Using the Golf Driving Range to Improve Your Game

Using the Golf Driving Range to Improve Your Game
By Gordon Simpson

For golfers to improve their golf game, particularly beginner golfers, they need to put in plenty of practice. Because our weather can sometimes be inclement, it is not always possible to practice on the course. This is where the golf driving range comes into it's own. These ranges are now mostly under cover and can be used to keep the rhythm in your swing in any kind of weather.

Golfers have different reasons for going to the driving range. Obviously to practice, but a lot of the time they will be trying to sort out something that is causing a problem with their game. The driving range is ideal for this as you can take your time and analyse your swing. If you were on the course you would be holding other people up plus getting frustrated with yourself. Basically, golfers use the driving range to develop and improve their golf swing.

Some golfers use the driving range to warm up before going to the course, so if that is what you intend to do here are a few pointers.

First of all, do some stretches. Just some simple bending and twisting. Nothing strenuous, just so you are warmed up and loose and you won't do yourself any damage by swinging a club with cold, stiff muscles. Next, make sure you have your golf shoes on. And your glove. Everything as it would be if you were at the golf course.

So let's start with a simple chipping drill. Nice and gentle wedge shots to ease yourself into a routine. You get the feel of the grip and a nice easy tempo through the swing. You don't need long with the wedge, just enough time to get you swinging freely.

Next, I would suggest you go with a 7 iron. The 7 iron is a kind of in between club. It sort of blends the long and short irons together. And it gives you a short iron feel with nearly a long game swing. The 7 iron is definitely a great warm up club for the driving range. Spend about ten minutes with this club or enough time to get into a good tempo.

After this, let's go to a longer iron. A 4 iron maybe. Make sure you keep your tempo and your head is steady and properly positioned throughout the swing. Spend about five minutes here as we gradually build up to the big boys. Let's swing at least a utility club or a fairway wood for maybe five or six minutes before unleashing the driver. You will probably give the driver a little bit more hitting time, but then you should start working back down the ladder. Hit a different fairway wood, and then a 5 iron in place of the 4 and maybe a 9 instead of the wedge. Finish off with the 7 iron.

There will be times when you go to the driving range when you don't want to go through this routine, maybe you just want to hit a couple of clubs to sort out some problems. But I would use the 7 iron as your go to club. Make this your main warm up club.

So, to sum up. Use your time at the driving range to make your golf swing better. Treat it as if you were on the golf course, wear your shoes and your glove, anything that you would have on the course, have with you on the driving range. Make every swing a learning experience, and try not to develop bad habits. Practice to improve, and you will enjoy every minute you are on the driving range.

Gordon Simpson

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