The range in my opinion flatters your ball striking.
A slightly fat shot off the mat will still produce a good / reasonable shot, whereas you would be punished for a similar shot on the course especially in soft boggy conditions.
If I want to practice, I play 9 holes when the course is quiet & hit 2x or more balls (our practice facilities are rubbish) before anyone says anything!
I use the range only for driver practice, swing practice & even then as a last resort if I can't get out on the course.
