Starting Off

[Newbie Collection Agency]

Hi Again,

Do you think it is better to get your swing down at a driving range or is it more benifical to play on a course?

[YoungTom]

Hi Again,

At some point, you're going to have to take your golf swing to the course, and it will be a terrifying experience. People will be watching you and there will be hazards to avoid, both things no range can simulate IMHO.

If I could do it over again, I'd get to the course sooner rather than later. Perhaps two range sessions and then pick a slow day (early in the morning during the middle of the week) and get out there and see what you can do. It would also be very beneficial to find someone who knows what they're doing and see if they would be willing to show you the ropes. You don't play golf on a driving range, so it's not likely you'll be able to learn how to play golf on one. Get out there and play!

[allin]

Once you make reasonably consistent contact, I think playing par 3s as practice is a great way to improve. Since you are always hitting approach shots with irons into the green and putting or in my case chipping then putting, this really improves the areas needed to lower your score.

[Norm66]

As a fellow beginner, I agree wholeheartedly with Allin's recommendation for a par-3 course (once you're hitting the ball more than missing it anyway). I lowered my scores on full-size courses literally 12 strokes after spending 3 weeks playing only at the par-3 course. Plus they're a real confidence booster once you get the hang of them (I've shot only 6, 7 and 9 over par there). Short courses also seem to be in general a more laid back golfing experience as far as other golfers go. Less pressure equals more enjoyment for me.

Good luck and have fun!

[LarryK]

Ditto the advice on the par 3 courses, but another good place to start is the "executive" length courses. Basically a par 3 course where they have tossed in a couple of par 4s and maybe even a par5. At least you get to pull the big stick for a couple of tries.

[Steven McFarlane]

Well for me goto the course.

When im on the ranges i cant hit my driver the same..but when im on the course for me its all average..drivers good irons good etc but on driving range driver not so good and irons good .

So what im saying is do what you feel....or whatevers cheaper :P

[rembrandt]

When you hit on the practice range you pretty much concentrate on hitting the ball and not so much on where it is going. On the course it is another ball game. Trees, out of bounds, sand traps etc. cause you to alter your swing. I love to play the course but I also enjoy the practice range. Do both and doing it regularly is the key to improvement.

[golfchief]

When you hit on the practice range you pretty much concentrate on hitting the ball and not so much on where it is going. On the course it is another ball game. Trees, out of bounds, sand traps etc. cause you to alter your swing. I love to play the course but I also enjoy the practice range. Do both and doing it regularly is the key to improvement.

On the range you still need to pick a target to hit to or your just wasting your time. pick a yardage sign or green if they have one and hit to it, when you do get on a course you'll be able to pick a target and hit toward it.