Range Notes: To the Course!

I played for the first time in months today. I’ve been hitting range balls every few days for weeks now, savoring the final golfable days of the fall season in New England. The course was beautiful, empty and quiet. The foliage was in full swing. For nine holes, I walked through a corridor of color. The brick red and muted yellow leaves reminded me of high school golf. Back then, the leaves were distractions. They coved up my ball in the fairway and littered my putting line. This afternoon, though, the leaves were a perfect backdrop.

Saying I played nine holes is a little misleading. I basically took the range onto the course and got my $22 worth by playing five to eight balls per hole. It was much more enjoyable than hitting balls on the range, although my weaknesses were highlighted. I drove the ball well. I hit my irons well. I hit some miraculous flop-shots. Putting it all together, however, is something that I’m saving for my next late-fall round.

Range Tips: Practice Nine Holes

The reality of being a law student is that I don’t play as much golf as I used to. I’ve been hitting a lot of range balls lately, though. And to combat the rather monotonous activity of hitting ball after ball into a wide open field, I visualize holes that I’ve played many times and hit shots accordingly.

E.g., The country club in my home town starts with a par four with a large Oak Tree overhanging the left landing area of the fairway. So, on the range I would be looking to hit a draw with my driver, which would leave me a wedge in.

It is best to be specific when doing this. Take note of the wind, where the pin is on your “imaginary” green, and what type of shot you want to hit. You’ll be switching clubs a lot, but see this is a great approach to hitting range balls that makes your practice count.