Bringing Your Own Balls to the Range

[dennis4190]

The pro owns the carts, range balls, buckets, range equipment, pro shop, and concessions at all of our municipal courses here. And the lessons..

[wbond]

I've never even thought of bringing my own balls to a range. Seriously, wouldn't it get pretty expensive doing this?????

[Pinmaster]

I often hit shag balls at the local range when I don't go to the club to hit balls.

The local range is a range only and they have "ok" balls. I've hit a few non-range balls out of my bag and like when I see other "name brand" balls in my basket. At this range I guess as long as you buy a basket you can hit what you want. They pick the real clean ones out and sell them in their shop.

[hayzooos]

[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1382036211' post='8016791']
[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1382035166' post='8016715']
[quote name='jrharden' timestamp='1382035018' post='8016697']
I have added a few balls that I may have found on the course if I wanted to hit just one or two more, but would never show up with a full bucket of my own to hit. Many of the city courses here are set up so that the Pro makes his money off the range and cart rentals, so I doubt they would like someone showing up with a bucket of their own.
[/quote]

Just to make sure I'm understanding this...there's a direct correlation between the head pro's income and the number of range balls sold or carts rented? I've never heard of that, but if that's true I'm not trying to take food out of anyone's mouth.
[/quote]

I've never heard of such a thing either. Pro's make $ on lessons. Their base salary is negotiated w/ the facility or management company that runs day to day operations. The number of buckets do not directly affect paychecks on a pay day basis. Sure the more income the facility makes it makes it easier to pay salaries but it wouldn't take $ out of a Pro's negotiated salary just because they were loosing income.
[/quote]

Depends on the course. University course I worked at previously I know the GM got $1 for every cart that went out throughout the year. To have other things added in like range balls, etc factored in, wouldn't surprise me. It's a way to keep their salary lower while still giving them enough to stick around.

Lower salary affects the bottom line straight out while giving them a percentage only lowers in indirectly if you will. Frankly, I think more professions should be paid based on performance rather than showing up and filling a chair, but that's a different topic for another time.

[MaydayGSXR]

I've hit a ball from my "waterball pouch" from time to time when I got to the end of the range bucket and either A) didn't end on a good note, so I pulled one out to be satisfied before leaving or B) felt like I really needed to hit one or two more to finalize things at the range.

I just like how some people continuously attacked the OP after he apologized (a few times) about not realizing or understanding something about the situation. Looks like some people forgot to read the "friendly" reminder post of the week. Tsk tsk!

[mtgrizinmn]

Sorry, I should have explained it better. The pro's here are paid a salary by the city then given the ability to earn more with cart rental, range balls and apparel and equipment sales. It is not their total salary, sorry for the confusion.

[JustTheTips]

Range balls only last a season? You need to talk to my local range. I am routinely hitting balls that went out of production 10years ago......

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382036237' post='8016797']

And bringing your own balls to a driving range is poor form. Like others have said, you're paying for your use of the facilities, not for use of the golf balls. Good range balls will last a full season, so their cost is negligible compared to the cost of maintaining a grass driving range. If you bring your own balls to a driving range with mats and they let you hit them, then they just deserve to go out of business.
[/quote]

[italianstallion]

[quote name='JustTheTips' timestamp='1382041481' post='8017165']
Range balls only last a season? You need to talk to my local range. I am routinely hitting balls that went out of production 10years ago......

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382036237' post='8016797']
And bringing your own balls to a driving range is poor form. Like others have said, you're paying for your use of the facilities, not for use of the golf balls. Good range balls will last a full season, so their cost is negligible compared to the cost of maintaining a grass driving range. If you bring your own balls to a driving range with mats and they let you hit them, then they just deserve to go out of business.
[/quote]
[/quote]

Oh I believe it. Nothing like going somewhere with dimple-less balls and just hitting knuckelers all day.

[bpark1210]

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382041746' post='8017191']
[quote name='JustTheTips' timestamp='1382041481' post='8017165']
Range balls only last a season? You need to talk to my local range. I am routinely hitting balls that went out of production 10years ago......

