MacBlacklick

The easiest way to get on a private course you are not a member at is to pretend like you are interested in becoming a member. They will give you a free round 9/10 times. I've done it several times (legitimately) and they haven't even made me play with a member. However, many better private courses have closed memberships. Dress nice, go in the afternoon on a weekday, act like you belong. If there is no starter on hole 1, just start. If there is a starter make your way to hole 2 and start there. By the time you finish 17 holes it will be evening and there won't be a starter, so you play hole 1 last. No one will ever question you if you act like you belong. If you feel guilty, just send them the guest fee in cash in an anonymous envelope.

Absolutely, during golf season I won't hit off matts. In the winter there is no choice, but it screws up your grass swing in season.

Most ranges use golf balls that go 10 - 15% less and the markers are rarely accurate. Most golf course tee markings aren't accurate. The only way to know for sure is to get a GPS Sky Caddie.