If you’ve been playing golf for a while, you know that improving your game requires more than just casual practice. 

The driving range is an invaluable tool for sharpening your skills, but if you’re just kind of showing up for fun and hitting balls, you will get very little growth compared to someone who goes with a personal plan. 

The driving range is an opportunity to refine technique, build consistency, and prepare for the pressures of competition. We’ve studied pro golfers for years, and in this guide, we’ll cover a structured and engaging driving range practice routine that will have a noticeable impact on your handicap. 

The Importance of Structured Practice

Before diving into the specifics of a driving range routine, it’s essential to recognize the importance of a structured approach. Elite golfers don’t just hit balls aimlessly. They approach every session with a plan, targeting specific areas of their game that need improvement. Whether it’s focusing on ball flight, controlling trajectory, or mastering the short game, having a purpose is the key to making meaningful progress.

So, how can you create a routine that challenges you, keeps you focused, and leads to better results on the course? Let’s break it down.

Phase 1: Warm-Up: Activate and Focus (10 Minutes)

Even for experienced players, warming up is critical. It not only prepares your body for practice but also helps center your mind. A proper warm-up ensures that you’re not only limber but that you can maximize the effectiveness of your session. Be sure to take your warm-up shots seriously–if you start with careless, thoughtless action, that mindset and tempo will weigh you down for the rest of the session. Start with high momentum and then maintain that momentum!

• Stretch: Spend 5-10 minutes stretching key areas like your shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Dynamic stretching can help activate your muscles and improve your range of motion.
• Short Wedges: Start with short pitch shots using a wedge or 9-iron. Hit the ball 30-40 yards with half swings to ease into full swings. Gradually build up to full swings over the next 10 balls. gThis helps find rhythm early and minimizes tension in the swing.

Bonus Step: 2. Integrate Technology and Motion Tracking (20 Balls)

Once you’re warmed up, it’s time to use Gears Golf’s advanced motion capture system to dive into the technical aspects of your swing. Gears Golf is a revolutionary tool that provides an in-depth, 3D analysis of your swing, allowing you to fine-tune even the smallest details. It’s no surprise that elite athletes like Steph Curry use Gears Golf to enhance their game, utilizing its precise data to achieve optimal performance.

• Detailed Swing Analysis: Gears Golf provides a complete breakdown of your swing mechanics, from club path to spine angle. This data allows you to make precise adjustments to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Refine One Element at a Time: Focus on one key aspect of your swing, whether it’s weight transfer, clubface control, or arm rotation. Gears Golf offers real-time feedback, ensuring you’re aware of what’s working and what needs adjusting.
• Optimize Alignment: Use alignment tools within Gears Golf to ensure proper aim and swing path. Whether you’re refining your takeaway or syncing up your body movements, this technology ensures every swing is deliberate and consistent.

By incorporating this technology, you’ll have access to an unparalleled level of swing analysis and improvement potential.

Phase 3: Shot Shaping and Trajectory Control (20 Balls)

For high-level golfers, the ability to control the ball flight and shape shots is crucial, especially when navigating challenging courses or weather conditions. In this phase, you’ll practice hitting different shot shapes and altering trajectory, which will come in handy during real play.

• Fade and draw practice: Hit 5 shots intentionally fading the ball, followed by 5 shots attempting to draw the ball. Experiment with adjusting your grip, stance, and swing path to control these shot shapes.
• High and low shots: Hit 5 shots aiming to hit the ball higher and then 5 shots focusing on lower, punch-style shots. Controlling trajectory is key, especially when you’re playing in windy conditions.

Phase 4: Simulated Course Play (20 Balls)

One of the best ways to simulate on-course pressure during a range session is to “play” a few holes in your head. Choose a course you know well and replicate the clubs you’d use on specific holes.

• Choose a course and holes: For example, play the first 3 holes of your favorite course. If the first hole is a par-4, hit a driver and then follow it up with the appropriate approach shot, whether it’s a 7-iron or a wedge.
• Change clubs often: Resist the temptation to hit the same club repeatedly. Real golf requires you to switch clubs between shots, so simulate that experience on the range. This will help improve your mental approach and decision-making.

Phase 5: Pressure Practice (10 Balls)

To truly prepare for tournament play or high-pressure rounds, it’s crucial to add a pressure component to your practice routine. This phase forces you to focus on target precision and replicates the intensity of real play.

• Pick small targets: Aim at a flag or a specific yardage marker and go through your full pre-shot routine for each ball. Hit each shot as if you’re standing on the 18th fairway with the match on the line.
• Set a challenge: For example, challenge yourself to hit 3 out of 5 shots within a 10-yard radius of your target. Keep track of your results to build confidence under pressure.

Phase 6: Short Game Focus (20 Balls)

No practice routine is complete without a dedicated short game session. The driving range is the perfect place to dial in your wedge play and work on controlling distances.

• Dial in wedge distances: Start by hitting half-swing shots at 50, 60, and 70 yards, using different wedges. Focus on controlling your distances with minimal variation in trajectory. Getting comfortable with these shots is crucial for scoring.
• Chip and pitch: Finish your range session with some chipping or pitching. Focus on a consistent ball strike and landing the ball in your intended landing zone.

Phase 7: Cool Down, Reflection and Notes (5 Minutes)

Just as warming up is essential, cooling down allows you to reflect on your session and lock in what you’ve learned. Use this time to relax your muscles and jot down key takeaways.

• Stretch: Spend a few minutes stretching to cool down your muscles.
• Take notes: Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Keeping a practice journal is a great way to track your progress and identify patterns in your game.

Conclusion

Practicing at the driving range isn’t just about hitting balls—it’s about refining your skills with intention and purpose. For advanced golfers, this structured practice routine can help you make the most of your time on the range, simulate real-course scenarios, and build consistency under pressure. Remember, it’s not about how many balls you hit but the quality of each shot. With a well-rounded and purposeful approach, you’ll notice significant improvements in your game when you take it to the course.

Let us know how it goes!