Par 3 vs Driving Range?

Question

Hi, I've been practicing at the driving range every week for about two months. I know I'm not ready for most of the 18 hole clubs in my town, but there is par 3 course nearby too. What do you think will help improve my game more...stay at the driving range, or switch to the Par 3?

Answer 1

I say hit the 18 hole courses. Your missing some fun by not playing them. If you do play the 18 hole course I would suggest keeping on pace with the group ahead of you or the group behind you. Sometimes you might just have to pick up your ball and move on to keep pace. Or go when its not busy usually in the twighlight time and let faster players play thru. You will learn course managment and be able to hit all your clubs on an 18 hole course.

To really answer your question though....I would hit the par 3s a little more then the range. How will you ever see any improvement if you just stay on the range? To test yourself and your swing you need to play a course.

Answer 2

If you ever see a professional talking about the game of golf, the vast majority will tell you that if you are good from 100 yards from the green, you will score well.  The reason for this is that most people who go to the range generally practice with the woods.  Speaking for myself, I could take off 10 strokes or more if I only practice what I preach. I can't tell you how many times ive been at 100 yards or closer and could not hit the green.  

Answer 3

Go with the par 3.  The shorter fariways helps alot in working on your control, and that is far better than distance.  Remember the old saying, "Hit for show, putt for dough."

In the meantime, I have found some par 3 courses to some of the most difficult courses I have ever played on.  A difficult course does not necessarly mean distance.

Answer 4

Switching to the par 3 is a great idea. You have learnt the basics of golf on the driving range and now it is time to put it all together. As you get use to the par 3 than you'll probably move onto 9 holes than 18 holes. Good Luck.

Have a good one...

Answer 5

I started playing on par 3 courses prior to playing on regulaton courses.  To me, it's kind of a natural progression.  Never stop going to the range though.  You'll always need to practice.

Answer 6

par 3 for sure you improve your putting and short game at par 3

Answer 7

driving range. You can work on all your clubs and most driving ranges would even have a place to work on putting and chipping. If your not ready for an 18hole then try a nine hole

Answer 8

I would suggest that you go the "full mile" and play the 18 holes!

But, take not of each shot you make in every hole.

Do you slice, hook?  How is your second shot, pitch, chip, blast from the sand?

How many puts to hole?

Basing from those inputs, you will be able to go to the range or the par3 course with a purpose.

Answer 9

I'd say keep going to the range to work on all aspects of the game instead of just short game. Go to a range where you can hit out of the grass and not on a mat, you will get a better feel for what your game on the course is going to be like

Answer 10

par 3 all the way.  the driving range is fun but nothing trumps real experiences and since the clubs used on par 3 are used on every hole on the golf course it will definitely help you out. and dont say your not good enough for 18. i played with a fater son group 2 weeks ago who each shot around of 130 plus or minus a few strokes.  we had a great time, they were quick and thats all anyone can ask, so go ahead and play thats why you are hitting at the range, to play so do it and after your round see hwat you did wrong or want to improve upon and then go the the range and try to fix it, but go out and play nobody cares if your good or not just dont be too slow and have fun, and if it s not fun then drink beer be merry and pick up when it gets too frustrating

Answer 11

I say both,  in par 3's you can't used your driver only certain irons like 5 to your pw. You'll still have to go to the driving range to practice hitting your driver. Actually theres nothing wrong going to those 18 holes or par 4's or 5's you have to go there sometimes so that you can experience and test your driver, fairway wood or hybrid.  Believe me not all people who played in those par 4 or 5 are good. Good Luck!

Answer 12

Since the majority of the strokes are taken on the course, I would play the par 3 course. It should have holes of differing lengths where you can use most if not all your iron clubs and perhaps a fairway wood. And there are putting greens which you must conquer. It gives you a greater variety of targets which you must master to become a decent weekend golfer.

Answer 13

par 3... the only thing you can do at the driving range that you cant do at a par 3 is driving.  learning how to use your irons and practicing putting are more important than driving.