Great on the range, flop Poor on the course

[ardman]

I have a problem.

My shots are good on the range. Straight, crisp and comfortable. Even the range balls feels like ProV1s. But take me to a course and everything feels different. It's not an anxiety issue as i usually become comfortable after the 1st tee jitters, but more of a grass vs carpet conundrum. What is it about hitting off fairways and roughs that makes simple layups seem difficult in comparison to the firm carpets at the range? and what can i do to make my shots as crisp as my shots on the range? If i don't hit it thin, i'll usually chunk it. It's fkn frustrating!

[CG031]

You're probably overanxious or overswinging once you get to the course.

And oh, yeah, I'm the exact opposite. I never hit that well on the range, always play better on the course - it's real weird for me, but I'm glad to have that problem. lol.

[23Rounder]

From my experience hitting of mats at the range, see if you can avoid it and use grass tees if possible. I think one of the issues is that when you hit a shot fat at the range the club can't dig in and the ball is still stuck well so you don't realise you are stricking the ball so badly. On grass the same swing will dig in and be a terrible shot.

All I can suggest is be very concious on the range of striking the ball cleanly even though the feedback is not as obvious as on course.

Just my 0.02 but I would be interested to hear what others think

[duffer888]

From my experience hitting of mats at the range, see if you can avoid it and use grass tees if possible. I think one of the issues is that when you hit a shot fat at the range the club can't dig in and the ball is still stuck well so you don't realise you are stricking the ball so badly. On grass the same swing will dig in and be a terrible shot.

I've experienced the same. I usually try to avoid certain mats at my range because they allow the club to slide, resulting in fats shots that fly pretty darn good. I find that mats that try to simulate blades of grass do this the most, if that makes any sense.

I also find that if you are in an enclosed range (roof), it feels different as well, than being out on the course.

[kc8kir]

Had the same problem initially as well. Had to stop playing off mats. If you go to a driving range, and all they have are mats however, here is a way to practice.

Practice your irons hitting off a short tee, and focus on two shots:

1) Sweeping the ball off the tee (good practice for par 3s as the flush contact gets maximum distance from the club)

2) Hitting down on the ball, ensuring ball first contact. You can do this on the mat itself, but it is very decieving. Honestly, I still have a hard time telling the difference with game improvement clubs. With blades, I know immediately, but the cavity backs mask so many errors it makes it difficult for a beginner to tell.

Wedges... hit them at the short game area or head out to the local park with some targets (hula hoops, buckets, flags, whatever).

[swingcoach]

Rythm. Most people get to "quick" from the top. Practice rythm on the range and you'll perform better on the course when you can bring that rythm practice.

Hitting off that rubber stuff is a little easier because the club doesn't dig into it like the dirt. Your club actually bounces off but right before the ball comes off the matt at the same time = ok shot.

The only fix is to make sure you hit the ball with a descending club head, hit the ground AFTER the ball. Retain the wrist hinge and shift the weight to do this. If shot shots, keep weight on the left side the whole time.

[ks8829]

you might be hitting behind the ball on the mats at the driving range. Do you have a driving range with real grass?

Have you tried using masking tape on the clubs to see if you are making solid contact?

try working on your weight shift by putting your feet together when you swing your clubs. This will help you turn around your body and help you not over swing. make solid contacts with the ball and move your feet apart slowly until you can consistently make solid contact.

just my 2 cents.

[fusioncal]

You need to practice on real grass that way you would have the same confidence on the golf course.

[Biegoe]

On the range, you probably aren't thinking about all the stresses that come in on the course. Shots that seem "good" at the range can turn into not so great on the course. Maybe a little short, or to the left or right. On the course, you only get one chance.

Personally, I shoot like garbage at the range. Something about being in a stall just big enough for me to swing makes me think I am going to hit the edge with my club and I tense up. After a hole or two on the course though, I feel totally relaxed and hit 10x better

[chigolf07]

I agree with the previous poster - that the range is less stressful and is just practice. I try and practice on the grass tees when possible and work on accuracy, not worrying about distance.

[mkrolewski]

My two cents on the topic.

I look at driver/iron range practise as the maximum performance on the course.

If I am honest, I do not hit all my shots that well on the range. I am not 99 out of 100 swings with good flight characteristisc, direction and distance. Most likely 5 out of 10, sometimes 8 out of 10 with a particular club on a particular day. And there are those bad days.

This means at best when on the course, I may only hit every other swing well. Hitting 2 or 3 solid shots in a row is really hard for me. Hence, not too many pars-boogeys, and more 6-7-8.

My personal goal at the range is to improve my performance. As it improves, my course game will improve. In addition, as my swing improves, the definition of a "good" swing goes up.

I agree, with mats, one can hit fat, get a slide and observe a "good" ball flight. I like the suggestion of using the small tee -- to allow for hearing the ball-then-mat contact. Also, the short game can be practised.