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382036237' post='8016797']
And bringing your own balls to a driving range is poor form. Like others have said, you're paying for your use of the facilities, not for use of the golf balls. Good range balls will last a full season, so their cost is negligible compared to the cost of maintaining a grass driving range. If you bring your own balls to a driving range with mats and they let you hit them, then they just deserve to go out of business.
[/quote]
[/quote]

Oh I believe it. Nothing like going somewhere with dimple-less balls and just hitting knuckelers all day.
[/quote]

You guys gotta tell your ranges to up their game. I believe we run ball change outs 2X a season with brand new balls. We are talking about 3-4 palates of balls that take a crew from 3am - 7am before opening to do the change out over the course of a couple days. Most ball companies that provide range balls will have a program for ranges to switch out balls and ship the used balls back for a credit.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1382024582' post='8015857']Then I hear a voice behind me. Some fat bastxxx comes up from behind me and says "Sir, you can't bring your own balls here". I'm like seriously? He says yeah, but you can get a bucket from the shop. Duh...like I didn't know that. Anyways, that's not what bothered me. I said OK. A couple of other ranges don't have a problem if I bring my own balls. He responds by pretty much calling me a liar saying "Yeah...I don't think so". What? "Yeah, I doubt that" he says. I wanted to punch him at this point. You talked to me for all of 15 seconds and assume I'm a liar because you don't allow outside balls here? Then he says, we don't play Top Flight here either, only Pinnacles and it would be too much work to sort through. I get a bucket cause I'm there already and have some stuff to work on. Dump my bucket of balls and find crappy Pinnacles, Callaway, Top Flight, Precept, Wilson, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Taylormade, etc. Nice sorting. I was so bothered by this that I actually went back to look for him to see if he was calling me a liar, but he wasn't anywhere that I could see.
[/quote]

I'm more concerned with what may be an anger issue than you taking balls to the course.

You wanted to punch this guy you don't even know over words? Really? This isn't the 7th grade, is it?

[2putttom]

[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1382042048' post='8017217']
[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382041746' post='8017191']
[quote name='JustTheTips' timestamp='1382041481' post='8017165']
Range balls only last a season? You need to talk to my local range. I am routinely hitting balls that went out of production 10years ago......

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382036237' post='8016797']
And bringing your own balls to a driving range is poor form. Like others have said, you're paying for your use of the facilities, not for use of the golf balls. Good range balls will last a full season, so their cost is negligible compared to the cost of maintaining a grass driving range. If you bring your own balls to a driving range with mats and they let you hit them, then they just deserve to go out of business.
[/quote]
[/quote]

Oh I believe it. Nothing like going somewhere with dimple-less balls and just hitting knuckelers all day.
[/quote]

You guys gotta tell your ranges to up their game. I believe we run ball change outs 2X a season with brand new balls. We are talking about 3-4 palates of balls that take a crew from 3am - 7am before opening to do the change out over the course of a couple days. Most ball companies that provide range balls will have a program for ranges to switch out balls and ship the used balls back for a credit.
[/quote] That is the words I used at the range when they asked why I was hitting balls I found in the woods. You guys have to up your game I'm not paying $5.00 a bucket for marshmellows.

[RRFireblade]

I'm just confused cause the thread seemed to be about range balls but apparently is about a comment from a total stranger which impacted your psychy in a very deep and profound way.

I guess my comment on that front is dont take the words of random strangers so seriously. Its just not that big a deal.

[gambit]

[quote name='MaydayGSXR' timestamp='1382040320' post='8017089']
I've hit a ball from my "waterball pouch" from time to time when I got to the end of the range bucket and either A) didn't end on a good note, so I pulled one out to be satisfied before leaving or B) felt like I really needed to hit one or two more to finalize things at the range.

I just like how some people continuously attacked the OP after he apologized (a few times) about not realizing or understanding something about the situation. Looks like some people forgot to read the "friendly" reminder post of the week. Tsk tsk!
[/quote]

Thanks for the support Mayday. It's the internet so I expect it. It's like reading the comments on Yahoo.

