Engineering:Driving range

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Short description: Golf practice facility

Hitting bays at Sandakan Golf and Country Club, Sabah, Malaysia.
Range and practice greens at Riverwalk Golf Club in San Diego, California, US.
Outdoor driving ranges at two golf clubs.

A driving (also called a practice, golf, hitting or, informally, a shooting range[1]) is a facility or area where golfers can practice golf shots outside the context of a round of golf. Driving ranges typically consist of multiple hitting stations from which players strike golf balls toward designated target areas.

They are used for practicing full swings, warming up before play, receiving instruction, and testing golf equipment. Ranges vary in size and design, from open-air facilities attached to golf courses to standalone commercial venues and indoor simulators. Ranges may allow hitting off natural grass, or allow players to use artificial turf mats.

History

A caddie wearing a wire-mesh suit designed to protect those shagging golf balls. (1920)

Following the introduction of golf to the United States in 1878, the sport expanded throughout the country.[2] Early practice areas were often informal parts of golf courses where players could practice shots separately from regular play.[3]

During the 19th century, many golf clubs and courses in Scotland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom had only small areas set aside for retrieving and practicing with golf balls.[4] In Scotland, golfers commonly received instruction directly from a professional golfer on the course or practiced on unused fairways, a traditional method later described by Bobby Jones in his 1927 autobiography, Down the Fairway, in reference to instruction he received from his mentor, Stewart Maiden.[5]

In 1913, golf course architect Donald Ross converted three holes of the No. 1 course at Pinehurst Resort into a dedicated practice area known as "Maniac Hill," which has been described as one of the earliest purpose-built golf practice ranges.[6][3][7] The area was used by professionals during the North and South Open in the 1940s.[6][8] Professional golfer Tommy Armour later compared its significance to golf as “what Kitty Hawk was to flying.”[9]

According to Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary, the first written use of the English word driving range, meaning a practice course, dates back only to 1929.[10][11] As golf participation increased in the United States during the mid-20th century, driving ranges became more common at public and private golf clubs. The first driving range is thought to have opened in 1915 in New York City.[12][13] The first public golf course in the United States opened in 1895 at Van Cortlandt Golf Course in The Bronx.[14][15] During the 20th century, driving ranges became recreational venues for the middle class, who, in the 1950s, primarily used for practicing golf shots outside of regular rounds. Today, most golfers use them to practice full swings, short shots, distance control, and consistency.[16][17] Some commercial driving ranges, such as Topgolf, offer golf-based driving range games with food, beverages, and entertainment.[18][19][19]

Indoor golf

Photograph of an enclosed golf practice cage from New Rational Athletics for Boys and Girls (1917)

Over time, many driving ranges expanded beyond basic practice areas by offering services such as instruction, club fitting, and equipment repair.[20][21] In the 21st century, some facilities have incorporated technologies such as launch monitors, ball-tracking systems, and golf simulators.[22] Virtual golf facilities have also been established in commercial spaces, where players can hit from an artificial-turf teeing area toward a projection screen.[23] Sensors and cameras measure data such as ball speed, spin, launch angle, and club path to calculate and display the simulated flight of the ball.[24]

Design and layout

An automated range ball dispenser at a golf driving range. This dispenser typically accepts coins, a code, or golf-specific tokens. Balls are collected using a metal or plastic bucket.

Driving ranges generally consist of a teeing area where golfers can hit balls into a field containing targets or distance markers. Depending on location, the teeing area may use natural grass, artificial turf, or hitting mats.[25] There are also driving ranges where you hit the balls into a lake.[26][27]

Driving ranges are typically divided into individual hitting stations, each marked and spaced to provide adequate room for golfers. Some facilities separate stations with metal or wooden barriers to improve safety and reduce interference between players. Protective netting or other barriers are commonly installed to help contain golf balls within the practice area.[28]

Practice fields commonly include target greens, flags, distance markers, and other things that allow golfers to evaluate their shot distance.[12] Some facilities may also include multiple hitting stations, covered areas, lighting systems, multi-level hitting stalls, indoor facilities, and automated ball-collection equipment.[29][30]

Operation

Balls are retrieved by a specialty cart with a brush and roller attachment that automatically picks up balls and a cage that protects the driver from incoming balls

Diving ranges may operate as part of a golf course, as standalone businesses, or as public and private practice facilities. Golfers typically pay for buckets of range balls or use electronic systems that dispense balls automatically. Golfers pay for various sizes of buckets of balls and hit at their leisure. Some ranges feature electronic tee devices, which load balls automatically and record ball use on a smart card. Most provide golfers with access to practice areas through the use of rented buckets of balls, ball-dispensing systems, or other methods of distributing range balls.[31]

To prevent injuries, entering the green area, for example, to collect balls, is always prohibited by the operator.[32] Taking or playing with range balls on the golf course is forbidden and, in addition to the usual legal consequences for theft, will result in a ban from the course.[33]

Facilities commonly maintain the practice area by collecting golf balls, repairing hitting surfaces, and managing equipment such as ball-collecting machines. Many commercial driving ranges are seen in conjunction with other sports-related practice areas such as batting cages or miniature golf.[34] Some driving ranges also offer areas for practice chip shots, bunker shots, and putting.[35]

In urban and suburban areas, large nets protect surrounding people and structures from errant balls. Driving ranges are particularly popular in Japan, where golf courses are overcrowded and often very expensive.[36]

Technology

Modern driving ranges increasingly use technology to provide feedback and analysis. Launch monitors (such as TrackMan), ball-tracking systems, and high-speed cameras can measure information such as ball speed, launch angle, distance, and shot direction.[37]

Range ball

Main article: Engineering:Golf ball
Golf balls at a driving range

Driving ranges commonly use specially designed range balls that are more durable and built to withstand extensive use. These balls often have harder cores and tougher covers than standard golf balls.[38] As such, they also may not necessarily conform to the rules of golf. While some are marked “PRACTICE” and are not necessarily legal under USGA Rule 4.2, most range balls are limited-flight or heavily worn and won’t behave like regular balls.[39][40] They’re easy to identify due to their distinctive coloring or the word “range” stamped on them.[41]

