Fitness review: driving range is fun and cathartic

Smacking golf balls is not only cathartic, but a great way to burn some calories. Better yet, you don’t have to be pro or even a regular to pick up a club. Just head on over to the driving range and give it a go!

According to my google search, 6.7% of Aussies aged 15 years and over play golf, and Queenslanders hit the golf course more often than people in any other state. My brothers and hubby regularly play rounds, contributing to that stat. And I’d guess one in five people I know have some affiliation with golf (played it as a kid, their kids play it now, they’ve got membership etc).

In this guest review, I was keen to see if hitting the driving range was enough of a workout, rather than a full game of golf.

Meet Leanne, the superstar behind the podcast, First Time Facilitator. This side hustler, currently transitioning to a full-time solopreneur gig ditching the corporate world, is a regular at the driving range.  She’s been a social golfer for the past 11 years (previously socialised by taking golf as an elective in Year 11 HPE) thanks to hanging with mates who regularly hit the course.

Leanne loves the game itself because it’s social, leisurely and a real game of skill *and let’s face it, a little bit of luck thrown in too she says. It also doesn’t hurt to know your stuff if you’re asked along to a corporate or charity event where Leanne says: “I wanted to be a useful Ambrose team player, in case I was ever asked to play a round!”

The details

Duration: 1 hour
Style: Casual, drop in
Cost: Large Bucket – 105 Balls ($19), Small Bucket – 45 Balls ($13).  Clubs can be hired: Iron – $4, Driver – $6
Who’s there: Players with varying degrees of golfing ability. Parents who are grooming their young kids to be golfers (why not, that’s where the money is!), social golfers, corporate types, all types.
What to wear: Top and shorts with covered shoes is fine.  When it’s game day, I love dressing up – my favourite golfing apparel store is Loudmouth Golf http://au.loudmouthgolf.com
What gear/equipment do you need: You can rent your equipment. Don’t forget your golf glove, that’s an essential (to avoid getting blisters), as well as water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses…and cash for the drinks cart!

Ask That Fit Girl > What should someone expect?

Expect to suck.  Don’t expect that the ball will do what you tell it to do. This game is extremely frustrating, and what could be letting you down could be a number of factors (your stance, swing, the club you’re using, where you’re looking, the power you’re hitting the ball at, your self-talk, etc). 

The beauty of golf is that it is a challenge but it’s a fun challenge, because it’s social.  I’d suggest pairing up with a friend and spending time on the driving range, practising other elements of your game, such as pitching and putting, and then taking the leap and booking in for 9 holes. Three things to keep in mind:

DOMS –If this is your first time at the driving range, you’ll feel Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness the next day… your arms will ache! Make sure you stretch your arms and warm down.

Movie lines – There’s always someone in the group who will say at least one Happy Gilmore line in a round you play (‘It’s all in the hips. Just tap it in’.)

Have fun – Don’t be intimidated to get out there and have a hit. Ask the pro shop for tips or watch and copy others around you. You’ll open up a new world.

Ask That Fit Girl > Would you recommend the driving range to a friend?

Yes! It’s a nice little entry into the world of golf, without committing to 9 or 18 holes.  It’s a confidence builder before signing your name to play in your company’s charity day.

What I like: Conversation, connecting with nature, that feeling of accomplishment. I find playing a round of golf extremely therapeutic and satisfying, even if you’re playing a crummy round. In fact, there are times when nothing really feels right, my swing is off, but if I strike one shot beautifully – then everything is okay with the world.  I like the pressure when you step up to the tee. I like evaluating what club I need to pick, given the conditions and distance away from the hole. Even more, I like talking about that with the people I play with.
What I don’t like: Expecting to be brilliant when I take that first shot of the day… and I miss-hit it. That’s demoralising.

Ask That Fit Girl > What would you rate it as a fitness workout out of five?

Fitness:    3/5 Strength and toning: 3/5
Weight loss: 1/5 Wellbeing (mind, body, soul connection): 5/5

Ask That Fit Girl > What song gets you amped when you’re at the driving range?

Daft Punk’s – Get Lucky

Have you enjoyed Leanne’s review? Let me know in the comments box below! If there’s a workout you’d like me to review, drop me a line. Let me know via Facebook, Instagram or email me at hello@askthatfitgirl.com

Until next time,
Maryanne K