[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1382042048' post='8017217']
[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382041746' post='8017191']
[quote name='JustTheTips' timestamp='1382041481' post='8017165']
Range balls only last a season? You need to talk to my local range. I am routinely hitting balls that went out of production 10years ago......

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1382036237' post='8016797']
And bringing your own balls to a driving range is poor form. Like others have said, you're paying for your use of the facilities, not for use of the golf balls. Good range balls will last a full season, so their cost is negligible compared to the cost of maintaining a grass driving range. If you bring your own balls to a driving range with mats and they let you hit them, then they just deserve to go out of business.
[/quote]
[/quote]

Oh I believe it. Nothing like going somewhere with dimple-less balls and just hitting knuckelers all day.
[/quote]

You guys gotta tell your ranges to up their game. I believe we run ball change outs 2X a season with brand new balls. We are talking about 3-4 palates of balls that take a crew from 3am - 7am before opening to do the change out over the course of a couple days. Most ball companies that provide range balls will have a program for ranges to switch out balls and ship the used balls back for a credit.
[/quote]

The balls at the range I referenced have to be several years old. Most of the dimples are worn.

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1382042390' post='8017259']
I'm more concerned with what may be an anger issue than you taking balls to the course.

You wanted to punch this guy you don't even know over words? Really? This isn't the 7th grade, is it?
[/quote]

You're right. I definitely have a short temper. Trying to work on it, but it's a process. Some days are better than others.

[dudewheresmypar]

So you met an a******. Surely can't be the first one to ever cross your path?

[patrick421]

[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1382034580' post='8016667']
[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1382034009' post='8016615']
Pretty ridiculous. Working at a golf range center, we absolutely do not allow patrons to use their own balls. It's a safety issue w/ us. We have a municpal park behind our 75ft nets and if any balls go over we are screwed. The management at our facility has put in tons of $$ into finding a ball that works specifically for our range to not go over the nets. They are Srixons that compress and spin less off of higher swing speeds. We have an upper deck and so you can see why we do not allow cust's to use their own balls for safety of the kids playing on the field beyond the nets.

The thought of seeing cust's bringing their own balls makes me judge them as a cheap-o . I understand that the quality of balls is the primary factor but if you're unhappy w/ the balls head to a different range w/ better balls. Bringing balls to chip and putt is acceptable. Brining a bucket of balls to hit on the range is full of WTF?

And for the record at the range where I work our range crew would have to sift through all the balls to find the ones you brought only to throw them away. It would costs us more time, more money, more headaches if balls were to go over our nets etc. . . .
[/quote]

It's not about being cheap. The LAST THING I am is cheap. Hell, I'll buy a beer for a complete stranger or pick up someones Starbucks tab for letting me go first when I'm in a rush. I just had a bag of balls and was trying to figure out what to do with them was all. And again, this course has given me the thumbs to bring my own balls before. I do see your point about safety though.
[/quote]

Seriously you don't get to go first at starbucks because you are in a rush. get a clue man everything isn't about you, i have never seen this at my starbucks and their cups are tour issue.

[gambit]

[quote name='patrick421' timestamp='1382057005' post='8018667']
[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1382034580' post='8016667']
[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1382034009' post='8016615']
Pretty ridiculous. Working at a golf range center, we absolutely do not allow patrons to use their own balls. It's a safety issue w/ us. We have a municpal park behind our 75ft nets and if any balls go over we are screwed. The management at our facility has put in tons of $$ into finding a ball that works specifically for our range to not go over the nets. They are Srixons that compress and spin less off of higher swing speeds. We have an upper deck and so you can see why we do not allow cust's to use their own balls for safety of the kids playing on the field beyond the nets.

The thought of seeing cust's bringing their own balls makes me judge them as a cheap-o . I understand that the quality of balls is the primary factor but if you're unhappy w/ the balls head to a different range w/ better balls. Bringing balls to chip and putt is acceptable. Brining a bucket of balls to hit on the range is full of WTF?

