Thinking about trying golf but not quite ready to tackle a full golf course? A driving range is a brilliant place to start.
There’s no pressure to complete 18 holes, no worrying about holding up the group behind you and, best of all, nobody expects you to hit every ball perfectly.
That said, walking into a driving range for the first time can feel a little intimidating. Where do you get the balls? Do you need your own clubs? What if you completely miss the ball?
The good news is that it’s much simpler than you might think.
This driving range for beginners guide covers everything you need to know before your first visit, from what to bring and how the range works to a few simple tips for making the most of your practice.
What Is a Golf Driving Range?
A driving range is a practice facility where golfers hit balls from individual spaces, usually called bays, towards an open field containing distance markers or targets.
Unlike playing a round of golf, you don’t have to walk around a course or retrieve your balls after hitting them.
Instead, you buy a set number of balls and practise your shots from one spot.
Some driving ranges are completely outdoors, while others have covered bays so you can practise even when the British weather isn’t cooperating.
You’ll also find modern ranges with tracking technology, screens and games that make practising feel a bit more like an interactive experience.
But you certainly don’t need all that technology to get started.
A basic driving range is absolutely fine for learning how to hit a golf ball.
Do You Need Your Own Golf Clubs?
Not necessarily!
Many driving ranges have clubs available to hire or borrow, although it’s always worth checking before you arrive.
Some facilities include club hire in the price, while others charge a small additional fee.
If you already own a few clubs, you’re welcome to bring them along.
For your first visit, you really don’t need a complete set.
A 7-iron is a particularly good club to practise with because it’s versatile and generally easier to control than a driver.
You might also want to try a pitching wedge for shorter shots.
And if you’re still deciding what to buy, have a look at our Golf Equipment for Beginners: What Do You Actually Need? guide before spending money on clubs you might not need.
How Much Does a Driving Range Cost in the UK?
Driving ranges usually charge according to the number of balls you use.
For example, you might find options for 30, 50 or 100 balls.
As a rough illustration, a basic bucket of around 50 balls might cost approximately £5–£10, although prices vary considerably between facilities.
Ranges with advanced ball-tracking technology or entertainment features can cost more, and some charge for the bay or session rather than just the balls.
You may also need to pay for club hire.
For your first visit, there’s no need to buy the biggest bucket available.
Around 30–50 balls should be plenty to get a feel for things without tiring yourself out.
Check the range’s website for current prices, opening times and whether you need to book.
What Should You Wear to a Driving Range?
One of the nicest things about a driving range is that it’s generally more relaxed than a traditional golf course.
Most driving ranges allow comfortable, casual clothing.
You don’t usually need a collared golf shirt or specialist golf trousers.
A T-shirt, comfortable trousers or shorts and a pair of trainers will often be perfectly acceptable.
The main thing is wearing clothes that allow you to move freely.
Avoid anything that restricts your shoulders or makes it difficult to turn during your swing.
If you’re visiting an outdoor range in winter, remember to dress warmly. Standing around between shots can get chilly!
Individual venues can have their own dress rules, so it’s worth checking before travelling.
What Happens When You Arrive?
If you’ve never visited a driving range before, the process can seem a bit mysterious.
Fortunately, most places work in a similar way.
Step 1: Find Reception or the Ball Machine
At some ranges, you’ll pay at reception or a golf shop.
Others have self-service machines where you purchase balls using a card, token or app.
If you’re unsure, just ask a member of staff.
They’re used to welcoming beginners.
Step 2: Collect Your Golf Balls
Depending on the facility, you’ll either receive a bucket of balls or have them dispensed directly into your bay.
Some modern ranges automatically tee up the next ball.
Others require you to place each ball on the mat yourself.
Step 3: Choose a Bay
A bay is your individual practice area.
It normally contains a hitting mat, space for your clubs and sometimes a rubber tee.
Some ranges allocate bays, while others let you choose an available one.
If you’re new, try finding a quieter area where you can concentrate without feeling distracted.
Step 4: Start Hitting!
Once you’re set up, you can begin practising.
There’s no requirement to hit a certain distance or achieve a particular score.
Take your time, get comfortable and enjoy trying something new.
Which Golf Club Should Beginners Use at the Driving Range?
It’s tempting to pick up a driver immediately and see how far you can smash the ball.
After all, that’s what driving ranges are for, right?
Well, not entirely.
Despite the name, driving ranges are useful for practising all sorts of golf shots.
For beginners, starting with a shorter iron is usually a better idea.
A 7-iron or 9-iron can help you concentrate on making consistent contact with the ball.
Once you’re comfortable, try a hybrid or a longer iron.
You can experiment with your driver later.
There’s nothing wrong with giving it a go, but don’t judge your entire golfing ability on how far you can hit one club.
Accuracy and consistency matter just as much as distance.
How to Hit Your First Golf Ball
You don’t need to master a perfect golf swing during your first session.
However, a few basic principles can help.
Get Into a Comfortable Stance
Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Lean forwards a little from your hips, keeping your back in a comfortable position.
