Driving Range Routine...

[Philip9210]

Whenever I go to the driving range I always feel like I'm just bashing balls, is there a routine that I should be doing to get more out of my driving range time?

[emetib]

I try to use this same routine every time I go to the range before a round-

Sand Wedge

8 Balls - I always loosen up with my sand wedge I hit half shots and don't really care if I hit them well or online. My main purpose it to get my wrists loosed up.

8 More Balls - Starting at 50 yards I hit progressively longer shots until I'm hitting full shots. This lets me get a good feel for how well I'm striking the ball and I also get a chance to hit a few feel shots.

8 Balls - Each with P,9,7,5 or A,8,6,4 (I alternate each range session)

10 Balls with my 19D Hybrid

10 Balls with my Driver

The above routine takes me about 25 minutes. If I have a few extra minutes I almost always go back to my wedges and hit feel shots to specific targets.

Other than my first 10 balls I never hit a ball without a specific target and distance selected. This keeps me from just going and just banging balls. Our range has sand traps and mowed greens with permanently mounted flags. I have all of these mapped on my GPS so I have about 40 exact distances to shoot at.

If I'm not playing I still go through the same routine but I do it with each of my two groups of clubs start to finish and usually try to work the ball on the second run through.

This works for me. I hit enough shots with each club to get into a rhythm but not overdue it.

[Shindig]

Whenever I go to the driving range I always feel like I'm just bashing balls, is there a routine that I should be doing to get more out of my driving range time?

When I am practicing, and not warming up for a round, I will hit most of my range balls with either my 8- or 7-iron, and many of the remainder with a wedge: either the 47 or the 51. I only occasionally hit a hybrid or wood.

Take your practice swings, pick a target, and hit the ball to that target. You'd be amazed how great a practice session you can have with 20 balls if you take your time and make the shots count.

[uttexas]

Always pick a target and swing toward it.
Another "drill" I like is to play an imaginary round at the range. Think of a course you can remember really well. Let's say the first hole is a dogleg-right 420yd par 4. Tee up a ball and hit a power fade. You hit a good drive. Then hit your 9iron into the imaginary green. Second hole 155 yard uphill par 3. Hit your 8 iron (or whatever you would hit) to a target 160 yards away. etc, etc, etc.

By practicing with an imaginary round, you vary your club selection and intended ball flight.

[Shindig]

Always pick a target and swing toward it.

I like this drill. I would do it more often, but I so rarely play a course that has an interesting variety of holes.

[ControlJunkie]

Always pick a target and swing toward it.

Pretty much same here, and I normally go as far as if I dont hit the drive well, the next shot will be with the 3H or 3W off the deck.

Also, if I'm having problems with one or two clubs, I'll dedicate nearly an entire session at the range to them. I'll throw a short iron into the mix after 10-15 shots, just to keep myself from getting too stuck on one swing though. Also, short game and putting are big parts of every visit to the practice range. I may skip putting every once in a while, but pitching and chiping are staples of every visit.