Like many golfers, I prefer to visit a driving range alone or with friends and family during my downtime. After all, it’s the best place to practice long-distance shots while experimenting with different golf drivers and enjoying the outdoors. Still, I’ve always wondered how many balls are in the buckets at these driving ranges.
Depending on your chosen size, there are usually between 25 and 350 balls in a bucket at the driving range. The exact sizes depend on the facility you visit and come in at least three variants. These variants include small (about 35 balls), medium (70 balls), and large (100 balls).
However, you should always ask at the driving range to ensure you get enough golf balls for your session. The rest of this article answers similar questions about golfing at driving ranges, including the optimal number of balls you should hit at the facility. Let’s get started!
Are Driving Range Golf Balls Different?
Golf driving ranges are facilities to help players improve their golf shots and overall performance. They’re perfect for beginner and pro golfers but can also serve as recreational facilities for casual players and tourists. But how do the balls used in these ranges differ from regular golf balls?
Range balls are different from regular golf balls since they’re usually made using low-quality base rubber and coated with thick coats of paint. They’re also traditionally crafted with relatively more durable materials, which increase their tensile strength.
Unfortunately, these differences also mean that range golf balls perform differently than their regular counterparts.
Generally, these balls have slower speeds and shorter carry distances. However, you might also notice higher spin and a lower launch angle during play.
And while the difference in performance isn’t necessarily dramatic, it’s enough that you’ll notice different stats if you use a range ball and a regular ball with the same course and golf club.
Still, these balls are suitable for practicing. In fact, I recommend visiting driving ranges and using range balls as often as possible to improve your swings and form.
How Many Balls Should You Hit At The Driving Range?
Golf is as competitive as it is personal, and I’ve found that the best way to improve your game is to get the most out of every practice session. However, just how much practice is good practice? In other words, how many balls should you hit at the driving range when you visit?
You should hit between 50 and 60 shots at the driving range when you visit. Still, these numbers are arbitrary, and you can hit more or fewer shots. However, they represent an excellent average if you’re unsure how many balls to hit.
50 to 60 shots boil down to approximately one medium bucket and will do wonders for your performance when paired with the right driver.
And although buckets come in different sizes, the Yiju Range Basket (available on Amazon.com) can hold up to 70 balls—more than enough for an average session at the range. This medium-sized bucket is also durable and easy to carry, perfect for almost any range.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always have to use a golf course to improve your play. Driving ranges offer an excellent and relaxed environment to practice and have fun. In fact, I recommend using a range as an opportunity to try out new equipment and forms.
However, ensure you check in with your local range when you visit to confirm what bucket sizes they use and how many balls are in there.