You should feel balanced rather than stiff.
Hold the Club Comfortably
Your grip should be secure without squeezing the club as tightly as possible.
Holding it too firmly can create tension in your arms and shoulders.
If you’re unsure how to position your hands, an introductory lesson is a good way to learn.
Start With Small Swings
There’s no need to swing as hard as you can.
Begin with short, controlled movements and focus on making contact with the ball.
You can gradually increase the length of your swing as your confidence improves.
Don’t Worry About Distance
Your first few shots might only travel a short distance.
Some might roll along the ground.
Others might go in a completely unexpected direction.
That’s all part of learning.
Concentrate on making contact rather than trying to hit the ball as far as possible.
Driving Range Etiquette: The Rules Nobody Tells You
Driving ranges are generally relaxed places, but there are a few important safety rules.
Stay inside your bay. Don’t step onto the range to collect balls, tees or anything else you’ve dropped.
Be aware of other golfers. Make sure there’s enough space around you before swinging.
Don’t walk behind somebody who’s swinging. Even experienced golfers need room to move safely.
Keep noise reasonable. It’s fine to chat, but remember that some people are concentrating on their practice.
Follow the facility’s instructions. Certain ranges have rules about where you can stand, which clubs you can use or when you can hit.
Never aim at staff or ball-collecting vehicles. Even if a collection vehicle is protected, deliberately targeting it is dangerous and unacceptable.
A little common sense goes a long way.
How Many Balls Should a Beginner Hit?
You might think that hitting 100 balls will automatically make you better than hitting 30.
But that’s not necessarily true.
If you’re new to golf, your hands, arms and shoulders may tire more quickly than you expect.
Once you get tired, your swing can become less controlled.
For a first session, 30–50 balls is a reasonable starting point.
Take a few seconds between shots, reset your stance and think about what you’re trying to achieve.
There’s no need to rush through the entire bucket.
If your hands start hurting or your swing becomes uncomfortable, take a break.
Quality practice is more useful than simply hitting as many balls as possible.
Five Common Driving Range Mistakes Beginners Make
1. Trying to Hit Every Ball as Hard as Possible
Swinging harder doesn’t always mean hitting further.
Focus on smooth, controlled movements before worrying about power.
2. Changing Clubs After Every Shot
Using the same club for several shots helps you get used to how it feels.
Constantly swapping clubs can make it harder to recognise improvements.
3. Expecting Every Shot to Be Perfect
Even experienced golfers hit poor shots.
One bad swing doesn’t mean you’re doing everything wrong.
4. Rushing Through the Bucket
It’s easy to fall into a rhythm of hitting ball after ball without stopping.
Take your time and treat each shot as a fresh attempt.
5. Comparing Yourself With Other Golfers
The person in the next bay might have been playing for 20 years.
There’s no point comparing your first session with somebody else’s experience.
Everyone starts somewhere.
Should You Book a Golf Lesson Before Visiting?
You don’t have to, but it’s worth considering.
A qualified golf professional can show you the basics of gripping the club, standing correctly and developing a simple swing.
That can save you time trying to work everything out yourself.
Some driving ranges offer beginner group lessons, which can be a more affordable way to learn.
Others provide individual coaching.
If you’re nervous about your first visit, booking a beginner lesson might make the experience much more comfortable.
Can Children Visit a Driving Range?
Many driving ranges welcome children, making them a good option for a family activity.
However, age restrictions and supervision requirements vary.
Some facilities offer junior clubs, shorter practice sessions or coaching specifically designed for younger players.
If you’re planning to take children, check the venue’s rules and whether suitable equipment is available.
It’s also important that children understand the safety rules, particularly staying behind the hitting line and giving other golfers enough space.
Is a Driving Range Good Practice for Playing on a Golf Course?
Absolutely, although it isn’t quite the same experience.
A driving range gives you the chance to practise your swing without worrying about hazards, lost balls or other players waiting behind you.
However, hitting from a flat mat doesn’t fully prepare you for uneven ground, bunkers or the different lies you’ll encounter on a course.
You’ll also need to practise putting and short shots around the green.
Once you’re comfortable hitting the ball, a short par-3 course or beginner-friendly nine-hole course can be a great next step.
There’s no need to rush into playing 18 holes.
Final Thoughts: Everyone Has a First Visit
Walking into a driving range for the first time might feel daunting, especially when you see experienced golfers hitting impressive shots.
But remember, they all had a first visit too.
You don’t need expensive equipment, a perfect swing or any previous experience to give golf a try.
Start with a small bucket of balls, use a comfortable club and concentrate on enjoying yourself.
You might discover a new hobby, find a fun way to spend an afternoon or simply enjoy the satisfaction of finally hitting one straight down the middle.
And when that happens, you’ll probably want to come back and do it again!
Just getting started? Read our Golf Equipment for Beginners: What Do You Actually Need? guide, or head back to Teeing Off: A Beginner’s Guide to Golf for more advice.