Golf tips for beginners at the driving range

The situation

A first trip to the range usually goes the same way: a large bucket, the driver out first, and every ball hit as hard as possible. By the end your hands are sore and nothing has improved.

A short, planned session teaches more than a long, random one. The goal is not to empty the bucket. It is to leave with one thing that works.

The fix

1. 01
   Bring a small plan Pick one thing to work on before you get there, such as contact, aim or tempo. A small bucket is plenty for a beginner. Bring a towel and, if you have one, a glove.
2. 02
   Warm up with short clubs Start with half swings using a wedge or 9-iron. Move up to a 7-iron once contact feels steady. The driver comes last, if at all; it is often the hardest club for beginners to hit, not the place to begin.
3. 03
   Aim every shot Lay a club on the ground pointing at your target and set your feet parallel to it. The setup note and ball position cover the rest of address.
4. 04
   Practise the way you play Every few balls, change club and target and go through your pre-shot routine as if it were the course. That habit carries over to your first round better than hitting the same shot over and over.
5. 05
   Mind the range manners Stay in your bay and behind the line. Never walk out onto the range to pick up a ball. Give the player next to you room, and keep your practice swings pointed away from them. The etiquette note has the course version.
6. 06
   Stop on a good one When you are tired, contact gets worse. Finish with a few easy wedges and stop after a shot you liked. If you have time left, spend it on the practice green; the putting note shows where to start.

A 50-ball range plan

10 wedge half swings to warm up, 20 balls with a 7-iron at one target, 10 with your tee club, and the last 10 as a "round": change club and target every ball, with your full pre-shot routine.

Range etiquette in one paragraph

Stay in your own bay, and only hit from behind the line or the mat. Never walk out to collect balls past the line. Keep practice swings pointed away from neighbours, and keep phone calls short and quiet. If you are unsure whether you can hit from the grass or only the mats, ask at the desk. Most ranges are friendly to beginners, and staff are happy to explain.