On driving ranges

When I first started playing golf (or attempting to) I spent most of my time in the driving range, not only because it was a good place to practice the basics but also because it was a way of relaxation. After all, hitting balls without a specific goal can be quite relaxing.

Almost 2 years after my first stroke, I now have a completely different opinion of driving ranges. Normally I can hit almost fairly well all the clubs after a few tries and adjustments but when I play, I only have one chance to hit the ball properly as every stroke counts. For this, I find practicing in the driving range very deceiving. I still enjoy going to the driving range but as a therapy to stress.

If anything, the ideal practice in the driving range is to use a different club every time and with that still be able to hit straight at all times.

Regarding putting I have a similar opinion: when practicing putting one should use one and only one ball at a time. The reason for that is that during a game there is only one chance and by using more than one ball in the green, one develops a feeling of "this one doesn't count" which is not true at all.