How Much Does a Golf Driving Range Cost?

Last Updated on March 29, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Golf remains one of the most beloved pastimes worldwide. According to industry research, over 24 million people hit the greens across the United States each year. With such enthusiasm for the sport, golfers are always looking for ways to improve their skills.

This is where driving ranges become invaluable – offering the perfect place to practice your swing technique, golf shot accuracy, and driving distance.

But with so many types of facilities, features and pricing models, many eager players find themselves wondering: what’s the true cost of using a driving range? How exactly should I expect to pay – by the hour, bucket, or membership? What about extra costs like lessons, club rentals and simulator time?

This in-depth guide will answer all those questions and more. We’ll break down the typical pricing and costs associated with driving ranges, from hourly rates to memberships.

You’ll learn about all the factors that influence fees, then see a detailed cost breakdown including lessons, tech add-ons and more. We’ll also give you pro tips on getting the best value through memberships, bulk purchases, and other savings.

So read on to uncover everything you need to know about golf driving range rates and how to sharpen your skills without taking an expensive divot out of your wallet!

How Much Does a Golf Driving Range Cost?

Hourly rental rates for golf driving ranges range from $10 per hour at basic facilities up to $60 per hour at luxury venues. Additionally, buckets of balls typically range from $5 on the low end to $20 for premium buckets, with prices varying based on location.

Here is an overview of the standard pricing structure at most driving ranges:

Pay-Per-Use Fees

This is the most basic way to access a driving range – pay a one-time fee each visit to hit a bucket of balls or rent a bay. Two primary options exist:

Buckets of Balls

Outdoor ranges are oriented around hitting buckets of balls. A standard bucket contains between 40 and 100 balls, with prices typically ranging from $5 on the low end to $20 for premium buckets. The exact cost varies significantly based on location. Expect major metro areas to sit at the higher end of that range.

Bay Rentals

Most indoor ranges and some high-tech outdoor facilities rent hitting bays by the hour instead of selling ball buckets. You essentially have unlimited balls for your session. But once your time is up, you must pay again or leave.

Hourly bay rental rates range from $10 per hour at basic facilities up to $60 per hour at luxury venues. The average is $20 to $40 per hour at quality mid-tier indoor and high-tech ranges.

For casual golfers who only use a range occasionally, pay-per-use works nicely without any commitments. But frequent visitors may save significantly with memberships and packages.

Memberships and Prepaid Packages

If you’re serious about golf and plan to use the driving range often, memberships and prepaid packages offer major savings compared to paying daily rates.

Here are some typical options:

• Monthly Memberships– Unlimited range access for around $50 to $200 per month depending on facility tier
• 10-20 Visit Packages– Prepay for multiple visits upfront, usually $100 to $400 total
• Annual Passes– For unlimited annual access, expect to pay $500 to $5,000 at top facilities
• 3-5 Lesson Packages– Take multiple lessons at a discounted bundled price
• Hourly Packages– Prepay for X hours upfront at an hourly range

Along with range access, packages frequently come with free extras like club rentals, range balls, and discounts on additional services. Doing the math against projected use makes sense.

The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm offers golf rates ranging from $17 to $79 for various types of play, including 9 holes with cart, 18 holes with cart, and more.

Tustin Ranch Golf Club provides range ball prices for a Mini (30 Balls) at $9, Small (50 Balls) at $12, Medium (80 Balls) at $16, and Large (105 Balls) at $19.

Stadium Golf Center offers various basket options like Par Basket (45+ Balls), Birdie Basket (80+ Balls), Eagle Basket (115+ Balls), and Double Eagle Basket (200+ Balls), with Short Game Area Rates at $8 per person per visit.

North Crest Golf Driving Range provides a Small Bucket (45 balls) for $10, Medium Bucket (90 balls) for $15, and Large Bucket (140 balls) for $18.

Types of Golf Driving Ranges

When evaluating costs, the first thing to understand is that not all driving ranges are the same. There are a few main facility types, each with their own pros, cons and price differences:

Indoor Driving Ranges

Indoor golf ranges provide climate-controlled practice areas, protected from the elements. With artificial turf, impressive lighting, and a high-tech simulator bay feel, indoor facilities allow year-round practice. Many serious golfers love the convenience and versatility of indoor ranges.