And for the record at the range where I work our range crew would have to sift through all the balls to find the ones you brought only to throw them away. It would costs us more time, more money, more headaches if balls were to go over our nets etc. . . .
[/quote]

It's not about being cheap. The LAST THING I am is cheap. Hell, I'll buy a beer for a complete stranger or pick up someones Starbucks tab for letting me go first when I'm in a rush. I just had a bag of balls and was trying to figure out what to do with them was all. And again, this course has given me the thumbs to bring my own balls before. I do see your point about safety though.
[/quote]

Seriously you don't get to go first at starbucks because you are in a rush. get a clue man everything isn't about you, i have never seen this at my starbucks and their cups are tour issue.
[/quote]

Are you serious? I NEVER said that I get to go first when I'm in a rush. But when people can tell that i am and they let me go first I will pick up their tab. Even if I'm not in a rush and let me ahead. Are you saying no one has ever let you go first? So I'm not sure how I'm making that about me. If they do me a courtesy then I can do something nice for them to how appreciation.

One thing you have to love about the Internet is that most people who comment are perfect with no flaws which I suppose gives them the right to judge the whole person off a couple of posts. Feel free to keep casting stones. Obviously people who continue to say that no one is perfect has never been on this forum.

[knockdstiff]

[size=4]Sometimes I hit a few of my own at the end with longer clubs, because you can tell when the range rocks are so worn out the dimples are almost gone and I want to get an accurate picture of the ball flight. I figure it can't be so bad since 1) I paid for balls and 2) I'm donating inventory to them - inventory that is way better than what they use.[/size]

I know this is a really weird idea for a message board, but let me suggest a compromise - buy a small bucket, work through your shorter clubs with those. The ball flight won't be messed up as much with the shorter stuff. Feel free to mix in your own balls when you get to the longer ones. This also makes it much less likely that anyone notices in the first place.

[TheGeekGolfer]

It's not a big deal, if you BOUGHT A BUCKET and then just hit a few of your own since your last couple of swings weren't very good. But, to just bring your own and use (ie - steal) their facilities for an hour or so is just bad form. Basically, people would just bring the crap balls the find and cause them more work and not get paid for it.

[StarFleetGolfer]

I saw a guy buy 4 new boxes of Prov1's and go hit them into the range. The owner was happy.

[jli2636]

[quote name='TheGeekGolfer' timestamp='1382060677' post='8019011']
It's not a big deal, if you BOUGHT A BUCKET and then just hit a few of your own since your last couple of swings weren't very good. But, to just bring your own and use (ie - steal) their facilities for an hour or so is just bad form. Basically, people would just bring the crap balls the find and cause them more work and not get paid for it.
[/quote]

This, what the OP fails to mention is if he paid for a bucket or just went and grabbed a bucket and filled them with his own balls. If he paid for a bucket and wanted to use his own balls then ok. But if he just grabbed a bucket and then filled it thats bad form. I agree with everyone who has already said that you are paying for the use of the facilities, not for the actual golf balls.

[Petethreeput]

[quote name='jrharden' timestamp='1382040929' post='8017129']
Sorry, I should have explained it better. The pro's here are paid a salary by the city then given the ability to earn more with cart rental, range balls and apparel and equipment sales. It is not their total salary, sorry for the confusion.
[/quote]

If your avatar is any indication of your location, he is, in the end, the highest paid county employee. A crime if you ask me.

[BuckyBadger]

The range by my house has balls that are at least five years old. It's the only place where I hit knuckle balls and balls that go both left then right on one swing. They are crappy craps! I will buy a seven dollar bag and when I'm done hitting those, I will hit a few balls of my own. This, "Range," is actually a farmers field. It has rocks and weeds and the hardest dirt around. I don't feel bad for hitting a few of my own at this place but wouldn't do it anywhere else.

