[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Is it true that prestigious clubs offer free practice balls?"

The practice range at the prestigious members-only golf club offers free range balls.

‘Driving range’.

Golf courses in the United States or Europe usually have an auxiliary practice area where you can check your driver tee shots and iron shots. The idea is to arrive early at the course and get a sufficient warm-up before your round. At the driving range, most use practice rubber balls called ‘range balls’ marked with red or navy lines to prevent club damage. These balls travel about 20 yards less than real golf balls.

The baskets are made of wire, which is why they are called ‘wire buckets.’ Balls are sold by the basket. Sizes vary by practice facility. On average, a small basket holds 30 balls, medium 50, large 90, and jumbo 150. The price for a medium basket of 50 balls is about $7 (8,000 KRW), with slight variations depending on the country and region.

Users purchase tokens corresponding to the desired basket size from coin vending machines or the pro shop front desk. Balls come out from an automated machine. Unlike in Korea, overseas ranges are not time-based. Since usage is by the number of balls, you can practice at your own pace. If you focus on chip shots or approach shots, the balls run out quickly. Prestigious private golf clubs often provide free range balls at their practice areas.

A (golf shop staff): Good morning, sir. How may I help you?

B (golfer): Yes, I’d like to hit range balls.

A: Which bucket size do you want? We have small, medium, large, and jumbo.

B: I’ll take a jumbo bucket. Where do I pick up the balls?

A: The ball machine is near the entrance. Deposit a token into the slot and the ball will come out automatically.

Text & photo by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist