So for most of this year the arm and neck pains I had were pretty much gone. Fast forward this past month where I found myself hitting the driving range and practicing twice a week (non grass, hitting mats on concrete base). the arm pain has come back hard and fast. The obvious answer here is no more non grass driving ranges, but aside from that, any suggestions on how to keep golf game sharp? Provided I can get rid of this arm pain fast, going to make a run at qualifying for championship flight in our club champ in September, no more club tinkering, just getting rid of arm pain without losing my touch.

No grass I generally won't hit balls and would rather just go out and play 9 instead. Sucks to not be able to practice.

Because of hand/neck issues, I’ve gone exclusively to hitting maybe 10-15 balls on the range and then going to play. I spend way more time on short game. Not sure this helps, but that’s what I do. We’ll see if it works soon.

Driving Ranges are Killing Me, How to Keep touch without pounding balls?

PureStickGolf

Non grass I got 60 yrd and in wedge shots and driver only. Then take the extra time like @Jaybananapantsarthur said. And either go play a practice 9 and hit some extra shots I know I need to work on. Or work on putting.

Eddie

Playing a quick 9, it’s funny I never thought of that.

good looking out boys. Probably go half bag on those days and alternate what clubs are in bag to get reps in.

Putterho

I can't imagine the northern states that deal with cold ground where you can't place a tee without a hammer. I have had enough wrist, elbow, and other issues in the past!

ForeLeft

Don’t even have to play 9. I play more 4-7 hole loops at my home club I don’t even care. I’m swinging the sticks

I combine my two 15 minute breaks and go play 4-5 holes on my Finn Scooter.

Take my lunch break and do the same.

After dinner, I’ll take the kids out on the cart and play 6-9 holes.

I’ve done more playing this year than practicing and I’d say my game has been in its best shape in a while. Don’t think you need to be out there for a full 18. Or a block of 2 hours on the range. Anything works

mljones99

I not a driving range fan... I get more out of playing.

DaHOF

Man, I rarely mess with the range unless I either need to: 1) loosen up a touch before an actual competitive round; or, 2) working on something very specific. Otherwise, I always just go out and play anywhere from 3-9 holes and hit different shots that I think I need to practice on. I always find that actually hitting balls in game conditions does me better than banging balls at the range into an abyss of grass and random flags.

seeshawn

Would much rather play 6-9 holes than pound range balls.

dphatt

I rarely hit the range. I would rather go play a few holes and hit multiple balls. Turf interaction is important to me and hitting off of mats just doesn’t do it

OffTheDole

Eddie I got a case of golfer's elbow back in February that's still flaring up from time to time thanks to hitting on mats indoors. I pretty much just don't practice on mats anymore.

I like the idea of playing multiple balls.

iennis

I usually get golfers elbow early season like march from the range( just me going to much and not giving it enough rest). This season I got the Nike golfers elbow brace and it worked like a charm no pain, and after two weeks of using it never had any other issues this year. I also hit about 400 balls a week.

chilllwave

I’ve managed to make a lot of progress this year with limited time playing or practicing. I don’t actually hit a ball more than twice a week and I’ve gone from a 16 handicap down to 11. What helps me the most is making lots of practice swings around the house, slowed down, full speed, exaggerated, etc. Zero impact and helps hang on to the positive swing feels.

PaulAllenPA

chilllwave Now that is great advice. Keep working hard and you'll be a single digit in no time flat.