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why is hitting balls at a driving range different from actual golf?

by Prof. Rusty Romaguera III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Range balls and regular golf balls are made with different materials and treated differently when they are being manufactured. A range ball is designed to take quite a bit of abuse. Range balls will be hit hundreds and most likely thousands of times before they are replaced.

Full Answer

Is hitting the ball on the driving range a sport?

In fact – hitting the ball on the driving range is almost an entirely different sport than hitting the ball on the golf course. For example: can you name another sport (besides golf) where the majority of your practice isn’t on the field of play?

What is a range ball in golf?

Range balls are usually different from golf balls used for distances on a course. Even with a consistent swing, you'll notice some distance variation between the range and your game.

Do golf balls fly differently on a practice range?

The majority of the balls that you will encounter on golf course practice ranges will not provide you with the same distance performance as the balls you put into play when you are competing. Some balls are intentionally designed to be limited in flight, especially if the practice range is limited in terms of space.

What is the difference between the driving range and the golf course?

For example – below are 4 major differences between the driving range and the golf course: You’re Not In Control Of The Situation – On the driving range – you hit a ball when you want to hit a ball. On the golf course – you hit a ball when it’s your turn (it doesn’t matter if you’re ready or not … you gotta hit).

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Are driving range golf balls different?

Since a range ball will often provide different distance, launch and spin than your gamer, the information you get from a range ball's performance will differ from your on-course ball. This doesn't mean to ditch the driving range altogether. The range is a valuable place to hone your swing and sharpen your game.

Do driving range balls go as far as regular golf balls?

Generally, range balls do not fly as far as regular golf balls. But the biggest difference isn't necessarily that range balls typically fly shorter distances, but that they vary so widely in distance performance.

How much less does a driving range ball go?

6-10%On average, driving range balls are 6-10% shorter than premium balls and will likely spin a lot less. Distances will vary more with the wedges but will be a lot closer as you move to the driver. Obviously, it all depends on the range you go to and what balls they're using.

Does the driving range make you better at golf?

They say to become a master at anything, you need to practice for 10,000 hours and practicing at the driving range can allow you to get a lot more hours of constant practice. Repetition is the key to learning, so it obviously makes sense that practicing at the range is a great way to get better.

Are driving range distances accurate?

As a general rule driving range distances should not be considered accurate. Range golf balls often have a lower compression and more wear and tear than standard balls which impacts the distances they travel. The angles created by the arc hitting bays are set up on at ranges also impacts accuracy.

Why do top golf balls not go as far?

* Topgolf balls are flighted. That means they don't go as far as a normal golf ball. Or as a real golfer would say, “They don't go anywhere.” I found that I had to hit about a club-and-a-half more to make the ball go as far as my shots on a real golf course.

How often should I go to the driving range?

Practicing four times per week at the range, chipping area and putting green will help you become a better golfer. Focus on specific drills, and practice with purpose.

How many golf balls should you hit at the range?

How many balls should I hit at the golf range? Unless you're a tour pro or a serious amateur practicing 15+ hour a week, I would suggest 50-100 balls maximum. If you follow the steps in this article 50-60 balls will take you close to an hour to hit.

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.

Do driving range balls not go as far?

Range balls typically do not fly as far as your golf balls you'd use on the golf course for a live round of play. The majority of the range balls you encounter on the driving range will not perform as well either if you tried to use them during normal play.

Can you practice golf too much?

Practicing Golf Too Much If you're not practicing golf the right way, it's very possible to practice too often. If you repeatedly practice the same golf swing technique, you won't be able to switch into a competitive mindset when you're in competition. This will be counterproductive to your golf game.

How do you hit a ball at the driving range?

6:0211:13How to Hit Golf Balls on the Range - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI. Come out and inside and I kind of cross a little bit at the top so I always work on. And I getMoreI. Come out and inside and I kind of cross a little bit at the top so I always work on. And I get very handsy - I kind of caught my wrist pretty fast.

How far should a golf ball go at a driving range?

Sometimes a driving range is shorter than the recommended three or four hundred yards. If this is the case and a golf ball going too far could impact a house or a building behind the range, a golf course will use a limited flight golf ball.

What is the most important thing about a golf ball?

Another factor that is more important with a regular golf ball is the feel . People aren’t going to complain about how a range ball feels because it doesn’t count on the golf course; however, a regular ball feel is going to matter, and it will make all the difference, especially in the short game.

Why do golf balls feel better?

Regular golf balls feel better because they are softer and capable of spinning. You can see the backspin rates with the wedge are 2500 rpm with a range ball and 7000 rpm with the TaylorMade TPX 5. One of the most surprising things for people is that the golf ball seems to carry further with a range ball when hitting a wedge.

What is the best premium golf ball?

Best Premium Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1. The performance you get out of a Titleist PRO V1 will not even come close to comparing to a range ball. Whatever you need a golf ball to do around the green or off the tee, the Titleist Pro V1 can handle it.

What to do when you are not spinning range balls?

The best thing you can do for your game and the golf course you are playing is to leave them on the range. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you are not spinning range balls the way you want or hitting them as long as you want; the range ball will perform differently than a regular golf ball. KunLehane.

How many holes does a golf ball have to go through?

Of course, with a players golf ball, the cover will have to be tough enough that it won’t cut after a few holes, but outside of that, a typical golf ball only really has to make it through an eighteen-hole round. Another factor that is more important with a regular golf ball is the feel.

How many pieces are in a golf ball?

Regular golf balls can have two to five pieces inside them, and the cover is usually thinner to help you get some extra spin and distance out of your golf shot. A regular golf ball does not require as much paint either as it is meant to last you for a round or two, not an entire season!

How much shorter is a range ball?

