Range balls - bad feedback?

[Fat Slice]

How am I supposed to practice getting rid of my slice with these crappy range balls that don't spin? They fool me into thinking I am hitting straight, then I get on the course and play a ball that's good for the short game and I slice it off the tee.

Yeah, I could play a rock-hard straight-flying ball, but that's not what I want to do. I want to use the driving range to work on my swing effectively.

Any suggestions? I cannot come up with anything

[jjb333]

There's no way you go from hitting a range ball straight to a soft ball with a slice, solely because of their different spin amounts. I'm not saying you don't hit the range balls straight and end up with a slice on the course, but I am saying there is something else contributing to the slice.

[klaymon]

I can slice a range ball like it's my job. You're changing something when you get to the course.

[Fat Slice]

I'll pay more attention to setup, ball position, and tee height, etc. I doubt my swing is different (although you never know).

Thanks, guys.

[Fourputt]

I'll pay more attention to setup, ball position, and tee height, etc. I doubt my swing is different (although you never know).

What ball do you play on the course? There are some very good balls that will still reduce spin enough to at least mitigate your slice, if that is indeed the cause. But like the others have said, I can still slice with a range ball if I make a bad swing.

[Fat Slice]

What ball do you play on the course? There are some very good balls that will still reduce spin enough to at least mitigate your slice, if that is indeed the cause. But like the others have said, I can still slice with a range ball if I make a bad swing.

I had been playing the Top Flite Gamer, then switched to the Wilson ZIP. They play about the same, but I like the feel of the ZIP better when chipping and especially putting.

I can tee up a Pinnacle and hit it pretty straight, sometimes a weak slice/fade where I still end up in the fairway. The problem then is the approach shot which is harder to control for distance and also rockets off the green. The slicing problem is something I have always battled with. Some rounds I can hit all the fairways with straight shots. I might do that 2 or 3 rounds in a row. Later, I'll start slicing, and when trying to adjust, I will throw it even more out of whack. The last round I had was pretty sad. The thing is, on the driving range I was putting them out there straight and long for the most part. I wonder if it is setup? I am going to do some measurements. I know I cannot apply them on the course for a legal round, but I think I'll shoot a practice round with some measurement aids to make sure my setup is the same. As for the balls...I am willing to try anything. The #1 thing I would like to do is fix my swing so the ball isn't a factor, though!

[PiKapp23]

One thing I have done on occasion (because I hate range balls), is find a wide open field and hit balls. Sometimes it hard to find one big enough for driver, but there's usually a field big enough to hit all irons and hybrids. I have used big open spaces at parks and football fields. Just get you a good shag bag and you'll be all set. When doing this it helps to setup some sort of target/s and step off distances (or use laser).

Another thing you can do is buy some used balls that you like and take them to the range. Hit the range balls to get your swing warmed up and to what you think is good, then hit a few of these used balls to see what the flight is like with them. If it's bad, go back to range balls and try to correct what it was that was causing the bad shots, then try again. I bought a bunch of used balls at knetgolf.com a couple years ago of 'B' grade (I think) and I still use a few when I go to the range.

Yet another advantage pros have - they don't have to warm up/practice with crappy range balls.

[Fourputt]

I had been playing the Top Flite Gamer, then switched to the Wilson ZIP. They play about the same, but I like the feel of the ZIP better when chipping and especially putting.

I've never played either of the balls you mention, so I can't offer any advice there. You might try a sleeve of Bridgestone E6+ and see if there is any difference. It was recommended to me as a lower spin ball (I tend to hit my drives very high), and lots of guys like it. It was ok for me, but it didn't really seem to affect the trajectory of my drives, so I didn't stay with it. I think I could hit a river rock sky high.

[Fat Slice]

^ Thanks, I'll hit some next round out. (Maybe today!)

[RocketSauce]

lucky for me is that i have several ranges near me to choose from. some have extremely crappy balls, while others have practically new balls. i usually use the range at TPC Tampa because they always have newer balls