A driving range is a dedicated facility where golfers practice their swing and ball striking by hitting balls into a large, open field. Building this facility is a complex undertaking requiring significant planning, capital investment, and adherence to various regulations. This guide provides an overview of the process, from initial site selection to the necessary operational equipment, to create a functional practice venue.
Site Selection and Feasibility
Land selection is the most important decision, directly influencing the financial viability and long-term success of the range. A full-length driving range requires a substantial parcel of land, typically 10 to 15 acres, to allow for comfortable and safe operation. The field must be at least 300 to 350 yards deep to safely contain the longest drives, even with range balls, and wide enough to accommodate hitting bays and errant shots.
Before purchasing property, a thorough market analysis is necessary to assess local demand and existing competition, which determines the optimal size and features for the facility. The legal permissibility of the project is equally important, requiring a review of local zoning ordinances and the permitting process. Failure to secure necessary permits or improper zoning approval can halt construction and lead to financial losses.
Accessibility and visibility from major roads are important for attracting customers, but the site must also consider its impact on adjacent properties. Noise from golf balls and maintenance equipment can lead to neighbor complaints, requiring buffer zones and strategic placement of the hitting area. Furthermore, the land’s topography should be relatively flat, as extreme contours complicate design, construction, and ball retrieval.
Range Design and Layout
Once the site is secured, the physical design must focus on maximizing the practice experience while maintaining safety. The hitting area, or tee line, needs to accommodate the expected volume of golfers, with each station requiring adequate width for a comfortable swing. If natural turf hitting is offered, the tee line must be deep enough (often 45 to 60 yards) to allow for the rotation of hitting areas and give the grass time to recover from divots.
The choice between natural grass tees and artificial mats presents a trade-off between authenticity and maintenance efficiency. Natural grass provides the most realistic feedback; a poorly struck shot results in a noticeable divot and a poor result. Conversely, artificial mats are more forgiving of fat shots because the club bounces off the rubber base, offering a consistent, low-maintenance surface usable year-round, especially in wet climates.
The field should be equipped with various targets to provide golfers with specific distance and aim points, enhancing the quality of practice. Targets can range from simple yardage markers and flags to permanent structures like simulated greens or bullseye designs, often placed at 25-yard increments. Placing these targets helps golfers practice with intention, simulating the experience of playing a course.
Essential Infrastructure and Construction
The construction phase involves installing physical structures that ensure safety, playability, and compliance. Perimeter netting is a major capital expenditure designed to contain errant golf balls and protect surrounding property. The netting height is determined by the range’s length and neighbor proximity, typically ranging from 45 to 65 feet, though some installations may require poles up to 150 feet tall.
Proper drainage and grading are foundational to the range’s year-round usability, preventing water accumulation that can damage turf and interrupt play. The field must be graded to encourage water runoff, and a sub-surface drainage system, such as perforated pipes installed 12 to 24 inches deep, may be necessary in areas with clay-heavy soils. This system ensures the turf remains firm and playable even after heavy rainfall.
For ranges operating after sunset, a lighting system is required to ensure visibility of the ball’s trajectory and the targets. Driving ranges require high illumination levels, often between 200 and 300 lux, with focused beams to cover long distances. LED high mast lights are commonly used and must be shielded and oriented to prevent glare from affecting adjacent properties, which is often a local ordinance requirement. Construction also includes the main service building for a pro shop and restrooms, along with a paved parking lot designed to accommodate customer traffic.
Operational Equipment and Maintenance
The day-to-day operation relies on specialized equipment to manage the high volume of golf balls and maintain the turf. A large inventory of range balls is required, as their quality affects the golfer’s experience. Range balls are typically designed with a slightly reduced flight distance compared to premium golf balls and must be regularly inspected and replaced as they wear out from repeated impact and washing.
Ball retrieval is handled by specialized ball pickers, which are low-profile vehicles designed to safely collect balls from the field without damaging the turf. Collected balls are then processed through automated washing and dispensing systems, ranging from simple manual counters to sophisticated, self-service machines that accept payment. The system’s efficiency is important for minimizing labor costs and ensuring a continuous supply of clean balls for customers.
Turf maintenance requires specialized equipment, including various types of mowers for the tee line and the field, aerators, and top-dressing equipment. Regular aeration and fertilization are necessary to help the turf recover from the constant impact of golf swings and maintain a high-quality practice surface. Staffing needs include personnel for customer service, ball management, and a dedicated grounds crew for the extensive turf maintenance required.