I’ve always been a mouse. I can spend hours working on different strokes, practicing drills and clearing my mind. However, I know many of you dread the range and would rather be on the course. I can understand that, especially if you’re struggling with a particular aspect of your movement or your game in general. If you’re one of those golfers, here are five ways to make your driving range shorter.
Use interactive technology
Whether you like golf technology or not, using some interactive technology during a range session can make it that much more enjoyable. If you have the budget for something like that Garmin Approach R50 (our The best overall personal launch monitor/simulator for 2024), you can play virtual rounds on golf courses around the world, all with just one unit.
If interactive launch monitors are out of your price range, consider something like this HackMotion Wrist Analyzer. HackMotion gives you data about your movement at address, backswing tip and at impact. It also helps with tempo training.
The most important part for those who get bored on the range is that HackMotion offers real-time interactive training and coaching. Some say it’s like playing a video game while in range.
Go with a friend
If you want to spend some time on the range but get bored and lose interest quickly, consider bringing a friend along.
Play games like longest drive and closest to the pin to make it a more enjoyable practice session. You’ll also put a little more pressure on yourself as you practice (to beat your friend), making practice much more effective. Hitting the driving distance with a friend feels more like a social outing than a chore to complete.
Listen to music
If you don’t have a golf practice playlist, it might be time to put one together. While portable speakers can work in the range, headphones are the best choice. Sure, you can use one speaker if you’re the only one there, but imagine everyone doing the same – competing playlists would make the range a chaotic place.
Just like working out or working out at home, adding music can make your workout much more enjoyable.
Choose a practice plan ahead of time
One of the biggest reasons range sessions feel boring or unproductive is a lack of direction.
Before you hit the range, pick a few exercises you want to work on. You can find lots of ideas on YouTube about wedge control, shot shaping, driving accuracy and more.
It’s a lot different to stand on the range and learn to shape a 7-iron than it is to finish the bucket of balls without any real learning or progress.
Change your goals
One of my favorite driving distance games when I was younger was Around the World. You select a target on the left or right side of the range, hit it, and move on to the next target. Change the distances of each target so that you are forced to change the club. Go to the next target only if you hit the current one.
See how many shots you need to hit five or six targets. If your driving range has Toptracer technology, this is even easier to do, but you can play the game at a traditional range with targets and flags.
Final thoughts
Don’t be afraid to break up your practice sessions. Hit balls for 20 minutes, mix in some putting and chipping practice, then head back to the range. It’s just the repetitive strokes get boring and you’ll lose focus. Shorter, more focused practice sessions are better for your game than forcing yourself to be on the range for hours on end. Try these tips and maybe you’ll end up a rat like me!
Post 5 ways to make your driving distance suck less appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
