Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

[Arkonden]

Hi, I've been playing golf since February this year, and I was just wondering if there was a difference in the distance you can drive on driving ranges and on the course. I've read that driving range balls are of a different density or something or rather. So, should I be hitting further on the golf course than on the driving range?

Also, I just got into golf because my uncle left some of his old clubs behind at my place. They're about 10 years old or more and I was just wondering if I should invest in some new golf clubs? Will it make much difference?

[GregJWillis]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

If you just started, then no need to purchase anything yet. Use these until you get a year or so under your belt playing.

Range balls can definatly play shorter then regular balls on the course. They will also have different trajectories, so trying to dial in a distance to a flag and green on the range might be a different then on the course. I usually do not worry too much about getting distances perfect, only alignments. The course is where I concentrate on practicing the distances.

[Mr_Change]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

I have to agree with greg, The idea of a driving range is to get practice and build muscle memory. The best way to work out distance is on the course using the makers they have in place.When I'm at the range the first few balls I just get up and whack to help loosen up. Then I'll work on just one club and hit half the balls watching my ball flight. The last 20 balls I'll setup and aim at different points around the range and try to fly the ball to them. I usally just take a 6 iron with me. But if for some reason I start having trouble with another club I'll take that one.

[Ian Hancock]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

I kinda agree but not totally,

The range balls don't fly better or further than a good course ball..............however I do think you can hit further on the range because you are too repetitive hitting ball after ball with a looser swing and no pressure.

I think on the course you have one chance and to many other things to take into consideration and not always a good flat clean perfect lie.


Ian.

[Arkonden]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

Wow, thanks for the great responses! I guess I should be working on aim and alignment and all that before I actually go for the distances. And thanks for the advice on the clubs, I've been having this urge to go and splurge money on golf clubs, but if its not worth the while, then I guess its OK. Thanks again guys, and this site rocks!

[gord962]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

It all depends on the range. Some have high quality balls that perform equally to what you would buy off the shelf, others are junk. On several ranges here in Edmonton I can hit driver over 300 yards consistantly, yet there are 2 or 3 ranges here with complete $h!t balls and I can't get driver out past 220.

[LowPost42]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

Sounds like those ranges have the limited flight balls.

Most indoor ranges have 'em.

I've been known to drop a few of my personal practice balls (beat up balls that aren't good to play a round with) and bang the tin at the back of the range...

[RichieWinch]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

I work at a golf course and van look at the magazines they buy their equipment from. Recently the course bought new balls for the driving range and they had a selection of different balls. The balls had a listed Maximum hit on them for a swing of 115 mph (quite fast i think??). Some were 200 yards maximum (cheap) and most were 220 yards. There were bettrer more expensive range balls that went 270 yards maximum

It said the whole point is to keep it in the driving range area, My pro said the balls at our range go 15 yards shorter when he hits them and it is the same for me too.

[gord962]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

Very interesting. Speaking of maximum distance balls, I heard that they are going to try to introduce a 'Master's' ball for next year at Augusta. Apparently the ball will have a maximum distance to help keep the integrity of the course because Augusta National has run out of land so they can no longer extend the course.

[LowPost42]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

I can see nobody wanting to play it.

[bonzi_532]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

Wanting to play what?

[LowPost42]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

The limited Masters ball.

[Double D]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

Another factor I find comes up a lot where I have been practicing is that the dimples get worn off some of the oldest balls causing them to knuckle ball left to right in the air and sometimes dive down because they don't have sufficent dimples to provide lift.

Dave D...

[gord962]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

Anyone who participates in the Masters wouldn't have a choice but to play the limited flight balls.

[bigdivot]

Re: Driving Range Distances and Old Clubs

Hi Guys..about the 'limited distance master ball'

I did hear on the Golf channel? (equipment guru I think) thats it's introduction would actually create bigger problems that it may solve...

The biggest problem would be between the Bombers..(the 300+ yd club) & the rest of the field..
The new balls would reduce overall distance OK ...BUT would in turn hurt the shorter/slower swinging pro's to a much greater degree...

I'm not into physics or anything but would guess that where the problem is

MY thoughts...so what... if the worlds top 25 players get round in 60... it just does not reflect Joe Publics ability...Things move on

If it were me I would hanicap all players whose average driving statistic exceeds 290yds..maybe by club length... SORRY.. VJ..bring your driver over here..we just want to give it a trim!!! Have nice day...