Driving Range Etiquette
Good morning and welcome back.
Today’s topic, driving ranges, brings me back to the early days of writing this publication where I discussed What Makes a Great Range?
Anyway, this column will focus on some non-physical attributes of private club ranges, as I believe public ranges are a lost cause. The public golf range is the Wild West. A place in limbo where anything goes and there are no rules.
There is simply no putting the etiquette genie back in the bottle when it comes to general public golf, although I am trying.
My real issue lies in the misuse of private club ranges, which I see far too often. I’ve found that the real divide lies more in the skill level and EQ of the golfer, and not much else.
Divot Patterns
Skilled players will often take consistent divots aimed at specific targets on the range, leading to the correct pattern on the practice tee (right image).
Divots taken in the other instances come from lack of discipline and/or knowledge.
Good player or not, let’s all work toward straight line divots.
It’s a sign of respect for the players that arrive after you and for the tireless work of the superintendent and their team.
It saves precious grass space.
It shows that you are a good player and know what you’re doing.
Music
Most private clubs have banned music from the range and course, and I want to reiterate my support of that stance. There is a time and place for music on the course, but 90% of the time I’m out there, I’m seeking quiet reflection with each swing.
I’m not a huge fan of airpods either, as they are simply an extension of your phone. Ban ‘em.
Training Aids
I’m not looking to stare at your 3 or 4 pool noodles or have you tweaking your off-brand Trackman equivalent after every shot.
Side note and true story: I played with a famous EPL player last year that some of you would probably recognize, especially fans of Liverpool. Anyway, this guy shows up with his crew, a bunch of central-casting characters that would’ve starred in the British remake of Entourage.
His golf coach (based in Dubai, could write a whole article on him) is part of this entourage, and upon reaching the range, immediately pulls out 3 resistance bands and ties up his mentee (the EPL player) like he’s a captive on a pirate ship. I’m not kidding.
Imagine this with two other resistance bands tied to who knows what, and doing this in front of 50 other members looking on inquisitively.
It’s strange to see a top .00001% athlete on the planet struggle so much with golf. He clearly loved the game, but had picked it up much later in life.
Anyway, back to where we were: Bring a few alignment sticks, use a towel, but don’t be the guy with 4 different training aids on the range. It’s not easy on the eyes, and I promise you will get more out of fixing your fundamentals with simple drills (Scottie still works hard on his grip) than trying whatever snake oil they are selling on Golf Channel these days.
If your swing coach pushes pool noodles on you (or resides in Dubai), politely decline, and delete their number.
Short Game Area
Should go without saying, but please pick up the balls you’ve hit on the green when you are done chipping. Also? Rake the bunkers after you’ve finished. Seems like day 1 stuff, but you’ll encounter a lot of entitlement at premier golf clubs. Some of the behavior is shocking.
Leaving the area cleaner than you found it should be the standard, and I hope it is for this readership.
Clubhouse of the Week
On the water with a timeless look. Hard to beat it.
Maidstone
Etiquette Tip
This is probably a tad controversial, but I believe in showing up to nice clubs clean shaven. As I write it, maybe it’s a crazy take?This probably applies to 15-20 clubs in the world.
The way I look at it, if you’re going to put on nice clothes and play golf at an exclusive place, you should look the part. A little 5 o’clock shadow isn’t bad, but it takes 2 minutes to shave in the morning before your tee time. Show the club some respect.
Pre-Round Drill - The Butch Harmon Feel Finder
How to do it:
Pick the longest dimension of the putting green (or a slope that mimics uphill/downhill breaks).
Place a ball on one fringe or edge. Don’t aim at a hole - this is important
Putt toward the opposite fringe, then reverse direction.
Repeat several times, mixing long, medium, and short strokes uphill & downhill.
After a few runs, sprinkle in shorter zones (e.g. 10-15 ft) and do the same both ways.
Why I like this drill:
You won’t obsess over making putts. It’s about pace first.
You get feedback on both uphill and downhill putts.
You activate your feel range (long, mid, short strokes) without punishing misses.
The Purist’s Line
Things you will find at a nice golf club:
The sharpest pencils you’ve ever used
Crisp, clean scorecards
Wooden tees with a subtle hint at the clubs colors and/or logo
Showers that predate water regulation (if you know, you know)
The head pro and assistants will be wearing Footjoy Premiers and H&B or PM
If you do end up playing a match, it will be for a few dollars at the most
Talk soon,
BTG
Resources
What would you like to see discussed?
Email me: [email protected]
How did you like today's post?
Whisper Network
Great clubs don’t advertise. Neither do great newsletters.
Share your invite link below, 1 referral you access to our exclusive Saturday column.