Orientation of the range

[Matthew Runde]

Recently, I practiced on a range that was oriented to the southeast.  It was mid morning, and after hitting the ball, you could not see it in the sky because the sun was in your eyes.  Is there any practical reason to orient a range in this way?

[Carl Rogers]

A northerly orientation (in the northern hemisphere) would eliminate the sun in your eyes problem.  However, a westerly wind is a slice wind for a right hander.

But perhaps in the larger site planning set of issues, range orientation may come in last place due to finding a spot for the first tee, ninth green, tenth tee, eighteenth green, clubhouse, service entrance for clubhouse, parking lot & entry drive.

[Bill_McBride]

I like a double ended range for that reason.

[Melvyn Morrow]

Seems that they screwed up, but then practise makes perfec.,

Here’s ‘Sun in your Eyes’ – could be a title for a Bond movie or perhaps a Golfing Range – ‘Al Fresco’ -  no Pat that’s not the name of the designer but he could have come from Chicago  

Melvyn

[Jud_T]

It's their not so subtle way of saying you should really be working on your short game....

[JESII]

Isn't the SE orientation ideal for afternoon practice sessions? Warm up before the round is only a handful of balls anyway, right?

[Melvyn Morrow]

Jim

Are you talking of facing Mecca? Thats not SE or is it?

Melvyn

[JESII]

A good practice session provides similar 'fulfillment' to some of us digenerates...

[Melvyn Morrow]

Jim

Fulfilment is fine but please do not go off half-cocked, although it may improve distance.

Melvyn   

[JESII]

Gotta finish the job...

[Wayne_Kozun]

I like a double ended range for that reason.

My experience is that few people go to the far end of the range, even when they are using carts - although this can give the club's teaching pro a quiet spot to work from.

[Trey Stiles]

When I was engaged in the development process , I always worked hard to have the practice facilities as close to the golf shop / clubhouse as possible. With the practice facilities close , you gain a social element that is missing at clubs / courses with long distance practice facilities. Folks can hang out , hit a few balls , critique each other , needle each other , make up matches , share an afternoon beverage , ect

With all the other site factors to consider , we never worried too much about sunlight orientation

[Mike Nuzzo]

The practical reason to do it if it makes the holes better.

I'm with you Trey.
Camaraderie is key - and it does happen on the range a lot.
I'd rather my members be playing the course together - I'd put the range on the other side of town to make the golf better.

Cheers

[Chris Flamion]

My home range is faces due West.  Great in a calm morning, but can make a windy afternoon impossible to practice on. I have come home on more than one occasion with my shirt covered in sod bits on a windy day.

[Sean Leary]

Again, it comes down to whether you use the range to warm up or to practice...

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

I like a two ended range and generally like north south as well

[Patrick_Mucci]

Recently, I practiced on a range that was oriented to the southeast.  It was mid morning, and after hitting the ball, you could not see it in the sky because the sun was in your eyes. 

Dual teed or semi circular dual tees with a North/South orientation are best.
Most football fields are oriented as such

 Is there any practical reason to orient a range in this way?

Depends on the land constraints, but, if you had a blank slate, the N-S dual tee orientation is best.

If the land is available, this is a simple problem to solve