If a tournament or club committee adopts a Local Rule requiring players to use balls from the "List of Conforming Golf Balls," X-Out balls are not permitted. Practice balls may still be used, provided they conform to the rules of golf.[42][43]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "went to the range". https://ludwig.guru/s/went+to+the+range. 
  2. ↑ Napton, Darrell E.; Laingen, Christopher R. (January 2008). "Expansion of Golf Courses in the United States". Geographical Review 98 (1): 24–41. ISSN 0016-7428. https://www.jstor.org/stable/30034211. Retrieved July 11, 2026. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Ten reasons Pinehurst is a great American golf resort" (in en-US). August 17, 2010. https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/article-travelgolfcom-ten-reasons-pinehurst-great-american-golf-resort. 
  4. ↑ Turner, Brad (2022). "Legacy Coaching Series: Stewart Maiden" (in en-US). https://collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu/legacy-coaching-series-stewart-maiden/. 
  5. ↑ "" Old Man Par" -- He Is The Golfer's Foe; Bobby Jones's "Down the Fairway" Modestly Tells How He Became a Champion DOWN THE FAIRWAY. The Life and Play of Robert T. Jones Jr. By Robert T. Jones Jr. and O. B. Keeler. 238 pp. Illustrated. New York: Minton, Balch & Co. $3.50." (in en-US). The New York Times. August 14, 1927. ISSN 0362-4331. https://www.nytimes.com/1927/08/14/archives/-old-man-par-he-is-the-golfers-foe-bobby-joness-down-the-fairway.html. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Clayton, Ward (June 4, 2024). "Home, home on The Cradle range" (in en). https://www.firstcallgolf.com/features/feature/2024-06-07/home-home-on-the-cradle-range. 
  7. ↑ Brosnan, Pierce (June 2014). "America's Home of Golf" (in en-US). http://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/americas-home-of-golf-17592. 
  8. ↑ Sens, Josh (June 11, 2024). "10 things you probably didn't know about Pinehurst No. 2" (in en-US). https://golf.com/travel/10-things-pinehurst-no-2-us-open/. 
  9. ↑ Frank, James A. (March 23, 2022). "A Timeline of Golf's Most Important Dates - LINKS Magazine" (in en-US). https://linksmagazine.com/timeline-golf-important-dates/. 
  10. ↑ "Definition of DRIVING RANGE" (in en). 2026-07-10. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/driving+range. 
  11. ↑ "driving range". https://www.oed.com/dictionary/driving-range_n?tl=true. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Cohen, Rich (July 4, 2024). "Zen and the Great American Driving Range" (in en-US). Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. https://www.wsj.com/sports/golf/zen-and-the-great-american-driving-range-4f9082d4. 
  13. ↑ Sens, Josh (January 9, 2026). "This driving range isn't fancy. But the game could learn something from it" (in en-US). https://golf.com/travel/driving-range-montclair-golf-bar-tin-cup/. 
  14. ↑ Bierman, Fred (April 7, 2011). "Fairways Where Golf Becomes the City Game" (in en-US). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/travel/08nygolf.html. 
  15. ↑ "The Evolution of Golf Driving Ranges: A Historical Perspective" (in en). January 10, 2025. https://www.youseegsm.com/news/the-evolution-of-golf-driving-ranges-a-historical-perspective/. 
  16. ↑ "Beyond the Canvas: Golf Takes Root in American Culture" (in en-US). https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/sep-keyword/golf-driving-range/. 
  17. ↑ Sens, Josh (November 2, 2023). "Driving-range etiquette? Yep, it's a thing. Follow these 11 rules when you practice" (in en-US). https://golf.com/instruction/driving-range-rules-guidelines/. 
  18. ↑ How one company re-invented the driving range to attract younger audiences to golf | CNN. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Mayo, Ashley (May 18, 2016). "Topgolf Las Vegas is the world's most insane driving range". Golf Digest. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/topgolf-las-vegas-is-the-worlds-most-insane-driving-range. Retrieved February 24, 2026. 
  20. ↑ Nash, Brad (August 20, 2025). "6 things I learned getting a pro fitting as a mid-handicap golfer |" (in en). https://www.golfmagic.com/equipment/news/6-things-i-learned-getting-pro-fitting-mid-handicap-golfer. 
  21. ↑ "TaylorMade to open Tour-level custom fitting facility at The Grove" (in en). October 14, 2025. https://cdn.golfbusinessnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kingdom.jpg. 