The tradeoff is a premium price – you’ll typically pay hourly rates with indoor range fees from $25 per hour and up, sometimes over $50 per hour for deluxe indoor bays. These facilities have major overhead to maintain and climate control. For serious golfers, the convenience may justify the steeper fees.

Outdoor Driving Ranges

The traditional outdoor driving range is likely the image you think of – long stretches of grass tee boxes under open skies. Outdoor facilities provide a more authentic practice experience on natural grass tee boxes. With ample space and stations, they easily accommodate dozens of golfers.

Pricing is often far lower than indoor ranges – a standard small bucket prices of 40-50 balls may run you as little as $5. Large deluxe buckets with 100+ balls still run under $15. The downside – you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature and the seasons.

High-Tech Ranges

In recent years, many modern driving ranges have integrated high-tech amenities into their bays and stations. From computerized tee systems to digital swing analysis, these facilities take golf practice to the next level.

You can expect premium pricing for the high-tech experience, more in line with indoor range rates. Some go as high as $50 per hour for launch monitor and simulator technology. While not cheap, they offer very valuable feedback for refining your swing.

Entertainment Ranges

Multi-level driving range complexes like TopGolf have risen in popularity for blending golf practice with entertainment. With microchipped golf balls, games, food and drink specials, and a lively social environment, TopGolf appeals to golf purists as well as casual crowds looking for a unique experience.

The premium amenities come at a premium price – expect to pay $25 to $50 per hour to hit bays at TopGolf. That said, some find it worth the added cost for the social entertainment factor. These complexes continue to pop up nationwide.

You might also like our articles about the cost of golf balls, golf carts, or a membership with the Muirfield Golf Club.

As you can see, pricing can vary widely based on the type of facility. Indoor and high-tech options provide valuable benefits but drive up the costs significantly. Outdoor ranges are gentler on your wallet. Understand your needs and budget to choose the right fit.

What to Expect at a Driving Range

In addition to the main tee boxes and hitting stations, most modern driving ranges offer an assortment of practice facilities:

Putting Greens

Sharpen your short putting skills on practice greens with actual turf or synthetic grass surfaces. Ranges usually provide a few holes with flags for aiming practice putts. Expect to see putters available to rent or borrow.

Chipping Areas

Groomed chipping zones let you dial in your short wedge shots and finesse. By providing flags or targets at various yardages, they help ingrain proper chipping technique.

Bunkers

Some facilities provide small practice bunkers to experiment with sand shots and escapes. Mastering bunker technique is an important skill.

Lessons

Many ranges allow you to book time with a PGA certified golf pro for private or group lessons. Of course, you pay a surcharge for lessons, but they provide lasting benefits.

Club Rentals

If you don’t have your own clubs, driving ranges usually offer club rental sets for $5 to $10. Brands like Callaway and TaylorMade are common. Ask about left-handed sets if needed.

Pro Shops

Most ranges have a golf retail shop selling gloves, shoes, apparel and accessories. You can also buy food and drinks before or after your session.

Golf Simulators

High-tech centers feature indoor simulator bays for virtual golf outings when outdoor hitting is not practical. Sim time always comes at a premium.

Surveying the available amenities helps determine overall value. Facilities stacked with extras typically justify a higher price point.

Factors Influencing Driving Range Costs

A number of important factors impact the pricing and fees charged at golf driving ranges:

Location

Like real estate, location is crucial. Ranges near metro downtowns or tourist destinations pay more for land. Expect peak pricing at ranges near Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Las Vegas.

Conversely, rural and suburban areas enjoy cheaper rates. Out-of-the-way ranges need to stay affordable to attract players.

Facility Type

As outlined earlier, climate-controlled ranges inevitably cost more hourly than outdoor facilities. Recent data showed TopGolf locations charging 2-3X more than a basic outdoor range.