Expect the range balls to fly 10 to 15 percent shorter than a normal golf ball. A limited-flight range ball could be 20 to 30 percent shorter. Focus instead on timing and solid contact. References. Top Flite: Range.

How much does a golf ball weigh?

For this reason, a golf ball manufacturer created a ball which weighs 24 grams, compared to the approximately 45 grams of a golf ball.

Why are some balls limited in flight?

You will be able to identify a limited flight range ball because it seems to dive to the ground once it reaches its peak height.

What does "range ball" mean in golf?

"Range ball" can also be a derogatory reference to a golf ball that is not performing as hoped (usually at the fault of the person hitting it). One partner to another: "That shot was ugly.

Why are range balls hit over and over again?

Because range balls are built to be hit over and over and over again on driving ranges, by golfers of widely varying abilities, they have to be able to hold up to that punishment for an extended time.

What is a range ball?

A "range ball" or "driving range ball" is exactly that: a golf ball manufactured specifically for use on a golf driving range. They often have a colored stripe (most often black, red or green) around their circumference and may have the word "range" or "practice" printed on them.

Do golf balls work on driving ranges?

Some major golf manufacturers do make range versions of their golf balls for driving ranges, and those generally are built the same way as the "regular" version of such balls, but with the much harder cover.

What to think about when hitting a golf ball?

As you play golf, there is a lot to think about when you hit a golf ball. Your stance, your grip, how you hold your head, the tension in your wrists . . . And much more.

What happens if you miss a shot on the driving range?

You mis-hit, and the ball flies off into the rough. Now you are in trouble, and it will take a couple of shots to get out. That doesn’t feel good. If you mis-hit on the driving range, you think differently.

Can driving range help you improve?

Practice on the driving range can help you improve your game, but it is not the be all and end all. Nothing can compete with getting out on a golf course and playing some real rounds.

Can you get out of the driving range every day?

One is that you cannot get out on the course every day. Another is that each shot is focused practice. Getting that one shot right is something you want to do. Here are some golfing rules to help you get the most out of your driving range practice.

Can you repeat your shot on the golf course?

On the golf course, there is more pressure. You cannot repeat your shot to get it perfect. You have to move on to the next hole. As you move around the course, you will be faced with new challenges. On the driving range, you can practice the same shot, in the same conditions, over and over again.

Is golf better if you are healthy?

If you are healthy and flexible, your golf game will be better. You will also be less likely to suffer injury. Doing some strength building routines, or going to a gym to build up your stamina will undoubtedly improve your golf.

Can you focus on one shot?

You can spend a whole session on just one shot. You can focus on only one target. This is very different from play out on the golf course. On the course, you are going to change your club more. You are going to cope with different terrains and changeable weather conditions. The ground is varied.

When do you hit a ball on the golf course?

You’re Not In Control Of The Situation – On the driving range – you hit a ball when you want to hit a ball. On the golf course – you hit a ball when it’s your turn (it doesn’t matter if you’re ready or not … you gotta hit). So instead of hitting at your leisure (when you feel as if you’re ready to make a good swing) … you’re hitting ...

How many yards of width do you need to hit a golf ball?

Plus, you have a minimum of 200 yards of width to work with. Meaning – the golf course is much tighter and more claustrophobic when getting ready to hit. And if you hit a bad shot on the range, all you need to do is take as much time as you’d like to make the necessary corrections and then drag another ball over to hit.

Why is it so easy to make small adjustments on the golf course?

It’s easy to make small adjustments every shot while on the range so that you eventually find your balance for that particular club. It’s much more difficult on the golf course when you only have one shot.

What clubs do you use to practice golf?

You Practice Opposite To How You Play – On the driving range – you usually start with your shortest clubs (wedge , 9 iron, 8 iron) and progressively move to your longest club (Driver). On the golf course – you start with your longest club (Driver) and progressively move to your shortest clubs (wedges, short irons and putter).

What sport is played on a basketball court?

Basketball is practiced and played on a basketball court; baseball is practiced and played on a baseball diamond; tennis on a tennis court; hockey is practiced and played on the ice; volleyball is practiced and played over a net; billiards on a billiards table; etc; etc; etc.

Can you hit the same club twice in a row?

On the golf course – you rarely hit the same club twice in a row … as opposed to the 15 or 20 shots in a row on the range.

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Are Range Balls Built The Same Way as Regular Golf Balls?

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Not quite. Because range balls are built to be hit over and over and over again on driving ranges, by golfers of widely varying abilities, they have to be able to hold up to that punishment for an extended time. Most generic range balls have a solid-core, 2-piece construction, but with very hard covers: They must be better than re…
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Range Ball Distance vs. Regular Ball Distance

  • Generally, range balls do not fly as far as regular golf balls. But the biggest difference isn't necessarily that range balls typically fly shorter distances, but that they vary so widely in distance performance. It's the range of distances from ball to ball, in other words, that is the biggest distance difference between range balls and regular balls. For more on this, see: 1. Do range ball…
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What Kind of Range Balls Do Pros Get at Tournaments?

  • Do the pros playing tour events have to hit the same beat-up range balls the rest of us do? Of course not. Before a major tour's golf tournament, the manufacturers ship in thousands of the golf balls used by their tour players. These balls are typically stamped "practice," but are otherwise the same as the golf ball used by the tour pros during tournament play. Titleist, for example, will sta…
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Other Uses of 'Range Ball' in Golf

  • Range balls don't have to be specifically manufactured as such—they can be used golf balls of any brand, for example, those retrieved from the bottom of golf course's water hazards. A golf coursemight collect such balls and throw them into their supply of range balls. "Range ball" can also be a derogatory reference to a golf ball that is not performing as hoped (usually at the fault …
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