Driving ranges are everywhere. They’re a great way to relieve stress, get your swing technique down, and have fun. You can visit a driving range with synthetic turf, but the real deal is often much better.
A driving range that has natural grass is also more expensive because of the upkeep needed on it. Read on about why you should or shouldn’t go to a driving range with natural grass.
What You Will Learn
Natural Grass Driving Range Pros
Natural grass is one of the best ways to improve your golf swing. Natural grass has a looser consistency than artificial turf and will be more forgiving if you’re not hitting the ball perfectly. It means you can still practice your swing and improve your accuracy. It also means you don’t have to worry about damaging the turf. It is a tremendous advantage because synthetic turf deteriorates over time and needs to be replaced. Real grass has a much more natural feel than synthetic turf.
Artificial turf is artificial, but natural grass is grown and has a more organic feel. It makes practising on a natural grass range much more satisfying. Natural grass also doesn’t have the same maintenance issues as synthetic turf.
Besides the natural grass, golf netting is an excellent addition to any driving range. It is the only way to practice on a golf driving range and be safe. What’s nice is that some actual grass driving ranges also have fundamental grass golf course areas that are just as enjoyable as on a golf course. Natural grass drives don’t require wearing special shoes, and you don’t need to worry about getting your feet wet while playing.
Natural Grass Driving Range Cons
Natural grass driving ranges will cost you more money. It takes much more time and effort to keep a natural grass range in good shape than it takes care of synthetic turf. You’ll need to mow the grass, water it, spread fertilizer and remove debris.
These costs add up over time, making natural grass ranges much more expensive in the long run. Natural grass ranges also require more time to get used to. You must adjust to the feeling of hitting the ball on genuine grass, which can take some time. Natural grass ranges also have a different level of convenience than synthetic turf.
Synthetic Turf Driving Range Pros
Synthetic turf ranges are much more affordable than natural grass ranges. They’re also much easier to maintain. You don’t have to worry about mowing, watering or fertilizing synthetic turf ranges. In comparison with natural grass, synthetic turf has a much shorter lifespan. It will wear down to dirt and must be either replaced or repaired.
Synthetic turf ranges also offer a great deal of convenience. They’re usually located on a lot, and you can pull up to them—no need to find a parking space or take a van or other vehicle to the range. Synthetic turf ranges also don’t require any maintenance, which makes them a much more cost-effective option.
Synthetic Turf Driving Range Cons
The ball can also damage synthetic turf ranges if you’re not careful. Synthetic turf needs to be maintained and can become damaged very easily. It means you must do more work on it, and it will need frequent maintenance. Synthetic turf is more forgiving than natural grass. Finding a tee that feels right on synthetic turf is more work. Synthetic turf also feels unnatural and has a different feel than natural grass.
Which Is Better, Natural Grass Or Synthetic Turf?
Natural grass driving ranges are fantastic and will get you better at golf, but they’re also costly. They can also be hard to maintain and require more time to get used to.
Synthetic turf ranges are much more affordable and accessible to maintain than natural grass ranges, but they don’t provide the same satisfaction level as natural grass. They also don’t last as long. Natural grass is an excellent practice option, but synthetic turf is more cost-effective for playing. Whether it’s natural grass or artificial turf, make sure it does have a safety netting installed. So if you are a driving range owner and reading this, ensure the driving range has safety custom sports netting installed.
