One of the great things about running the Golf 360 driving range in Mount Maunganui is that I get to watch hundreds of golfers practise every week.
And over the years, I’ve noticed something interesting.
Most golfers genuinely want to improve… but the way they practise is often making improvement harder than it needs to be.
The good news is that with just a few small adjustments, your time at the range can become far more productive and enjoyable.
The Biggest Practise Mistake I See
The most common mistake is simple.
Golfers arrive at the range, tip a bucket of balls onto the mat, and start rapid-fire hitting shots one after the other.
There’s no routine, no target, and no real thought behind each shot.
It quickly turns into something that looks more like exercise than practice.
While that can feel satisfying, it doesn’t always translate well to the golf course.
Golf Is Played One Shot at a Time
One of the biggest differences between the driving range and the golf course is time between shots.
On the course, you:
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Pick a target
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Go through your routine
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Hit the shot
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Then walk to the next one
At the range, many golfers skip those steps and just keep hitting.
A much better approach is to treat every range ball like it’s a shot on the course.
For example:
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Pick a clear target
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Step back behind the ball
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Go through a small routine
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Then hit the shot
It might feel slower, but it’s far more effective.
Practice Different Clubs, Not Just the Driver
Another pattern I see a lot is golfers hitting driver after driver.
The driver is fun to hit, but on most golf courses it’s only used around 10 to 14 times in a round.
Meanwhile, irons, wedges, and short game shots make up a huge portion of your score.
A simple range structure might look like this:
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Warm up with short wedges
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Move into mid irons
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Hit a few drivers
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Finish with some short targets
This helps simulate the variety of shots you’ll face on the course.
Always Pick a Target
One of the easiest ways to improve your range sessions is to choose a specific target for every shot.
Driving ranges often have flags, markers, or distance signs for a reason.
Instead of just hitting balls into the distance, try:
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Picking a flag
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Visualising the shot
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Trying to land the ball near that target
This small change immediately makes practice more focused and more realistic.
Quality Beats Quantity
Another misconception golfers have is that more balls automatically means better practice.
But improvement usually comes from quality rather than quantity.
A focused bucket of 50 balls with clear intent can be far more valuable than rushing through 120 balls without much thought.
Slowing down and being intentional with each shot makes a big difference.
A Simple Practice Routine to Try
If you're not sure where to start, try this simple structure next time you're at the range:
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Warm up with short wedge shots
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Move into mid irons and pick specific targets
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Hit a few drivers with your full routine
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Finish with controlled wedge shots again
This creates a balanced session that mirrors the types of shots you’ll actually hit during a round.
Make Your Practice Count
The driving range is one of the best places to improve your golf game, but only if the time is used well.
Slowing down, picking targets, and practising with purpose can turn a simple bucket of balls into real improvement on the course.
Need help with your game at Golf 360
Working with a PGA professional can also help you develop a practice routine that suits your swing and goals.
FAQs
How often should I practise golf?
Even one or two focused practice sessions per week can make a noticeable difference.
Is hitting lots of balls at the range helpful?
Not always. Quality practice with clear targets and routines tends to produce better results than simply hitting large volumes of balls.
Should I always practise with the driver?
No. Drivers are important, but irons and wedges make up a larger portion of most golf rounds.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
