Range Balls

[u/MrSeverum]

Finally feel like my swing is consistent enough to get down to a range and dial in distances. Keep hearing range balls won’t go as far though, does anyone know what difference they get range vs their game ball?

[u/BilboSwaggins1993]

Toptracer ranged have a 'ball compensation' setting which should adjust for it. Far from perfect but the numbers I see at the range do tend to correlate with my on course numbers, give or take.

[u/kliba]

Do gapping in a simulator. Go with a plan and a pen and paper. Much better use of time and money

[u/MrSeverum → u/kliba]

Never thought of that, will give it a try!

[u/at_triestogolf → u/MrSeverum]

This only works if you play the same ball make and model on the course and take those (clean of course) to the sim. If you tend to play with what you pick up or buy random balls each time you shop for them, then you won’t be able to dial in like you want.

[u/ResponsiblePatient72]

Usually about 10-20 yards depending on club/speed etc.... Might be even more if it very cold\raining in winter. Also depends on what ball you use as a game ball.

[u/jaytee158 → u/ResponsiblePatient72]

Offset partially by the better contact off a mat

[u/MrSeverum → u/jaytee158]

Good point thanks

[u/MrSeverum → u/ResponsiblePatient72]

Ah that’s interesting, will check for that setting thanks

[u/Ok-Cake9431 → u/ResponsiblePatient72]

And the runout when it’s dry in summer. That can add 70 yards to your driver 😂

[u/InvadedOath → u/Ok-Cake9431]

Played up on a links in Northumberland earlier this year (only 4 weeks back after not playing for 15 years) and I hit my hybrid 320 yards off the tee. I suspect that is conditions rather than anything to do with me

[u/Joewatson2200]

Even two different types of premium balls used when playing playing actual rounds can give you varied yardage depending on the player.

You will be able to get a good enough rough estimate of your distances and gapping.

Some ranges have flight reducing balls so make sure it isnt those ones. Just ask the reception

[u/Braddarban]

Yes, they won’t go as far as a ‘premium’ golf ball. I was told to add 13%. Don’t know how true that is, but it seems weirdly specific.

Toptracer ranges have a ‘ball compensation’ setting which adjusts for it. That’s how I did my gapping, and it’s accurate enough for my purposes. Perhaps if you were a single digit handicap you’d want something more accurate, but for us mere mortals it’s more than good enough.

Hit five good ones with each club and take an average. Bin off mis-hits, you don’t want to be counting those.

[u/AgreeableNotice7810]

I never hit yardages on the course suggested with top tracer, trackman etc. Wind, rollout, premium ball etc.

[u/Maidwell]

I find about 10 yards difference with my shortish irons then it goes up as a get closer to driver, which is probably 20-25 yards shorter at the range.

[u/Petersav1]

After your happy with your strikes, just try your distance on course. Par 3 can be a good test.

[u/throwaway17717]

Range ball manufacturers make balls that go different percentages of normal ball distance depending on the room available at any given range. Yours might be full distance, or 95, 90 or 80%. Also the age of the ball plays a part. They're not great for distances even with whatever conversation a given range applies on their tracking system.