The popularity of driving ranges has increased significantly over the last seven years with a 38% increase in the off-court activity.
Whilst this may have been considered as a direct threat to traditional golf courses, manager of Meyrick Park Golf Club, Luke De-Benedictis ‘praises’ the popularity rise of driving ranges conveying it acts as a feeder system for new players and providing a new revenue stream for existing clubs.
One of the key reasons why there has been a rise in people using driving ranges, directly correlates with the younger generation wanting to stay active and get involved in a sport that is for all ages.
De-Benedictis said: “We have seen an injection of the younger generation using our course over the last few years which is brilliant.”
He added: “I think it also helps with the amount of golf on tv these days such as the Ryder Cup and Rory McIlroy winning Sports Personality of the Year has really brought the younger crowd into golf which is great to see.
“Driving ranges are without a doubt the best place to go if you are just getting into the sport and you are just learning how to hit a club, but we’re also seeing a lot of people now take on our course and go around utilising our facilities too.”
It is not just driving ranges which have seen a significant increase in popularity with traditional golf witnessing a mass increase in people getting involved with over 5 million people playing the sport in 2025.
Traditional golfer and Meyrick Park Golf Club member, Fred Parkes said: “I’ve been playing golf for the last six years now and I absolutely love it.”
He added: “I also head down to the driving range every now and then but traditional golf courses is where I’d rather be, because it’s just quite a nice way to pass the time and get out the house.
“When you’re at my age you’ll understand, you just want to get out and enjoy the fresh air, playing golf with your mates is what I want to do these days.”
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