Playing as a single

[StrokerAce]

So I don't have a consistent golf partner - you know, that guy (or gal!) that you can get to join you pretty much anytime.

 

That leaves me playing as a single A LOT.  As a matter of fact I'd say about 80 percent of my rounds are as a single.

 

I've managed to be paired up with some good folks but haven't found someone I really hit it off with that I can grab as a consistent partner.

 

However, it always seems awkward when I call the pro shop for a tee time and tell them I'm a single.  There seems to be this --pause-- and then they get it, hunt around for something and let me know.  Along with this is the fact that it can be delicate when you get paired up with either a 2some or 3some that wanted to play by themselves.

 

So, my question to you - do you play as a single much and if so what is your strategy?  Do you ask to be paired up, do you ask to go out by yourself, do you have a "secret trick" when talking to the pro shop?

 

For some reason it seems like I'm missing something here....

[Liberty Ball Markers]

I play solo a lot, but I never set a tee time for myself. I just show up and ask when I can get worked in.

 

Even if I get to go alone, I usually catch someone and will end up playing with them.

 

 

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[Mr_Theoo]

I book everything online

[StrokerAce]

I book everything online

 

Most of the courses around me won't let you book as a single online.  

[HighFade]

I used to play single almost exclusively. I found it was easier to get on as a single with little to no notice I always told them I'd rather play with another group. Met a ton of cool people and a few I'd rather not play with again. Sometimes they'd send me out alone, but I'm good with that too. Now I have a semi regular group I play with, but single is a heck of a lot better than not playing!

[HighFade]

Most of the courses around me won't let you book as a single online.

I usually just walk on and get on the list. Even if they're booked there's always a no show, and I don't have to wait long to get on.

[Kenny B]

I usually play with my wife and sometimes we join up with another couple.  We also get paired with a single or another twosome.  Makes no difference to us.  During the week I walk with a few guys usually on  Mondays and Wednesdays.  However, there are days when I want to go out alone just to practice certain shots on certain holes.  I can do that at certain times of the day during the week, usually early afternoon.  When I go out in the mornings, I just ask at the pro shop when I get out and there is always a spot where I can join up with a twosome of threesome.  It might be in five minutes or an hour.  I either hustle to get my stuff together or spend the time in the practice area.  

 

During the busy times of the day, no twosome or threesome should expect to play by themselves.

[deejaid]

I play as a single 75% of the time. I usually just go to the course without a tee time and when I get my warm up bucket ask how busy it is. They then ask if I'm a single and will usually say there is an opening I can jump on. I almost always catch up with a two-some or three-some in front of me and will join up with them.

 

I do miss having my regular foursome but I really like meeting people on the course. Makes for interesting conversation and most times is a pleasure.

 

 

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[catchmeoutside]

I can't stand playing alone. Now I have 3 groups that I regularly play with at my club and it's the best.

[MmmmmmBuddy]

I play as a single 95% of the time. I just show up and asked to be fit in. Golf courses hate to and usually will not book times for single players. (at least out here)

[Street11]

I play as a single probably 80 percent of the time and I make sure I'm the first to go out in the morning or I play 2 balls just just enjoy myself and relax. I have the mindset that I know I will catch up to somebody and just to go with it. Clubs around me are pretty cool if I ask if I can get out about 5 minutes ahead of the first group and they will never see me again. It usually works but a couple of weeks ago I was paired up with this elderly couple at Conestoga Golf Course in mesquite and I asked if I could get ahead if this them, well the Pro shop told me they played quickly but I thought no way could they push me. I was wrong. I don't know how the got those old bodies moving so fast but they were behind me on every shot. We played 18 holes in 2 hrs 10 minutes, and that's the last time I underestimate an elderly couple who says they wanna play fast.

 

 

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[Shankster]

As a kid my dad drug me out with his league partner (Kevin)... I couldn't stand him. I was about 16, so he hit his drives 20 yards or so past me. And always gave me really bad advice. Now I'm in my early 30's, been moving around the country for the past 10 years. Haven't had the chance to get to know too many people. I did run into some good ole boys and played a few holes with them on several occasions. They knew how to have fun.

 

Last year I played a few scrambles with my dad and Kevin... he offered no lessons.

 

I usually play solo. I can do 18 in just over 2 hours. If I don't run into anyone. If I do I slow down and play 2 balls. I play really fast. Pick my club on the way to the next shot. Probably should slow down all the time, my game would probably be better.

 

I'd like to meet some people but I don't want to meet another Kevin. Golf is "my" time. I have 5 kids, which I love taking with me, but golf is dads time.

 

 

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[Kenny B]

I play as a single 95% of the time. I just show up and asked to be fit in. Golf courses hate to and usually will not book times for single players. (at least out here)

We have a lot of singles and twosomes playing, so a single can book a tee time and the pro shop with put people together, except on the weekend.  If a single calls in during the week for a weekend tee time, they will be given a tee time IF there is an available time booked by a twosome or threesome.  It's usually not a problem for a single to show up and get out though, even on the weekend.

[DiscipleofPenick]

The easiest thing I found is to just go out early. This may mean 6 AM in the summer but it's with it. I've also found 2 or 3 courses where I made contact with the pro/manager and they know me and I can talk to them and make plans for a good time to go out. Other times I don't worry about getting paired up.

 

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[RexS]

I live 50 miles from my work and most of my golf buddies. So on the weekend when I want to play I usually go on GolfNow and reserve a tee time for myself but, I always show up early and try to get worked in with someone else. I just tell the starter "if you can please put me with someone" .

