Driving Range- by bucket or minute?

[Shripe]

As I'm just starting to play golf again (my only exploit in the last few years being a par 3 18-hole course on Memorial Day 2010), I've been wondering about what people tend to think about driving range costs. I've been to two ranges in the area, one a heated golf dome that charges by time, another charging the usual by-bucket rates.

Given how I'm still a very early beginner, I would think that the extra time to focus on form and whatnot by going with the bucket rate would suit me better, though I'm not really sure yet how many balls I'd hit in a given time to decide whether I'd get more use out of my money going one way or the other.

If it helps, here are the prices (Sorry, no estimates as far as the number of balls per bucket, as it's been a long time since I've been to either range):

Minute-based at Range #1:
Weekdays $10/30 min (goes up $1.25 per every 5 minutes after, until a discount at $17/1 hour, then +$1.25/5 mins once again)
Weekends $11/30 min ($1.50 per every 5 mins after)

Bucket-based at Range #2:
Small bucket: $5
Medium bucket: $7
Large bucket: $9

I've seen other averages around 30-65-100 for buckets from other ranges, and I know I'll probably get a few answers of "Just try and see for yourself," though I just wanted to know how fast other golfers tend to go through buckets.

[James_Black]

use the by bucket range.

never heard of them asking for it per min.....

[goblue107501]

I would be more for the bucket. Depending on the size, a medium bucket is usually more than enough for what I want/need to do. After that it is just hitting balls without a purpose. Plus, after 60-70 balls in a short period of time it can wear you out quickly. So using the bucket can allow a couple of breaks without worrying about the time.

I think by the minute (never seen one before, nifty idea though for some people), you would be too worried about 'getting your money's worth' and just start hitting balls. $10 is quite a bit for range balls too. I find that after a small or medium bucket I become disinterested so I would rather keep my few dollars.

[nuck81]

I'd go for the bucket. When I go to the range I'm very meticulous and patient. I take about an hour to an hour and a half to hit a large bucket, longer if I start bullshitting with the pro or guys around me.

Those prices!!! they'd drive me crazy. I pay $4 for a large bucket 60-70 balls.

[golfro]

buckets for sure. if it went by minute, it would get expensive for me as I spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours at the range.

I usually hit about 125-150 balls each range session and definitely not just hitting balls.

[nevets88]

I've never seen a timed rate before, except for unlimited day passes. How does a timed rate work? You get a huge bucket of balls and then on your way out, they have something indicating when you started and you pay?

I guess if you hit 3 balls a minute, that's 90 balls for a half hour. 90 balls is about a large bucket. Now compare $10 for 90 balls versus whatever the fixed rate is.

I agree with everyone else - I'd take the bucket rate.

I have seen people hit 3-4 balls a minute - it seems too mechanical to me and just too rushed. You are not a machine.

[Shripe]

Thanks, everyone, and I figured the bucket rate would be the general consensus. I'm just trying to get the lay of the land as far as ranges around here are concerned, without having to drive too far. I know some of the mid-and-up difficulty courses in the area have ranges, but as they're managed by Milwaukee Co. Parks (including the range with the minute rate), they only list greens fees online rather than range fees as well. I'll keep looking around. Those were the first two I knew of though, since I once hit balls at both back in HS.

[Greg]

never heard of the timed rate either, how would they do that? Every driving range ive ever went to in my 2 years of playing it was by the bucket.

[jlh1508]

We have a timed range around here. It is an indoor range that is not attached to or associated with a course. The attendant at the range gives you a ticket with your stall number and enters you into the computer. You are given a bucket which you fill from larger tubs of golf balls. Then when you are done you go back to the attendant and give them your ticket and they computer spits out how long you were there.


Our indoor range does a lunch pass, where for 10 bucks you get a hot dog, chips, and 45 minutes of hitting balls. It is a good deal for people who want to hit on their lunch

[Shripe]

As far as I can remember, that's how it worked at the range I was at (indoor, but associated with a course). You were assigned a stall and had to report back at the end to pay. Not sure if you could prepay or not. However, it seems like I need to find a cheaper range in general to go to, considering both of those look to be above the amount of $ others are paying.

[Greg]

I like the idea of an indoor range, I wish we had one of those close to me. It would be nice on rainy days and to keep practicing during the winter, it does get cold sometimes here in southern il. I would prefer to hit outdoors, off grass normally but for inclement weather it would be nice to have the option of a climate controlled indoor range.

[Shripe]

Yeah Greg, the indoor range is even open during the winter... However, the other range is also, just with heaters and such in the range stalls. :shrug:

[kafka01]

The "minute-concept" is probably the worst, especially when you are a beginner - it just makes you hit balls without developing any kind of routine, evaluating shots, taking breaks and so on. Go for the bucket-concept and take all the time you want and need.

[WUTiger]

In St. Louis area, it's either by the bucket or seasonal fee. Seasonal fee can be for season or for month; some pricing plans offer you X buckets a month, others offer you unlimited buckets.
Some upscale semi-private courses offer unlimited range balls with certain membership plans.

Average by-the-bucket prices:
* Small $5 - 6 | 40 Balls
* Medium $7 - 8 | 75 Balls
* Large $9 - 10 | 100+
* Family size(?) $12 - 15 | A whole bunch of balls (not offered everywhere)

One of the course-based driving ranges sells a mini-bucket of about 30 balls for preround warm-ups

[JML22]

Minute is stupid
40 balls can last you awhile if yuo're working on your pre shot routine and stuff
its a good idea to take rests in between shots so your muscles dont fatigue too

[Fred44]

I would practice my short game at the hourly and practice the drives/long irons with a large bucket. You can fly through 200 chips, pitches and wedge shots.

[DocWu1948]

Around here. The heated dome where your ball will hit the wall after 80 yards is $8-12 for 30 minutes, but closed in the warm months whereas all the outdoor ranges are by the bucket and closed in the winter. By the minute would never be competitive with by the bucket otherwise. The dome has the worst balls ever too, but it's fun in January and Feb.
.
I know of one range that is lit up like a baseball park at night, but have never gone there as it's 30 minutes away.