Whether you’re a beginner building confidence or an experienced player refining your iron shots, the driving range is an essential resource for golfers of all skill levels. At Centre de Golf Val-des-Arbres in Laval, we provide a complete player experience designed to support your growth.
Our well-equipped driving range and expert instructors create the ideal setting for focused practice, skill development, and long-term improvement. In this article, we explain how a driving range operates and how you can make the most of your practice sessions to elevate your game.
What Is a Driving Range?
A driving range is a golf practice facility designed to help players develop consistency and control in their golf swing. It’s an ideal place to practice your shot without the pressure of being on a full golf course.
You’ll typically find:
- A bucket of balls
- Multiple hitting bays with real turf or artificial turf
- Target greens placed at various distances
- Alignment aids like alignment rods and sticks
- Options to practice different types of shots
At Centre de Golf Val-des-Arbres, we understand that every golfer’s schedule is unique. That’s why our driving range is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Whether you like to start your day with a morning session, squeeze in practice after work, or enjoy hitting balls under the evening lights, our extended hours give you the flexibility to train on your own time—all without compromising the quality of your practice.
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What to Expect During Your Driving Range Session
A typical range session begins by choosing the right bucket of golf balls—small, medium, or large, depending on how much time you have. The ideal time for a solid practice ranges from 30-40 minutes, especially if you’re working through a structured practice routine.
Here’s a sample breakdown:
- 3-5 minutes: Warm-up with practice swings
- 10-15 minutes: Focus on irons and wedges for distance control
- 10 minutes: Work on tee shots with your driver
- 5 minutes: Use alignment rods to check your shot shape and swing path
- 5 minutes: Reflect on your practice goals and how you can carry over your progress to real course conditions
The driving range is the perfect environment for amateur golfers to test their carry distance, ball flights, and swing speed in a focused, distraction-free space.
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4 Key Benefits of Practicing at a Driving Range
Practicing at a driving range is more than just hitting a bucket of balls—it’s a structured opportunity to refine your skills, build confidence, and develop good habits that translate directly to success on the course. Whether you’re a beginner golfer or a seasoned player, regular range sessions offer targeted benefits that support long-term improvement in your golf game.
1. Skill Development in a Stress-Free Environment
The golf range provides a calm and controlled space where you can focus entirely on technique without the pressure of playing on a full course. With ample space, target greens, and no scorecard to worry about, it’s easier to experiment, make adjustments, and truly understand your swing mechanics.
2. Improved Accuracy, Ball Flight, and Clubhead Speed
Consistent practice helps you dial in your distance control and sharpen your ability to hit accurate shots. You’ll start to see changes in your ball flights and develop an intuitive feel for how different clubs—from irons to wedges—perform. Over time, your swing speed and control naturally improve, leading to more confident and powerful shots on the course.
3. Building a Reliable Preshot Routine
A solid preshot routine is one of the most overlooked tools for golf performance. At the range, you have the freedom to repeat your routine shot after shot, reinforcing alignment, focus, and commitment before every swing. The more ingrained your routine becomes, the more it will hold up under pressure on the course.
4. Mental Game and On-Course Preparation
The driving range also supports the development of your mental game. By practicing in varying weather conditions, testing out different shot shapes, and simulating on-course challenges, you train your mind to stay composed and adaptable. This kind of preparation is essential for managing stress, avoiding common mistakes, and making smart decisions when you’re playing under pressure.
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Golf Lessons for Better Range Performance
One of the best ways to maximize your range practice is to pair it with expert instruction. At Centre de Golf Val-des-Arbres, our golf lessons are led by seasoned golf professionals who help you set achievable practice goals, correct bad practice habits, and unlock your full potential. Whether you’re just starting out or a skilled player aiming to lower your scores, our tailored coaching sessions adapt to your level and support your journey toward lasting improvement.
We offer:
- Private and group lessons
- Women’s-only programs
- Junior golf coaching
- Tips for a balanced approach to practice time
And because our golf range is open into the evening, there’s always ample space and opportunity for after-work or weekend sessions!
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10 Driving Range Tips and Drills for Success
1. Start with a Purpose, Not Just a Bucket of Balls
Success in golf starts with intentional practice. Whether you’re working on your driver, irons, or wedges, define a goal before you start hitting. Practicing with purpose helps you avoid reinforcing bad habits and ensures your time is well spent.
2. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Launch monitors, swing analyzers, and mobile apps can provide valuable feedback on club speed, ball flight, and launch angle. For both beginners and experienced golfers, these tools reveal what’s really happening in your swing and help you track measurable progress.
3. Don’t Just Focus on the Perfect Swing
Trying to hit a perfect swing every time can actually stall your improvement. Golf is about consistency and adaptability. Instead, practice making solid, repeatable contact—even on off-center hits—to improve your results on the course.
4. Mix Up Your Golf Shots
Simulate real course conditions by rotating through different clubs and shot types. Hit fades, draws, chips, and full swings. This variety keeps your range session dynamic and builds the versatility needed to handle any situation on the course.
5. Dress Like You’re On the Course
Wearing proper golf attire—even at the driving range—helps put you in the right mindset. Choose comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes with good grip. Respecting the dress code also prepares you for private courses and maintains a professional golf culture.
6. Learn from Your Bad Shots
Every golfer hits poor shots, even the pros. Instead of getting frustrated, use each miss as a learning opportunity. Pay attention to what caused it—was it your grip, stance, tempo? This reflection helps correct mistakes and builds better habits over time.
7. Break Bad Habits with Focused Drills
If you’re struggling with specific swing flaws, don’t just keep hitting balls. Use simple drills to isolate the issue. For example, lay an alignment stick on the ground to fix your stance, or do slow-motion swings to improve tempo and balance.
8. Stick to a Routine Like the Pros
Experienced golfers know the value of consistency. Start your range session with a warm-up, progress through your clubs, and end with your most challenging shots. Following a consistent routine builds discipline and mimics real playing conditions.
9. Beginners: Focus on Fundamentals First
If you’re new to golf, resist the urge to jump straight into power shots. Focus on grip, stance, posture, and contact. Shorter swings and slower tempos will help you build a solid foundation for future development and long-term success.
10. Finish with a Goal-Oriented Challenge
Wrap up your session with a specific goal—like landing 3 out of 5 balls within a target zone or hitting consistent shots with your 7-iron. Ending with focus reinforces what you practiced and gives you a benchmark for improvement next time.
Practice at Laval’s Best Golf Driving Range
Centre de Golf Val-des-Arbres: Laval’s Go-To Golf Practice Destination
At Centre de Golf Val-des-Arbres, we’re proud to offer a welcoming, high-quality environment where golfers of all levels can practice, learn, and grow. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., we give you the flexibility to train on your schedule.
Whether you’re here for a quick bucket of balls, a full practice session, or professional golf lessons with one of our experienced instructors, we’re here to help you build confidence and consistency on the course.