Saving money at the driving range

The cost of buying a bucket of balls has gotten ridiculously high. I have seen a large bucket range from 8-12 dollars where I live in the Sacramento area. I don't know why they call it buying a bucket of balls when you are essentially renting them. I cannot stomach spending that much on golf balls that I am going to give back to the range. So, here are some tips I have found to save money when you are trying to groove your swing at the practice range. 

1. Spend time with a driving net instead - I put this first even though it is not about going to the driving range because it can save a lot of money and frustration. If you are just starting out at golf, you just need practice making clean contact with the ball. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to the range and seen people just learning that would hit more than half of their balls either off the blade or the nozzle of the club. You can get a decent golf driving net for under $80. Once, you start making decent contact, then move onto the range. 

2. Go to the range on specially designated days - One of my local courses sells their large buckets for 5 dollars every Tuesday. This is half of what they normally charge. So, when you are feeling frustrated and need that extra bucket to groove your swing - You won't feel so guilty. 

3. Buy range tokens in bulk. Many courses and driving ranges sell cards where they give a discount for buying a card that prepays for a number of range tokens in advance. They often will keep the card on file for you. So, you just have to walk in and state your name and how many tokens you would like to redeem from your card the next time. 

4. Groupon and Living Social - I have bought range cards on both of these sites. The discount tends to be 50% of the normal price. They will often let you purchase up to 3 or 4. I have found courses tend to sell these in the off season. The nice thing is you can buy the cards in the offseason. But, they will still be around when the golf season is in full swing (pun intended.) 

5. Don't waste swings. If the practice swing does not feel good, then don't go swing at the ball! When you are at the driving range, you are trying to find a swing you can re-create over and over again. Hitting more balls badly will not make you better. Slow down - find that comfortable swing - then, go hit the ball!

I hope these tips help save you a few bucks. If you have any comments or additional tips, please send them my way. 

Here's to a low cost, high impact swing!

Ed