Technology & Amenities

The more tech tools like launch monitors and swing/ball analytics a range offers, the higher the pricing. Additional amenities like premium balls, automated teeing systems, quality mats, extensive short game areas, club repair, fitness centers, restaurants and even attached 18-hole courses also push rates up.

Branding

In the golf world, brand power holds weight. Big names like TopGolf can charge a premium for the overall brand experience they provide – expect to pay around $30 per hour at these entertainment-focused facilities. You’re paying for far more than just golf balls.

Seasons & Weather

Outdoor range usage fluctuates by season and temperature. When the weather is pleasant, expect peak rates. Some outdoor ranges close entirely or reduce hours significantly in winter months. Off-season savings may apply.

Now that you see the major factors affecting costs, let’s examine the typical pricing in detail.

Additional Services and Amenities

While range access covers the basics, you may be interested in added services and amenities for an additional fee:

Club Rentals

• All needed clubs: $15 – $25
• Individual clubs: $5 – $15 each

Professional Instruction

• Private lessons: $50 – $150 per hour
• Group clinics: $25 – $75 per person

Golf Simulator Use

• Basic simulator bay: $25 – $50 per hour
• High-end bay w/ launch monitor: $50 – $100 per hour

Custom Club Fitting

• Complete club fitting: $75 – $200 per session

Food & Beverage

• Range café items: $3 – $15 per item

If you want to utilize these upgrades, factor in these extra costs. But the biggest investment remains core access via buckets, rentals or membership.

Saving Money at the Driving Range

If you’re hoping to keep costs down and get the best value, here are some money-saving tips:

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Most facilities offer discounts during slower times to motivate golfers. Typical off-peak hours are early morning and late evenings on weekdays when crowds are smaller. Ask about pricing fluctuations throughout the day so you can save 20-40% compared to peak rates. Outdoor ranges may also offer winter or off-season discounts.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Many driving ranges offer loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with free items or discounts. Even a 10% discount on buckets or rentals provides nice savings over time.

Check for Special Discounts

It never hurts to inquire about special rates and discounts for juniors, college students with ID, military, seniors. Ask about group and family rates as well. Multi-visit packages already provide bargains, so added discounts give further deals.

Share Buckets and Bays

When visiting with friends, family or colleagues, share hitting bays and buckets to split costs. Most facilities allow multiple people in a bay. Just rotate clubs smoothly. For outdoor ranges, group members can alternate balls from one large bucket.

Use Memberships Wisely

Crunch the numbers to confirm a monthly membership or prepaid package offers true savings against your projected use. Don’t overpay for unused visits. But frequent visitors can save hundreds per year versus daily fees.

Final Words

Golf driving range costs are highly variable based on location, amenities and technology. While indoor and high-tech options cost a premium, traditional outdoor facilities are very affordable to use.

Taking advantage of money-saving memberships, off-peak discounts and lesson packages allows you to practice without breaking the bank. Evaluate all these factors as you choose where to sharpen your skills on the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How profitable are golf ranges?

Golf ranges can be quite profitable businesses when well-managed. According to industry research, the average annual gross revenue for a driving range is $200,000 to $300,000.

High-volume ranges near metro areas can bring in over $500,000. With proper equipment maintenance, marketing and strategic pricing, driving range profit margins are typically 15-25%. Well-run golf ranges with amenities and strong membership sales tend to be the most profitable.

How many golf balls does a driving range own?

A typical driving range maintains an inventory of 50,000 to 100,000 range balls at any given time. Advanced computerized systems can track hundreds of thousands of balls.

With over 300 buckets used on a busy day, restocking range balls is a daily task. Range staff start collecting balls at closing time, clean and sort them, then reload them into the tee area dispensing systems. Damaged and lost balls must be replaced regularly as well.

How do I practice my driving on the range?

To maximize your time practicing with drivers on the range:

• Choose a designated practice target zone instead of aimlessly hitting balls
• Focus on proper stance, grip and swing mechanics
• Alternate between different clubs to improve driving technique
• Track shot distance and accuracy with a golf GPS or rangefinder
• Consider taking a lesson from a certified golf instructor to correct any swing issues
• End each session by intentionally practicing short game skills like chipping and putting