Kevin; Try talking to the head instructor about a SHORT GAME LESSON. and then ask about practiceing your short game, AFTER your lesson. They might feel a bit differently about you practiceing on their course, if you take a lesson first. Might be worth asking about. Let's face it. What good is the lesson, if you can't practice what they teach. Tell them this, and see what they say. If they still don't wan't you to practice there, tell them you'll be taking your lessons someplace else as well.

I have 2 course very close to me
1) is a municipal, which has issues with people going onto the course without paying so the pro is a bit twitchy
2) is a private course, whose members are complete and utter #@%@#. The type that come over and ask to see your members badge before you park your car!
so because of these issues, I have limited options!

re balls I currently use balls that I have already used in a round and are slightly beaten up.

where I used to live there was a brilliant complex that had a range, bunkers, greens etc and you could be there for days if you wanted and nobody cared. So its just a south Birmingham thing!

Kevin

Kev, sell your house, buy one with acres of land and build your house PLUS a driving range with bunkers and greens. Then you can charge people to come practice at your place....