  22. ↑ "不論天氣好壞 隨時享受揮桿趣 - 高球精品 - GolfDigest高爾夫文摘" (in zh-CN). March 6, 2017. https://www.golfdigestweb.com.tw/article/844?fb_comment_id=1202659836518036_1203738783076808. 
  23. ↑ Tarrazi, Alexis (October 24, 2025). "New Indoor Golf, Upscale Bar, Restaurant Approved On Route 22 In Bridgewater". https://patch.com/new-jersey/bridgewater/new-indoor-golf-upscale-bar-restaurant-approved-route-22-bridgewater. 
  24. ↑ Romero, Julia (January 27, 2026). "New indoor golf practice, training facility opens in Las Vegas". https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/new-indoor-golf-practice-training-facility-opens-in-las-vegas/. 
  25. ↑ Berhow, Joshua (March 11, 2026). "Why practicing off mats might be hurting your swing" (in en-US). https://golf.com/instruction/practicing-off-mats-hurting-swing/. 
  26. ↑ Golfer, Sylvia the (April 2, 2025). "Water Driving Range: The Islands Golf Center" (in en). https://www.thesylviajohnson.com/post/water-driving-range-the-islands-golf-center. 
  27. ↑ O'Connor, Devin (2026-02-24). "Reno's Grand Sierra Spending $15 Million to Overhaul Golf Range" (in en-US). https://www.casino.org/news/renos-grand-sierra-spending-15-million-overhaul-golf-range/. 
  28. ↑ Fluhler, Scott (April 3, 2023). "Best golf nets for perfecting your swing at home" (in en-US). https://golf.com/gear/golf-accessories/best-golf-nets/. 
  29. ↑ "Practice - Miles of Golf". http://www.milesofgolf.com/practice/miles-of-golf-cincinnati. 
  30. ↑ "StanfordGolfCourse.com". http://golfcourse.stanford.edu/. 
  31. ↑ integration@prostarseo.com (2025-04-25). "How Does a Golf Driving Range Work? Tips and Drills for Beginners" (in en-CA). https://centredegolfvaldesarbres.com/en/how-does-a-golf-driving-range-work-tips-and-drills-for-beginners/. 
  32. ↑ "Driving Range Etiquette: A Guide | Deer Creek Golf Club". https://deercreekflorida.com/2025/driving-range-etiquette.html. 
  33. ↑ "Range Ball Theft Prevention Without Losing Feel" (in en-US). https://golfara.com/range-ball-theft-prevention/. 
  34. ↑ "West Topeka driving range for sale at just under $1.5 million" (in en-US). KSNT 27 News. 2026-01-29. https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/west-topeka-driving-range-for-sale-at-just-under-1-5-million/. 
  35. ↑ "Best Driving Ranges In Denver - CBS Colorado" (in en-US). June 5, 2019. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/best-driving-ranges-denver-colorado-golf/. 
  36. ↑ Whitehill, Arthur M. (2022-06-30) (in en). Japanese Management: Tradition and Transition. Taylor & Francis. pp. 191. ISBN 978-1-000-60303-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=PCRnEAAAQBAJ&hl=en. 
  37. ↑ "Driving Range Technology: Turning Practice into Profit - Golf Commerce" (in en). November 18, 2025. https://sweetspot.io/the-golf-commerce-blog/Golf-Commerce-and-Business/driving-range-technology-turning-practice-into-profit. 
  38. ↑ Powell, Drew (September 19, 2024). "Do range balls really perform worse than premium balls? We tested it" (in en). Golf Digest. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/range-balls-vs-premium-balls-testing-which-flies-shorter-golf-digest-mythbusters. 
  39. ↑ "United States Golf Association" (in en). https://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_answer2019.asp?FAQidx=260&Rule=0&Topic=12. 
  40. ↑ Kaspriske, Ron (August 27, 2025). "Rules of Golf Review: I played a range ball on a par 3 over water. My opponent says it's a penalty to use it. True?" (in en). Golf Digest. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/rules-of-golf-review-range-ball-practice-ball-ok-to-play-in-a-round. 
  41. ↑ "Range Ball". http://www.leaderboard.com/GLOSSARY_RANGEBALL. 
  42. ↑ Easdale, Roderick (June 3, 2024). "Are You Allowed To Use 'Practice' Balls In Golf Competitions?" (in en). https://www.golfmonthly.com/features/are-you-allowed-to-use-practice-balls-in-golf-competitions. 
  43. ↑ Daddow, Simon (August 31, 2023). "Driving range ball vs premium golf ball" (in en). https://www.todays-golfer.com/features/equipment-features/2018/may/tested-range-ball-vs-premium-ball/. 

Jones, Robert T.; Keeler, O. B. (1927). Down the Fairway: The Golf Life and Play of Robert T. Jones, Jr.. New York: Minton, Balch & Company. ISBN 978-1493036998.  Template:Golf equipment Template:Golf



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