayers allow courses to deliver precise treatments, saving both time and chemicals with every course treatment. Because many courses are now operating with fewer employees than they previously had, courses use riding mowers to mow greens and tees to save on labor.
Why do golfers use driving ranges?
Driving ranges save golfers from having to walk courses or rent golf carts, acting as a designated practice facility . Many golfers will spend a few hours at a driving range, where they rent buckets of balls to hit.
How does a driving range generate revenue?
A driving range can generate additional revenue by offering lessons and having a pro shop on-site to sell golf clubs and accessories. Seasonality can be an important factor in the profitability of outdoor ranges. As most ranges are outdoors, variances in weather affect usage of the range.
How much does a driving range attendant make?
Glassdoor reports that driving range attendants earn an average salary of $21,010 per year, though salaries can range from $18,000 to $27,000.
Why is it important to have an accounting system for driving range?
Setting up an accounting system for your driving range is critical to the long-term success of your business. Staying on top of taxes not only keeps the business out of trouble with the government, but the numbers can be used to track and monitor trends and cash flow in the business and maximize profits.
How far away should you aim your golf club?
That is a point along the line from the ball to the target that you can easily align your club face to. It's difficult to aim your club to a target 200 yards away, but by selecting a dot or blade of grass a few feet from the ball will make it much easier.
How to aim a golf club?
One should point just right of the target and the other should point just left of the target. Select a spot a foot or so in front of the ball to aim the club face and make sure your feet align with the club closest to you. This drill will do wonders for your alignment and confidence!
How to know how far to stand from a golf ball?
Take your stance and place the top of the grip an inch above your kneecap. Let the club rest on your knee and the club head on the ground. The ball should be placed where the club head is resting on the ground. That's an easy way to know how far to stand from the ball.
What are the most important things to do in golf?
Learning your carry distance and developing a preshot routine are the TWO MOST IMPORTANT things you can do for your golf game. A routine is something that gets you ready for the shot...it is not something to just do because it's expected. It can be short or it can be non-existent. it's up to you but make it consistent.
Why don't I read golf magazines?
The glossy golf magazines are the number one reason you'll fail to improve at golf because you'll get shiny object syndrome and want to try every new trick in the book. I know, I was there.
What is the foot aimed at in golf?
Club aimed at target, feet aimed to the left, parallel to target. It's not easy to align your body and golf club to the same target. You might feel like you're aiming correctly and you probably are but not correctly for golf! See, what happens is most golfers aim their feet at the target.
Can you use alignment sticks on a driving range?
If you want to be fancy, you can get some alignment sticks to use on the driving range. They're usually bright in color, lightweight and easier to align than clubs. I always used clubs but after receiving bright orange alignment sticks as a gift, I changed my mind and realized how much easier it is to use them.
What is driving range?
A driving range is referred to as an area where golfers can practice their golf swing. It can also be a recreational activity in itself for amateur golfers or something that can be used when enough time for a full game is not available.
How much does it cost to fix a golf ball dispenser?
Your golf ball dispensers are also part of your fixed cost and that should cost you around $5,000 too. Your token dispenser comes next at about $3,000 .
Why do people go to the driving range?
People go to the driving range to practice different golf shots and prepare for the next time they play at a course. Golfers are given a large bucket of balls and head out to a station where they can aim at either targets or flagsticks to improve their accuracy with different golf clubs.
What is the driver in golf?
The driver is the club with the lowest degree which means it is supposed to make the golf ball travel the furthest when struck. It also has a tendency to be the most inaccurate club in most golfer’s bags hence why everyone wants to practice. Don’t forget your other clubs!
Is golf an intimidating game?
Golf can be an intimidating game so it can be very beneficial to spend a lot of time (especially in the beginning) getting used to the golf swing and learning through trial and error at a driving range. Don’t worry if you get stuck or frustrated.
Is golf good for old people?
Golf is a great sport for young and old alike. It’s a sport that you can try out as soon as you are old enough to walk and hold a club. It’s a sport that you can play well into old-age if your health permits. It’s no contact and low-impact, so there is little risk ] Continue Reading.
Do you have to practice chipping and putting at the driving range?
This will prove very effective when out on the golf course. If the driving range has a short game or putting area, don’t forget to practice chipping and putting when you are finished with your other clubs. If you feel any pain or discomfort while swinging, stop. There’s no need to injure yourself while practicing.
