When Golf is More Than A Game: Hit and Run Driving Range

For Josh Davis, golf isn’t just about lowering a score.

As owner of Hit & Run Golf Driving Range in Lexington 2659 Old Linwood Road, Davis call it a place where people can find connection, encouragement and sometimes simply someone willing to listen.

"Sometimes when a person comes in by themselves, it's kind of like a bar without alcohol," Davis said. "Usually they're going through something. They don't have anybody to talk to. They're lonely or trying to work through something."

Rather than focusing only on buckets of golf balls, Davis encourages his staff to make every customer feel welcome.

"I always make sure to talk to them because you never know what kind of day somebody's having," he said.

Davis said he has noticed there is a difference between golfers who stop by occasionally to practice and those who visit several times each week.

"A lot of people nowadays are missing that camaraderie," he said. "That's one of the things I tell the people who work for me. The first thing is to talk to the customers and help them feel comfortable. Ask if they need help or a pointer. Don't just stand there."

A Thomasville native, Davis spent time living elsewhere before returning to the area. Before recently taking ownership, he trained in mixed martial arts during the sport's early years in North Carolina, competing before MMA became widely recognized.

Golf, however, came after the multiple breaks.

"I found golf about five years ago and just fell in love with it," Davis said.

Looking back, he wishes someone had introduced him to the sport as a child.

"I wish I would have had it when I was a kid," he said. "It probably would have sent my life in a healthier, more positive direction. It gave me something to shoot for."

His own first experience taking golf lessons also shaped the way he approaches teaching others.

"I got taken for one golf lesson, and the guy treated me like I wasn't supposed to be there," Davis said. "You could tell he thought I didn't have a lot of money."

The experience nearly discouraged him from continuing.

"If somebody had been more warm and welcoming, it may have made a difference," he said. "Maybe that'll help some other kid in the same scenario."

Although the Pro is not a PGA professional, he has devoted countless hours to studying the golf swing on his own. He wants to remain more affordable.

"I'm self-taught," he said. "I've hit thousands of balls a day."

Instead of relying on a single teaching method, Davis experiments with different swing styles to better understand how people of all ages and physical abilities can improve.

"I'm trying to understand the mechanics so I can help as many people as possible enjoy the golf swing," he said.

He especially enjoys working with his elderly customers, helping them regain confidence after injuries or mobility challenges.

Davis recalled working with one golfer who had undergone major surgery and struggled to return to the game. By adapting the golfer's swing instead of forcing traditional mechanics, Davis said the player rediscovered both distance and enjoyment. He practices teaching those with different abilities.

"Now he hits it farther and plays twice a week," Davis said. "He fell back in love with it."

Davis said he also has a special place in his heart for people in recovery from addiction. He believes golf can provide a healthy outlet, a sense of purpose and a supportive community for those rebuilding their lives.

That commitment extends beyond the driving range. Davis recently donated golf range certificates to support Race Against Drugs, helping raise funds for the community event that promotes prevention, recovery and healthy lifestyles.

For Davis, the success stories are measured by more than improved golf swings.

Whether someone arrives looking to practice, relieve stress or simply have a conversation, he hopes Hit & Run Golf Driving Range offers a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.

"You never know what somebody's going through," Davis said. "Sometimes they just need somebody to talk to."

The philosophy has helped transform the range into more than a place to hit golf balls. For many regulars, it has become a gathering place where relationships are built, encouragement is shared and the game of golf becomes a stroke to building community.