Practicing at a driving range is an excellent way to improve your game. It is also a lot of fun. However, one thing that can take away from the enjoyment of this activity is when people forget that there are others around who are trying to improve/enjoy themselves. To this end, everyone should always follow the rules and be courteous of the facility and others who will be using the range. Here are a few rules of thumb for the driving range that you should know and follow so that everyone can have fun.
- Respect the facility: Every driving range has a different set of rules set out for the people who will be using the facility. For example, some facilities will allow you to hit from the mat, while others will restrict this and allow you to only hit the ball off the grass. Learn and follow these rules in order to ensure that everyone has good time.
- Do not offer tips or advice to other golfers: There are few things more annoying than unsolicited advice when you are trying to improve your game. Therefore, even if you see someone using improper form, don’t say anything. Keep your eyes and mind on your own game. If someone asks you for advice and you can help them then that is another thing entirely. Above all else, always be courteous and respectful.
- Use caution when swinging your club: Be aware of your surroundings at all time. Try to maintain at least a two driver club-lengths distance away from other golfers. Moreover, look before you swing to make sure that no one is behind you or about to walk around you. Finally, never retrieve balls on the range while others are striking their balls. You may be hit by a ball and sustain a serious injury.
- Stay off the cell phone: Spare people your pointless conversation and stay off the cell phone while you are at the driving range. It is rude, distracting and can cause arguments. Besides, many people come to driving ranges to escape such distractions and you aren’t doing anyone a favor by talking on your mobile device.
- Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you: Some people abscond with golf balls while they are on the range. This is wrong. There is a cost to the owner of replacing pilfered driving range equipment and golf course accessories as this cost impacts everyone who uses the facility.
In short, it’s all about remembering why you and others are at the driving range in the first place. You and they there are to have a good time and to hopefully improve your game. You can do so by being courteous and respectful of others and the facility.