If you’re looking to improve your golf skills while keeping your practice sessions exciting, range games are a fantastic way to do it. Simply hitting balls on the driving range can become repetitive, but adding structured challenges makes practice more engaging and effective. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, these fun games will help sharpen your accuracy, distance control, and consistency.
1. The Target Challenge
One of the best ways to improve your accuracy is by turning your practice into a target-based game. Instead of aimlessly hitting balls, pick specific targets at different distances and try to land as close as possible.
How to play:
- Choose five different targets at various distances.
- Start with your shortest club and work up to your driver.
- Give yourself five shots per target and track how many times you land within a set radius (e.g., within 5 yards).
- Set a score goal for each session and try to beat your personal best.
This game helps build precision and makes your range time more purposeful.
2. The Par 18 Game
A great way to work on your short game is by playing “Par 18.” This game simulates real-course scenarios using just your wedges and putter.
How to play:
- Choose nine different locations around the practice green.
- Each location represents a hole, with a par of 2 (one chip and one putt).
- Try to get up and down in two strokes or fewer.
- Keep track of your score and aim to stay at or below 18 strokes.
This is an excellent way to improve your touch around the greens while adding an element of competition.
3. The Fade and Draw Challenge
Shot shaping is a crucial skill for controlling the ball’s flight and adapting to different course conditions. This game helps you develop the ability to hit both fades (left-to-right for right-handed golfers) and draws (right-to-left).
How to play:
- Pick a target and attempt to hit a fade on one shot, then a draw on the next.
- Use the same club for both shots to develop better control.
- Start with mid-irons before progressing to your longer clubs.
- Keep track of how many successful fades and draws you hit out of 10.
This game encourages you to work on swing path and clubface control, which are essential for becoming a well-rounded player.
4. The 9-Shot Drill
This challenge is used by professional golfers to improve shot variety and adaptability. The idea is to hit nine different shots with the same club, simulating different scenarios you might face on the course.
How to play:
- Choose a mid-iron (like a 7-iron).
- Hit the following nine shots:
- High fade
- Low fade
- Normal fade
- High draw
- Low draw
- Normal draw
- High straight
- Low straight
- Normal straight
This game helps you develop better control over ball flight and prepares you for different conditions on the course.
5. The Pressure Putt Challenge
Putting under pressure is a skill that separates good golfers from great ones. This game simulates the tension of a must-make putt, helping you build confidence.
How to play:
- Set up a series of putts from different distances (3, 6, 9, and 12 feet).
- You must make all four putts in a row to win.
- If you miss, start over from the beginning.
- For an added challenge, give yourself only three attempts to complete the game.
This game teaches you to stay focused under pressure, making clutch putts feel natural on the course.
Practising with a purpose makes a huge difference in your golf performance. These range games add excitement to your practice while developing essential skills like accuracy, shot shaping, and mental toughness. By incorporating these drills into your routine, you’ll see steady improvement and enjoy your time at the range much more.
So next time you hit the range, challenge yourself with one of these fun games and watch your golf skills soar!
