📌 Are You Practicing the Wrong Way?
You spend hours at the range, hitting hundreds of balls to improve your swing.
But then, you get on the course and… everything feels off.
🤔 Are range balls actually ruining your swing, or is that just an excuse?
Let’s break it down.
⛳ What’s Different About Range Balls vs. Regular Golf Balls?
1️⃣ Range Balls Are Designed for Durability, Not Performance
• Reinforced covers make them last longer, but they feel harder.
• Lower compression than premium golf balls.
• Less spin and less feel, especially around the greens.
🚨 Reality Check: If you’re practicing with range balls, they won’t react the same as your on-course ball.
2️⃣ They Fly Shorter and Straighter (But Not Always Accurately)
• Most range balls travel 5-15% shorter than premium balls.
• Some have reduced spin, meaning less curve on slices and hooks.
• A well-struck shot on the range might fly differently on the course.
🚨 Key Question: Are you misjudging your club distances because of range balls?
3️⃣ Some Ranges Use Limited-Flight Balls
• Some driving ranges use restricted-flight range balls to save space.
• These balls are even shorter and don’t launch like real golf balls.
• If you’re practicing with them, your distances on the course could be completely different.
🚨 Reality Check: If your range ball only flies 230 yards, your actual driver might go 260+.
🔥 How Range Balls Might Be Hurting Your Game
1️⃣ They Give False Feedback on Distance & Ball Flight
• If a range ball flies 10 yards shorter, you might be choosing the wrong club on the course.
• If a bad swing still sends the ball straight, you might not be seeing your true mistakes.
🚨 Fix It: Don’t rely on range distances—track your real ball distances on the course.
2️⃣ The Feel Is Different, Especially Around the Greens
• Range balls don’t spin or check up like premium balls.
• If you’re practicing short game with range balls, your real ball might react very differently.
• Putting with range balls is pointless—they feel completely different.
🚨 Fix It: Use your actual golf ball for short-game practice whenever possible.
3️⃣ Inconsistent Quality = Inconsistent Results
• Some range balls are worn out, cracked, or waterlogged.
• A mix of different brands = different compression and spin rates.
• Practicing with randomly performing balls can throw off your feel and distance control.
🚨 Fix It: If possible, bring your own balls for wedge & putting practice.
✅ How to Use the Range Without Ruining Your Swing
1️⃣ Focus on Contact & Mechanics, Not Distance
✔ Use the range to build consistency and feel, not to dial in yardages.
✔ If you’re hitting it well, trust that your real ball will perform even better.
🚨 Reality Check: The range is for swing training, not for finalizing club distances.
2️⃣ Use a Launch Monitor or Trackman to Get Real Numbers
✔ If your range has Trackman or Toptracer, use it to compare range ball distances vs. real golf balls.
✔ If you know your range ball is 10 yards short, adjust accordingly.
🚨 Fix It: Don’t assume your range carry distances will be the same on the course.
3️⃣ Bring Your Own Balls for Short-Game Practice
✔ If your range has a short-game area, use your actual ball for wedges & putting.
✔ This will give you better feedback on spin, rollout, and feel.
🚨 Reality Check: Short-game work should always be done with the ball you play on the course.
🔬 Who Should Worry About Range Balls Affecting Their Game?
Golfer Type | Are Range Balls a Problem? |
Beginner (Learning Basics) | ❌ No—just focus on making contact. |
Mid-Handicapper (Trying to Improve Consistency) | 🤷 Maybe—be aware of distance differences. |
Low-Handicap / Competitive Golfer | ✅ Yes—use real balls for short-game & distance work. |
Players Practicing for an Upcoming Tournament | ✅ Yes—never rely on range ball distances for club selection. |
🚨 Reality Check: If you’re serious about improving, track your real ball distances and don’t trust range yardages.
📢 What’s Your Take?
Are range balls hurting your game, or do they still serve a purpose?
Let’s hear your thoughts! 👇
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