I started about 6 months ago, will I get better going on the course more or should I go to the driving range?

Question

I am 16 years old and I just started to play Golf about 6 months ago. I can drive, and hit my Pitching Wedge, 9 iron, and 8 iron pretty consistent. I usually hit 75 balls before I go on the course, and I go usually once a week, and go to the college and hit balls sometimes.

Answer 1

a couple of range a week and 1 fairway but choose a course that is short and flat.

Answer 2

i dont remember who said this but "why play golf on the range when the game is played on the course?" obviously you cant practice as hard on the course but you do learn a lot about course management which is very important. if you want to improve quickly the best way is to practice the short game like crazy

good luck!!

Answer 3

My rule of thumb is that if I have problems with my swing, I will go to the range, otherwise I will play.

But in saying that, you will get better quicker by learning how to chip and put than you will from anything else.

Once you have a swing - and it is grooved in - then you need to play and work on your short game. Playing will teach you course management - which is definitely worth a few shots, and a good short game will lead to being able to save pars and bogeys.

I say this because over the years I have played golf with a lot of driving range pro's (people who spend time at the range) and find that while they are much better ball strikers than me, I can still outscore them on the course, by knowing how to chip, putt, play out sideways, hit a low running shot, play a flop shot over the trees, play from the hazard without grounding my club etc.

This all changes once you get down to scratch, then you have to practise about 4 times more that you play (according to a friend of mine who is a NZPGA golf pro)

Answer 4

Try this at the range and for a game! At the range just take your

putter,9 iron.5 iron and 3 iron. Hit your nine.five,three and then use the putter to slow you down. After that play a game using those clubs. Take a notebook with you and always keep track of your game. How you felt that day,weather etc... It will improve your game rather quickly.

Answer 5

range no doubt

Answer 6

If you are a healthy person and you can’t consistently double bogie every hole, shoot 108, you should stick to the range. You may have a hiccup and shoot 110, but if you are consistently in the 120s you need to learn how to hit the ball, IMO.

But really, I have no problem with people shooting in the 120s, as long as the keep pace of play, problem is, most can’t.

Answer 7

Opinions will vary on the subject, but I will go with the group that says- the range!  You want to be on the course, but you will learn more hitting balls on the range..

A local club pro where I live says to play your course while on the range (Example: If your local course has a par 4 #1, hit your driver, followed up by an iron.  Then if your #2 hole is a par 5, you may hit driver, 3 wood, 9 iron.  If #3 is a par 3, picture the distance and hit that iron next)....

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

Definitely go to the driving range.  You take what you work on at the range to the golf course.  You can't practice on the course unless there isn't many people playing that day.

Answer 9

I believe a good balance between both will help your game. At the range you can focus on flaws in the actual game without people behind you catching up. At the range focus on certain points and try to hit them and it will help you on the course.