Farm Diversification

The UK has about 820 driving ranges of which 20% are stand alone, 12% attached to short courses and 68% attached to full length courses. 96% of driving ranges are open to the general public.

Driving Range usage has increased in line with overall market for golf, with an estimated 1.8 million users from a broad socio-economic spectrum, with a high proportion of females and youngsters playing. There are differences in patterns of usage across the UK.

Ideally you will need around 10-15 acres for your project (with a hitting area of about 200m x 300m). The site should be level or preferably rising away from the bays, with a basic north/south orientation (east to west means playing balls directly into the sun). Good drainage is also desired to allow for ball gathering.

Not immediately adjacent to residential housing, which may raise objections to floodlighting.

£2,500-£4,000 per covered bay and associated target area, plus the costs of any clubhouse area.

Fencing expensive if width of site is limited and floodlighting costs are high. About 1,000 balls per bay required @ £3.50 - £4.50 per dozen (about 30% will need replaced per year) Ball pick up machine £1,700 - £3,000.

Tee mats @ £200 -£250. Ball washer £1,000. Ball dispenser £2,000 - £6,000. Ball baskets £5 - £10. Flags distance markers £1,300.

Volume, the proportion of beginners and the pricing and size of baskets are critical. The availability of good instructors and teaching facilities also affects the perceived quality (and usage) of a Driving Range.

As with golf courses, returns on capital vary from 15-40%.

Through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013 funding is now available for rural businesses throughout Scotland for diversification and renewable energy projects. Specifically, support is delivered through Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities which was launched in April 2008. For further information about what support is available see the Section on Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities.