how long is too long at the range

[bunkerputt]

Here's my routine:

Very light stretching (back, hips, hamstrings, shoulders) and some easy exercises
10x lob wedges from 40-60 yards
Light stretching and a few more squats and exercises
10x sand wedges from 50-80 yards
Light stretching into practice full-swings
5x gap wedges to 115 going for a target
5x PW going for targets between 120 and 130
5x 3-wood going for landing areas 230-240 yards
5x 8-irons 150-160
5x 4-irons 190-210
5x 3-wood going for 240
5x 6-irons 175-185 going for specific targets

Then I use about 10 balls working on whatever was the poorest and finish up with a few lobs to 50-yards or so.

I like hitting no more than 5 balls with a club because it adds some pressure to make a good shot before moving on. I don't let myself hit additional balls if the 5th one stinks. I used to try to work the ball at the range, but I've lately been leaving that for the course and just trying to hit it straight.

That's about 70 balls or so. I'd rather have 5 range sessions at 70 balls than 2-3 at 150.

[k1993]

My mom drops me off at the course after school everyday so when it's too dark to play, I hit balls at the range or putt. I just keep hitting balls until my mom comes and picks me up and sometimes I end up hitting around 500 range balls haha. I think that might be too much, but my mom usually doesn't pick me up until 4 or 5 hours later so I just try and make the most of it.

[golfmentalist]

too long in gofl is pretty much where it gets to the point where you cant hit a keep ball freely and effortlessley any more

[abris33]

I've hit about 300 balls at one point. By then my arms were getting weak and I was starting to drop the club down a lot. My routine is 3-4 days a week(I play a round every weekday during the summer so I try not to do a lot) hitting 200 balls and focusing on the short clubs(6-GW). I then spend another hour or so working on a certain part of my short game( either chipping or putting). I'm usually there for about two and a half hours but on a lot of days I am there for over three hours.

[RC]

If you need a blood transfusion or IV to revive you, it might be too long. Otherwise, keep working. (found in a note in Ben Hogan's wallet -- NOT.)

[FFemt5287]

I've been doing 2 xL buckets a day for the past two weeks (about 250 balls). It's really starting to pay off! I'm hitting my 6-SW really well. Can't wait to get out this weekend and see how it's helped my game overall.

[bunkerputt]

I've been doing 2 xL buckets a day for the past two weeks (about 250 balls). It's really starting to pay off! I'm hitting my 6-SW really well. Can't wait to get out this weekend and see how it's helped my game overall.

Wow. That's a lot. I hit 150 balls once and was wiped. I could probably do it if I went 60% on every shot. Otherwise trying to make a good swing at 85% takes so much effort that I get worn out, particularly in my middle back and right hip flexor. My right wrist starts getting sore from impact pretty quickly as well.

[Motley01]

I think it's more about HOW you practice at the range, and not just banging away at a hundreds of balls.

How I practice:

Pretend I'm at the course, I line each shot up, pick a target, 2 practice swings, and hit each shot.

I get way too tired, when hitting balls right after another.

smart practice > hours of practice

[Chas]

More than 50 balls off the mat is too many for me, I lose focus and stop benefitting (or worse). Then another 50 chipped or pitched onto a practice green is good, and/or a half hour of putting.

After work today I'll just putt for about 45-60 min at Torrey, including the big breakers they've got set up at some holes if you're game.

It's all good if you don't overdo it.

[SpringBokVol]

I think it's more about

Just moved to Castle Rock...any good practice facilities around here?

[TMburner09]

I go through a routine where I try to mimic a round. So for example, first hole - 1 driver shot to a target, then one 9i or PW to a target. Next is a par 5, so I hit driver, then off the deck with either 3W or 3 hybrid, then 8i or 9i. I think you get the point

thats a pretty good idea,im going to try that tommorow...

[Motley01]

Just moved to Castle Rock...any good practice facilities around here?

Awesome, dude you're right near Castle Pines, but it's private. But there is an awesome public course right next to it called The Ridge at Castle Pines, I played there last year, it's sweet, pine trees line the fairways!

http://www.theridgecpn.com/index.php

[bunkerputt]

...After work today I'll just putt for about 45-60 min at Torrey...

Sometimes I wished I lived in San Diego, or somewhere with a tour caliber course. The one true championship setup I have played in the area cost >$200 and had just had the greens aerated. I was nonplussed. Ho hum.. back to the muni.... Enjoy your freaking time, you lucky jerk

[bjw181]

Its never too long for me. I've been known to spend morning to sunset with 18 holes and lots of putting practice. The key is to take frequent breaks. When you get tired, your swing gets lazy and thats when mistakes creep in. Make sure you stay well stretched too. Nothing worse than a pulled back muscle.

[iacas]

Simple question deserves a simple answer: When you're no longer able to devote 100% of your attention to improving.

If that's because you're tired, you're just goofing around, you've got a blister, whatever - it's time to quit. You need to be at the range with a plan, and stick to that plan, or you're just wasting your time and energy.

[anthony]

I've been playing a 9 hole that is the same as a large bucket to walk more than going to the range. However, I bought my girlfriend a used set of clubs (I know, I know) and we've been going to the range.

I noticed that if I hit more than 20 drives in a row, my swing starts to break down. The first 10-15 or so will be real nice drives. I don't know if I get lazy or tired or whatever, but I end up hooking the snot out of the ball if I hit too many. This happened the last 2 times I went. I didn't affect my swing on the course though thankfully.

However, as others have stated, I can hit wedges and pitch shots all day. I'd rather go play, but I think next time I go to the range I'm gonna hit maybe 10 drives then pick out targets with my wedges and try to hit them.

[anthony]

You need to be at the range with a plan, and stick to that plan, or you're just wasting your time and energy.

That's excellent advice.