The driving range is where most golfers start, and where many keep coming back. It's relaxed, inexpensive and the perfect place to learn the basics, warm up before a round or work on your swing. But if you've never been, it can feel a little intimidating. Here's what to expect, what to bring and how to make the most of your first visit.
What to bring
- Clubs, if you have them, or hire some. A 7-iron, a wedge and a driver are plenty to start.
- Comfortable clothes and flat, supportive shoes. Most ranges have relaxed dress codes. Read what to wear on the golf course.
- A glove, if you have one. Read our golf gloves guide.
- Water, especially on a warm day.
How the range works
- Go to reception or the ball machine. Buy a bucket or a card for a number of balls.
- Collect your balls from the dispenser.
- Choose a bay: some ranges have covered, heated or floodlit bays; some have technology that tracks your shots.
- Hit from the mat or the designated grass area.
- Return the bucket when you've finished.
Many modern ranges have ball-tracking technology, games and food and drink, making them a fun night out too. Read golf entertainment venues.
Range safety and etiquette
- Only hit from your bay.
- Never walk onto the range to collect balls, even if one is close.
- Stay behind the line of the bays, and keep a safe distance from golfers on either side.
- Check around you before every swing, especially if you have children with you.
- Don't talk to or distract golfers who are hitting.
- Watch for ball-collection vehicles; don't aim at them.
- Clean up after yourself and return buckets.
Read golf course safety.
What to practise on your first visit
Start small
- Warm up with gentle stretches and a few slow swings.
- Start with a wedge or 9-iron: short, easy swings to get a feel for hitting the ball.
- Learn the grip and posture. Read how to grip a golf club and golf posture at address.
- Move to a 7-iron once you're making contact.
- Try a few drivers or hybrids towards the end.
Pick a target
Choose a flag, sign or distance marker for every shot, and aim at it. Read golf alignment: how to aim.
Don't rush
Take your time between shots. Fifty balls hit with care are more useful than 150 hit quickly.
Making the most of each session
- Have one goal, such as solid contact, a good finish or hitting the target.
- Use alignment sticks or a club on the ground.
- Film your swing occasionally. Read golf swing video analysis.
- Practise your short game if the range has a chipping area, bunker or putting green.
- Play games to keep it fun. Read golf practice games.
Read our driving range practice plan.
Lessons
Many ranges have resident coaches offering lessons, group clinics and beginner courses. A few lessons early on will help you build good habits and avoid frustration. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Range balls vs real golf balls
Range balls are designed to be durable and are often limited-flight, so they may fly shorter than normal balls. Use the range to learn technique, but don't rely on range distances for your course yardages. Read golf ball compression explained.
Mats vs grass
Many ranges have mats, which are consistent and easy to use. Some also have grass areas. Mats can hide slightly fat shots, so try grass when you can. Read golf nets and hitting mats.
From range to course
When you can make consistent contact with a few clubs, try a short course or a quiet nine holes. Read par-3 and short courses and golf for beginners: the complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own clubs at the driving range?
No. Most ranges hire clubs, often for free or a small fee.
How many balls should I hit?
Around 50 to 100 balls is plenty for a beginner. Focus on quality, not quantity.
What should I wear to a driving range?
Comfortable clothes and flat, supportive shoes. Most ranges have relaxed dress codes.
Can children go to the driving range?
Yes, many ranges welcome children, often with junior clubs. Supervise them closely.
The bottom line
Your first visit to the driving range is the start of a great journey. Bring or hire a few clubs, buy a bucket of balls, follow the safety rules, start with short, easy swings and aim at a target every time. Consider a lesson early on, and soon you'll be ready for the course. For more help starting out, read golf myths debunked.
Not sure what to wear? Read what to wear to a driving range.