Walking onto the driving range for the first time can feel overwhelming rows of golfers swinging with confidence, buckets of balls disappearing quickly, and no clear idea of what you should actually be practicing. The truth is, most beginners waste balls by swinging without a plan.

A simple, structured routine helps you improve faster, build confidence, and enjoy your time at the range without frustration.

Here’s a beginner-friendly driving range routine that works.

1. Start with a Proper Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Never jump straight into full swings. Warming up prevents injury and helps you find your rhythm.

Warm-up checklist:

Shoulder circles

Arm swings

Torso twists

Light hip rotations

A few practice swings at 50% effort

Start slow. Smooth beats fast every time.

2. Begin with Short Clubs

Starting with shorter clubs builds solid contact and confidence.

Good starter clubs:

Wedge

9-iron

8-iron

Hit easy, controlled shots not full power swings. Focus on clean contact and balance rather than distance.

Goal: Consistency first, distance later.

3. Focus on One Simple Swing Thought

Avoid information overload.

Choose one focus point per session, such as:

Keeping your head still

Balanced finish

Smooth tempo

Solid contact

Trying to fix everything at once leads to frustration and poor habits.

4. Gradually Work Up Through the Bag

Once you feel comfortable, move to slightly longer clubs.

Suggested progression:

Short irons

Mid irons (7 or 6 iron)

Hybrid or fairway wood

Driver (last)

Spend more time on clubs you’ll use most on the course irons and wedges.

5. Use Targets, Not Just Distance

Hitting balls aimlessly builds bad habits.

Pick a specific target on the range:

A flag

A sign

A distant tree

Pretend each shot is on the course. This improves focus and accuracy not just power.

6. Practice at 70%, Not 100%

Beginners often swing too hard, which hurts consistency.

Why 70% works better:

Better balance

Cleaner contact

Improved accuracy

Less fatigue

Power comes naturally as your mechanics improve.

7. Finish with Short Game or Wedges

End your session with feel-based shots.

Practice:

Half swings with wedges

Distance control

Smooth tempo

This leaves you with a sense of control and progress instead of frustration.

8. End on a Positive Note

Your last few balls matter mentally.

Finish with:

Your favorite club

A comfortable swing

A confident target

Leave the range feeling good not exhausted or discouraged.

Final Thoughts

A great driving range session isn’t about how many balls you hit it’s about how intentionally you practice. With a simple structure, realistic expectations, and focus on fundamentals, beginners can improve quickly and enjoy the game more.