Driving Range Balls
Driving range golf balls are manufactured similar to regular distance golf balls, which are cheaper than mid-range and premium golf balls.They are tested by the manufacturer for performance, durability and feel, and usually they share the testing information with the retailer.
They are mainly practiceonly balls designed for durability, but they can be used on the golf course.
Key characteristics of driving range balls:
- Harder cover (offering maximum durability)
- Usually 80 – 90 compression for standard range balls, and lower for reduced distance balls
- Low spin, offering maximum distance
- Designed to last hundreds of hits
How they compare to premium golf balls used on the golf course:
| Distance | 5–15% shorter than premium golf balls | |
| Spin | Much lower spin than standard and premium golf balls. This can reduce the distance (carry) through the air. | |
| Feel | Much harder feel, and can sound clicky | |
| Durability | Extremely durable to withstand 100’s of hits, being left outdoors in the cold and heat, plus the balls are put through washers which contain cleaning chemicals. | |
| Flight consistency | Not as consistent as regular golf balls, which is due to the cheaper manufacturing and wear and tear on the golf balls. |
To give you an idea of distance, If you hit your 7iron 150 yards on the course, you can expect around 135–145 yards with standard driving range golf balls.
Spin rates are much lower than standard balls. We tested some range balls with a 7 iron and the results were around 20 – 25% less than a quality premium balls (simulator testing).
Driving range balls are improving all the time and the balls are getting closer to regular distance golf balls.
If you go back 20 years the standard range balls travelled maybe 70% as far as standard balls, and now they are very similar.
Over the next few years you will see more improvements and we would expect that most driving ranges will offer different types of golf balls, including more premium range balls.
Types of range balls available:
- Limited-flight balls – These travel around 30% shorter (used at short ranges with limited distance)
- Standard practice balls – Similar to standard balls, but offer slightly less distance.
- Striped, ‘range’ and brightly coloured – Great for high visibility and branding
- Floating range balls – These are great for ranges on lakes, usually having pontoon targets and nets. They are usually shorted distance balls, around 60-70% of standard golf balls.
Are driving range balls the best to practice with?
Yes, if you need durable balls and are not looking to work out your exact yardages.
Most people practice on driving ranges to improve their golf swings, tempo, setup and to keep their golf game ticking over during winter time.
If you need to work our your yardages you should practice with standard golf balls.
We would recommend using a golf simulator in the winter to help with yardages and custom fitting.
Where are driving range balls made?
Srixon have their own ball plants around the world, and most range balls are manufactured in Asia.
Our own non-branded range balls are manufactured in Taiwan, which offers the best quality and durability. This manufacturer produces a huge range of golf balls for many of the major manufacturers, offering both standard and limited distance golf balls.
You can purchase driving range balls, distance balls and premium balls from our website www.best4balls.com
Our driving range balls are sold in boxes of 240 or 300, which usually have ‘range’ or a stripe printed for visibility.
These balls are ideal if you have a practice ground or practice net. We would advise using standard golf balls or premium golf balls if you have a golf simulator at home.
Prices are much lower for driving range balls due to the cheaper manufacturing, packaging and also bulk ordering.
We offer printed driving range balls but the lead times are usually around 12-16 weeks. This is a great way to promote your business, or if you have a sponsor that is offering to provide the range balls for you.