Range balls are the hardest-working equipment at any driving range. Every one of them gets hit, picked, washed, and dispensed thousands of times over its lifespan. The balls you choose affect how golfers feel about your facility, how much you spend on inventory each year, and how smoothly your entire ball management system runs.
With so many options available, picking the right range balls can feel overwhelming. Here’s what driving range operators should consider before placing their next order.
Durability: The Foundation of a Good Range Ball
Durability should be your first consideration. Range balls take far more punishment than a typical golf ball, so construction matters.
One-piece range balls are made from a single solid material. They’re extremely tough, resist cuts and cracks, and offer the lowest cost per hit. As a result, they’re a popular choice for high-volume ranges where balls cycle through the system constantly. The trade-off is feel, since one-piece balls don’t perform quite like a golfer’s regular ball.
Two-piece range balls have a solid core and a separate cover. They fly and feel closer to a standard golf ball, which many golfers appreciate when working on their game. However, they generally cost more and may wear faster under heavy use.
For most busy facilities, a durable cover and consistent construction will save money in the long run, even if the upfront price is slightly higher.
Understanding Compression
Compression describes how much a ball deforms at impact, and it influences both feel and distance. Lower-compression balls feel softer and suit beginners, juniors, and golfers with slower swing speeds. Higher-compression balls feel firmer and respond better to faster swings.
Climate also plays a role. In Canada, cool spring and fall temperatures make balls feel firmer and fly shorter. If your range stays open during the shoulder seasons, a slightly lower-compression ball can help keep the experience enjoyable for your customers.
If your clientele is a mix of skill levels, a mid-compression ball is usually the safest choice.
Should You Use Flight-Limited Range Balls?
Flight-limited range balls are designed to travel a set percentage shorter than a standard golf ball. They’re an excellent solution for ranges with limited acreage, nearby roads or homes, or netting height restrictions. In many cases, they allow a facility to operate safely where full-flight balls simply wouldn’t work.
That said, golfers do notice the reduced distance. If you switch to flight-limited balls, consider posting signage explaining how yardages compare to a regular ball. That way, customers can still practise with confidence and gauge their club distances accurately.
Colour, Striping, and Branding
While performance comes first, appearance matters too. Striped or logoed range balls clearly identify your inventory, which helps discourage theft and keeps balls from leaving the property. Custom branding also reinforces your facility’s name every time a customer tees one up. Meanwhile, bright yellow balls offer added visibility on the turf and are easier for both golfers and pickers to spot.
When to Replace Your Range Balls
Even the toughest range balls eventually wear out. Watch for these signs that it’s time to refresh your inventory:
- Cut, cracked, or chipped covers that affect flight and can jam equipment
- Faded or discoloured balls that make your range look tired
- Inconsistent ball flight that frustrates golfers
- A shrinking supply as balls are lost over the season
Rather than replacing everything at once, many operators rotate in a portion of new balls each season. This approach spreads out the cost and keeps the overall quality of your supply consistent.
Proper cleaning also extends ball life. Dirt and grit wear down covers over time, so a reliable ball washer, soaker, or blower helps protect your investment and keeps balls looking their best.
Making the Right Choice for Your Facility
The best range balls for your driving range depend on your traffic volume, your property size, your customers, and your budget. By weighing durability, compression, and flight characteristics, and by keeping a regular replacement schedule, you’ll give golfers a better experience while controlling long-term costs.
Ready to stock up? Browse our full selection of range balls for options suited to every type of facility.
Not sure which range balls are right for your facility? Contact the Forestar Golf team today. Our PGA of Canada professionals have been helping driving ranges across Canada choose the right equipment since 1978.