As the golf season approaches, it’s time to shake off the rust and get back into form. One of the best places to fine-tune your game before hitting the course is the driving range. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting back into the swing of things, the driving range provides the perfect environment to work on different aspects of your game. By focusing on key areas during your practice sessions, you can set yourself up for a strong start to the season. Oh, and some new gear from Other never hurts.
Here are five things you can do at the driving range to prepare for the upcoming golf season.
1. Work on Your Fundamentals
The offseason can lead to bad habits creeping into your swing, so your first few sessions at the driving range should focus on the basics. Start with grip, posture, stance, and alignment—four key elements that have a huge impact on your overall game. If any of these are off, your ball striking and consistency will suffer.
A great way to ensure you’re setting up correctly is by using alignment sticks. Place one on the ground to check your aim and another to ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are square to the target. Spending time on the fundamentals early in the season will help prevent major swing issues later on.
2. Create a Structured Practice Routine
Instead of mindlessly hitting balls, go to the driving range with a specific plan. A structured practice session ensures you work on different aspects of your game rather than just swinging away with a driver. Here’s a simple yet effective routine:
- Start with wedges – Hit 10-15 shots with a sand wedge or pitching wedge to get a feel for your tempo and rhythm.
- Move to mid-irons – Hit some 7- and 8-irons to work on solid contact and accuracy.
- Test your long irons/hybrids – Focus on proper ball striking with these clubs to ensure confidence on long approach shots.
- Driver practice – Work on hitting fairways with controlled swings rather than just trying to bomb it.
- Short-game reps – If the driving range has a chipping area, spend time working on chips and pitches to fine-tune your touch.
By following a structured plan, you’ll develop better muscle memory and get the most out of your time at the range.
3. Improve Your Ball Flight and Shot Shaping
If you want to lower your scores this season, learning to control your ball flight is crucial. The driving range is the perfect place to experiment with different shot shapes and trajectories. Work on hitting draws and fades intentionally by adjusting your stance and clubface position.
You can also practice hitting high and low shots to prepare for various course conditions. For example, if you need to keep the ball under the wind, practice punching the ball with a lower trajectory. If you need to stop the ball quickly on the green, focus on generating height and spin.
The ability to control your shots will give you more confidence on the course and allow you to handle a wider range of situations.
4. Simulate On-Course Scenarios at the Driving Range
One of the biggest mistakes golfers make at the driving range is hitting the same shot over and over without simulating real on-course situations. Instead of hitting 20 straight 7-irons, try to mix up your shots as if you were playing an actual round.
For example, you can pick an imaginary fairway and hit a tee shot with your driver. Based on where that shot “lands,” choose an appropriate club for your next shot, just as you would on the course. This type of practice improves decision-making and helps you transition more smoothly to the actual game.
Another great exercise is to practice pressure shots. Set goals for yourself, such as hitting five drives in a row within a certain target area or hitting three consecutive greens with your irons. Adding a level of pressure to your practice will help you stay composed when you face those critical shots during a round.
5. Track Your Progress and Make Adjustments
To get the most out of your time at the driving range, it’s important to track your progress and make necessary adjustments. Many golfers go to the range, hit a bucket of balls, and leave without knowing whether they improved or not. Keeping a simple practice journal can help you stay accountable and identify areas for improvement.
You can track things like:
- How many solid shots you hit with each club
- Your ball flight tendencies (hook, slice, push, pull)
- Distance control with different clubs
- Any swing thoughts or adjustments that worked well
If you have access to a launch monitor or a driving range with shot-tracking technology, take advantage of it. Data on club speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rates can provide valuable insights into your swing.
By analyzing your practice sessions and making adjustments, you’ll ensure that your time at the driving range translates into better performance on the course.
Final Thoughts
The driving range is a valuable tool for preparing for the upcoming golf season, but only if you practice with a purpose. By focusing on your fundamentals, creating a structured practice routine, improving shot control, simulating on-course scenarios, and tracking your progress, you’ll set yourself up for success when you finally step onto the course.
So, next time you head to the driving range, go in with a plan. Your game—and your scorecard—will thank you for it.