Updated
Yes, Toptracer is a good way to start, because every shot you hit is traced on the screen in front of you with its real distance and ball flight. You can see what a good strike looks like instead of squinting into a field, which is why beginners pick it up faster on the 26 bays at The Hertsmere in Elstree.
By The Hertsmere team5 min read
The first time at a range can feel like everyone is watching. They are not, and Toptracer makes it easier still by taking the guesswork out. You hit, the screen shows you exactly where the ball went and how far. We have 26 bays here, open until 10pm seven days a week, so you take your own time. The range is the part visitors talk about most in their reviews.
Why it helps when you are learning
- Every shot is traced on screen, so you see what a clean strike looks like
- Real distances replace guesswork, so you learn your own yardages
- On-screen games turn a basket of balls into something you want to finish
- Covered bays mean a wet evening is no longer an excuse
- No one behind you, no one waiting; you go at your own pace
A first session that works
Keep it small. A small basket, one club, a 7-iron will do. Make a few easy half-swings to find a rhythm before you build up. Watch the trace for the shape of your misses rather than chasing distance, and stop on a good one so you leave wanting another go. That is the whole session.
Want a head start?
An hour with a coach turns the numbers on the screen into a swing that holds up. Every golfer can start with a free 30-minute assessment: the coach watches you hit, then sets a plan.
Booking a bay
Book online if you are coming on a weekday evening, when the bays fill. Range balls are paid for at reception or by tap-and-go at the range itself. The last balls go out at 9:30pm, so do not leave it to the wire.
