How to Buy Range Balls
You can buy range balls by the bucket, by the dozen, or in bulk, and the right choice depends on how often you practice.
You can buy range balls in three ways: pay for a bucket at the range, buy used range balls by the dozen online or from a golf shop, or buy new practice balls made for home use. Which one is cheapest depends on how often you hit.
Most golfers only need a bucket at the range. If you want balls for a backyard net or a short-game area, buying a few dozen makes more sense. This guide shows typical costs and helps you decide.
How much are range balls?
A bucket at a range typically costs a few dollars up to around fifteen, and the price depends on bucket size and your region. Buying balls to own typically costs less per ball than renting them by the bucket.
Prices change by city, by range, and by season, so treat the table below as a rough guide only. Always check the posted price at your own range.
| Option | What you get | Typical cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bucket at the range | A modest number of balls for one short session | Typically a few dollars to about ten | A quick warm-up |
| Large bucket at the range | Enough balls for a full practice session | Typically about ten to fifteen or more | A real practice day |
| Used range balls by the dozen | Worn, marked balls, often in bulk lots | Typically well under new-ball prices | Backyard nets, chipping, drills |
| New practice balls by the dozen | Cheaper, harder balls made for practice | Typically a moderate price per dozen | Regular home practice |
| New regular golf balls by the dozen | The same balls you play with | Typically the highest price per dozen | Testing a ball or practicing with your gamer |
The pattern is simple. The more worn or basic the ball, the lower the price. You pay extra for balls that feel and fly like the ones you play.
Can you buy range balls?
Yes. Golf shops, online sellers, and some ranges sell used range balls. Many sellers offer them by the dozen or in large bulk bags.
Here are the usual places to look:
- Online sellers. Many sell used range balls in bulk. Read the grade and condition notes before you buy.
- Golf shops and big-box sporting goods stores. They often carry practice balls near the regular balls.
- Your local range or pro shop. Some ranges sell retired balls when they replace their stock. Ask at the counter.
- Used golf ball resellers. They sell recycled balls in grades, and lower grades cost less.
Be careful with range balls found on a course or taken from a range. Those balls belong to the range. Buy them or ask first.
How are range balls different from regular balls?
Range balls are built to last and to cost less. They usually have a tough cover and a firm feel, so they typically fly shorter than a premium ball.
Here is what to expect:
- Tougher covers. They take thousands of hits from clubs and picker machines.
- Firmer feel. Many feel harder off the face than your gamer ball.
- Less distance. Most golfers see shorter carry, especially with the driver. The size of the gap varies by ball and by swing.
- Marks and stripes. Many have a colored band or stripe so people can tell them apart from course balls. Many are also scuffed from heavy use.
This is why your range numbers may not match your course numbers. Do not use one range session to set your yardages. A launch monitor session with your own ball is a better guide.
How many range balls come in a bucket?
It varies from range to range. A small bucket is often a few dozen balls and a large one is often around a hundred, but there is no standard count.
If the count matters to you, ask at the counter. Some ranges count balls, and some fill the bucket by eye. Others charge by the token or by the time on a mat.
If you buy your own, you pick the count. A bag of two or three dozen is enough for chipping and wedge work. A practice net for full swings is easier with four to six dozen so you do not stop to reload all the time.
Should I buy my own range balls or just pay for buckets?
Pay for buckets if you go to the range once or twice a month. Buy your own if you hit at home weekly, or if you want a net, a chipping green, or a backyard area.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have a safe place to hit? A net, a big open yard, or a field you have permission to use?
- Will I hit more than about once a week?
- Do I want to practice with a ball that flies like my gamer?
- Do I have space to store and pick up the balls?
If you answer no to most, keep paying for buckets. You also get mats, targets, and distance markers at the range. See our guide on how to use the driving range effectively to get more from each bucket.
Do it yourself or ask a pro: a quick checklist
You can buy balls yourself with no help. Ask the range staff or a teaching pro when the choice affects your game or your safety.
Buy them yourself when:
- You want basic practice balls for chipping or net work.
- You are happy with used balls that are scuffed.
- You have a safe, legal place to hit them.
- You can compare prices per dozen across a few sellers.
Ask the range or a pro first when:
- You want to buy balls straight from the range. Ask if they sell retired stock, and do not take balls without paying.
- You are not sure which ball matches your swing speed or your game.
- You want to set up a hitting net or mat at home and need advice on safe space.
- You plan to use a launch monitor and want to know how range balls will affect the numbers.
- You want a bulk deal for a team, a school, or a practice group.
Tips before you buy
A few simple habits save money and trouble:
- Check the ball condition notes. Look for words like "practice grade" or "mixed" so you know what you get.
- Compare price per ball, not price per bag.
- Check shipping. Golf balls are heavy, and shipping can change the real price.
- Start with one or two dozen. You can buy more later if you like them.
- Check the rules where you plan to hit. Some yards, parks, and clubs do not allow it.
Used range balls are a fine choice for drills, but they are not a good test of your real distance. Keep a few of your own balls for that.
Next step
Ready to hit some balls? Find a driving range near you and see what a bucket costs.
Find a driving rangeQuestions people ask
How much are range balls?
A range bucket typically costs from a few dollars to around fifteen, depending on size and region. Used range balls bought by the dozen typically cost less per ball than renting them by the bucket.
Can you buy range balls?
Yes. Online sellers, golf shops, used ball resellers, and some ranges sell them. Ask the range first if you want their retired stock, and never take balls without paying.
How are range balls different from regular balls?
They have tougher covers and a firmer feel, and they typically fly shorter than premium balls. Many also carry a stripe or mark, and they are often scuffed from heavy use.
How many range balls come in a bucket?
It varies by range. Small buckets are often a few dozen balls and large ones are often around a hundred, but there is no standard count. Ask at the counter.
Should I buy my own range balls?
Buy your own if you have a safe place to hit and practice weekly. If you go to the range only now and then, paying for buckets is usually simpler.