[gambit]

[quote name='jli2636' timestamp='1382061111' post='8019063']
[quote name='TheGeekGolfer' timestamp='1382060677' post='8019011']
It's not a big deal, if you BOUGHT A BUCKET and then just hit a few of your own since your last couple of swings weren't very good. But, to just bring your own and use (ie - steal) their facilities for an hour or so is just bad form. Basically, people would just bring the crap balls the find and cause them more work and not get paid for it.
[/quote]

This, what the OP fails to mention is if he paid for a bucket or just went and grabbed a bucket and filled them with his own balls. If he paid for a bucket and wanted to use his own balls then ok. But if he just grabbed a bucket and then filled it thats bad form. I agree with everyone who has already said that you are paying for the use of the facilities, not for the actual golf balls.
[/quote]

Large bucket bought and paid for.

[HighSpeedScene]

Never once considered bringing my own range balls - like others, I have a bag of "good' balls for short game work, but can't see bringing my own balls to hit out on the range

[Krt22]

What if he brought one small bucket and bought large bucket of range balls? I'll hit a few shag balls of my own to get a better feel for true distance since the range balls are reduced flight

[northgolf]

[quote name='HighSpeedScene' timestamp='1382067833' post='8019709']
Never once considered bringing my own range balls - like others, I have a bag of "good' balls for short game work, but can't see bringing my own balls to hit out on the range
[/quote]

I don't bring a bag of balls to the range to hit, but after finishing a bucket I may add the balls I found during my last round to the range. I have a $200 key to the range machine, so it's not like I'm not supporting the staff. It is a service to the other golfers - which would you rather hit on the range: a once or twice hit found ball or a two year old worn out range knuckle ball?

This is not a limited area range - 250 yards wide by 300+ with woods behind that deep, so there is no limited flight restriction. Addtionally, a good 2/3 of the balls in your bucket that come out of the machine are clearly "found balls".

This might be a "depends on the range thread".

Now when I go to a nice course and the range has those pyramids of perfect brand new balls, then I'd never hit balls out of my bag - no need as you aren't paying for balls and if you finish your pyramid and need more then you just move over to the next pyramid. Hell, I wouldn't want to ruin the experience for the next guy by putting an "odd" ball in the mix.

[knockdstiff]

[quote name='HighSpeedScene' timestamp='1382067833' post='8019709']
Never once considered bringing my own range balls - like others, I have a bag of "good' balls for short game work, but can't see bringing my own balls to hit out on the range
[/quote]

This hits on another issue - most courses I have seen around here with good short game practice areas (not just a putting green, but like multiple bunkers around a green with rough and stuff) specifically DO NOT allow shag bags. I can't see the point of practicing tricky pitches and bunker shots around the green with range rocks.

[S.Coolidge]

I dont bring just my balls to hit, but i'll hit 10-20 of my own i want to get rid of while hitting one of the ranges bucket. I guess it depends on the range. Like someone else said, if they olny have yellow balls or specific balls then it would be a no. However if its just a mix of balls im sure they wouldnt mind if you had purchased a bucket too.

Im there all the time, well, i had been going all the time buying small, large and jumbo buckets before playing a round and theyve seen me pull a bag of old balls out of my bag and drop them on the grass next to their bucket and said nothing. they almost didnt even pay attention to it. depends on the course i suppose.

if there isnt a course around where u can hit them.. how about a lake, pond or something else?

[TomMorgan51]

The muni frequent most often has a range but they don't have range balls to offer. Thus is the beauty of the shag bag. During peak hours you can't really hit anything more than an 8 or 7 iron since the end of the range protrudes into #10 fairway. But later in the day when fewer people are making the turn you can hit every club in your bag. Only time I pay to go to the range is if I go to the one closer to my house and don't feel like picking up my balls or I don't have time to and want to hit a quick bucket. I can't imagine how much money this has saved me. And since many people don't hit there, they don't have to sand over the divots and I get more realistic turf interaction. I do, however frequent playing there enough that I don't feel like I am shortchanging them for using the facilities.

[SadTrombone]

I'm more concerned with what may be an anger issue than you taking balls to the course.

 

You wanted to punch this guy you don't even know over words? Really? This isn't the 7th grade, is it?

 

You're right. I definitely have a short temper. Trying to work on it, but it's a process. Some days are better than others.

 

Goose bla bla...