When Can I Go To The Driving Range?

Dreaming of hitting a bucket of balls? Here's all the latest...

When Can I Go To The Driving Range
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Dreaming of hitting a bucket of balls? Here's all the latest...

When Can I Go To The Driving Range?

It was confirmed that courses in England will be opening on 29th March, bringing to close a near-12 week period of no golf.

But what about driving ranges?

For some, driving ranges will be how golf can be fit in to busy, modern-day lives.

They're also breeding grounds for beginners, casual golfers and youngsters.

Ranges are currently opening in Scotland, with the rest of the UK's driving ranges closed at the moment.

So when will they be opening? Here's the current guidance...

When can I go to the driving range in England?

Luckily for those missing the range, most will be opening in England on 29th March along with courses.

All driving ranges that are considered as outdoor will be allowed to re-open.

Some ranges, however, can be classed as indoor settings, with each facility advised to interpret the guidelines based on their individual circumstances.

If your local range is considered as an indoor setting, it will be re-opening on 12th April.

Related: Golf in England post-lockdown - All you need to know

When are driving ranges opening in Wales?

There has been no official announcement as of yet but driving ranges, and golf courses, will likely re-open at or around the same time as those in England.

When are driving ranges opening in Ireland?

In both Northern and the Republic of Ireland, driving ranges are closed.

They should be re-opening in Northern Ireland at a similar time as in England and Wales, although there has been no official announcement just yet.

In the Republic of Ireland, courses and driving ranges are also closed for the time being.

It remains to be seen when they will open, which will likely be at a different time to the UK's venues.

Related: 7 Biggest golf practice mistakes

TOPICS
Sarah Bennett
Top 50 Coach

Location: Three Rivers Golf & Country Club

Sarah will become just the second female to Captain the PGA in 2022, replacing Bernard Gallacher. As well as being a dedicated and well-respected coach in Essex, Bennett is well-known for the hours she devotes to helping the less fortunate. She won the Toby Sunderland Award in 2018, an accolade to celebrate the many wide-ranging charitable achievements by PGA professionals across Great Britain and Ireland.

Most common fault:

The fact the loft is key in the delivery and not to scoop, lift or get under the ball. A visual magnetic pointer shows the varying loft. Many clients think the divot is behind the ball not actually in front. I demonstrate with a paint line or with a tee in front of the ball which really assists with their understanding. From a performance point of view, always end every round with a positive scenario such as “What were your three best shots of the day?” so the mental aspect of the game is vital. 

Greatest teaching success story: 

I set up the Golf Fore Recovery programme for injured service personnel providing the chaps with a sport which they can play together and aid their mental well-being after serious life-changing injuries. I had to adapt very quickly as a coach and be flexible with my delivery finding a number of different ways to impart the information. 

Most common advice:

I always explain the practice process “Effective practice” so start with blocked practice working on the technical elements. I will provide game-based practice which can be used at any venue with an achievable target. I often suggest this is carried out with their partners to encourage a little competition upon completion of the session. Too many clients will just hit too many balls at the range leading to injury, which I explain. So, making each ball count. I will suggest on course games too, such as worst ball so you're not scoring all the time.