[dadivots]

The easiest thing I found is to just go out early. This may mean 6 AM in the summer but it's with it. I've also found 2 or 3 courses where I made contact with the pro/manager and they know me and I can talk to them and make plans for a good time to go out. Other times I don't worry about getting paired up.

 

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For sure. It is a matter of timing, or time of the day, usually.

For some reason I play my best in the early am, sun up +, and a course who's architect put the first tee box, let alone the first couple, right into the sun usually finds the regulars not taking those tee times. Thats my solo nitch. I play %70 of the time as a single. I could go when ever I wanted anyway and found the focus and results were worth it. Playing with others is about fun and meeting decent fellows. Money rounds end up with some regulars I know who are usually the type you would rather not spend time with at the buffet afterwards anyway, and then its time to bring on the scorched earth policy with a smile...

[Wedgie]

I live in RI and play by myself all the time by just walking on. Sometimes it's great and sometimes it's horrible. Regardless you are close to me in Mass so let's get together when the rain stops.

 

 

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[Jmikecpa]

Depends on when I want to play.  For years I played as a single at some public courses and made friends with the starter and got to play as the rabbit.  Throw me in a cart and I will turn the round in right around 2 hours.  At my club I normally play with a group of guys on Saturday and the only time I play as a single is if I catch a round after work during the week.

[chisag]

... As an actor, I rarely know what my schedule will be like two days in advance. I have cancelled tee times one day in advance when a last minute audition shows up so I play a lot as a single. Unlike most others I prefer twilight golf and absolutely hate playing early in the morning. Nothing like coming up 18 with the sun starting to set and the myriad of colors in the sky. 

 

... Golfnow is a godsend for a single and I use it often. There are several courses in my area that I really enjoy so I just call and see if there is a chance a single can get out and the answer is usually "yea, com'on out". Nothing worse than showing up without calling to find there is an outing/tourney that day. I am always amazed at how cool people that play golf really are. I would guess about 80% of the people I get paired up with make for a fun round. 15% not so much and another 5% that are just miserable to play with.

... Out in LA I played 30 days in a row twice last season in March and again in May and one day two guys greet me on the first tee like this "We are two rich Jews and our CC is closed today so we are slumming at a muni so don't slow us down". I was walking with my remote cart and they were in a riding cart but I was always waiting on them. One in his early 50's and the other his dad. They threw clubs, cursed after every poor shot, dropped balls and played extra's and rarely had anything to say to me. I shot 2 under on the front and they quit after 9. Thankfully people like this are very rare. 

[deejaid]

... .

 

... Out in LA I played 30 days in a row twice last season in March and again in May and one day two guys greet me on the first tee like this "We are two rich Jews and our CC is closed today so we are slumming at a muni so don't slow us down". I was walking with my remote cart and they were in a riding cart but I was always waiting on them. One in his early 50's and the other his dad. They threw clubs, cursed after every poor shot, dropped balls and played extra's and rarely had anything to say to me. I shot 2 under on the front and they quit after 9. Thankfully people like this are very rare.

I lived in Studio City for a year and nearly all my rounds were at Griffith Park. I never seen so many single golfers at a course. When you arrived you got on the starters list and they would usually pair you with 3 other singles. It was like heaven for a single golfer because you never felt like you were intruding on a threesome.

 

And fortunately I never got paired with any jerkoffs like you mentioned.

 

 

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[DiscipleofPenick]

... As an actor, I rarely know what my schedule will be like two days in advance. I have cancelled tee times one day in advance when a last minute audition shows up so I play a lot as a single. Unlike most others I prefer twilight golf and absolutely hate playing early in the morning. Nothing like coming up 18 with the sun starting to set and the myriad of colors in the sky.

 

... Golfnow is a godsend for a single and I use it often. There are several courses in my area that I really enjoy so I just call and see if there is a chance a single can get out and the answer is usually "yea, com'on out". Nothing worse than showing up without calling to find there is an outing/tourney that day. I am always amazed at how cool people that play golf really are. I would guess about 80% of the people I get paired up with make for a fun round. 15% not so much and another 5% that are just miserable to play with.

 

... Out in LA I played 30 days in a row twice last season in March and again in May and one day two guys greet me on the first tee like this "We are two rich Jews and our CC is closed today so we are slumming at a muni so don't slow us down". I was walking with my remote cart and they were in a riding cart but I was always waiting on them. One in his early 50's and the other his dad. They threw clubs, cursed after every poor shot, dropped balls and played extra's and rarely had anything to say to me. I shot 2 under on the front and they quit after 9. Thankfully people like this are very rare.

Twilight golf isn't bad either. Usually follow a league for 9. If your by yourself or with a friend it's a nice to get some on course practice in that way

 

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[drewneddy]

I play solo about once a week. I do it on purpose for practice. sometimes don't like to be bothered out there and I can do things like hit 7iron off every tee box or play an extra ball from the 100yd marker in every hole. I try to make it fun and time consuming.

 

 

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[imaheatfan]

I frequently arrive to a course as a single.  I'll either use GolfNow and look for times for 1 player, or, I'll call around.  If I call I'll be straight forward and expect them to return the candor... "I'm a single and I can be there in fifteen minutes.  What time is best for you?  Do you have any twos or threes on your board?"  Within thirty seconds, I'll know if I'm playing that course or calling the next.

[downlowkey]

The meetup community can be a good way to develop golf relationships...and recruit new golf spies.

 

A couple potential options in your neck of the woods...

 

https://www.meetup.com/Judgement-Free-Golf-Drinks/
 
https://www.meetup.com/Boston-Area-Golf-Meetup/

[JAGolfore]

I usually play as a single during the week. Off by 6:30 am most mornings. But weekend I will find a game or join up with my wife.

 

 

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[TSauer]

I play solo about 90% of the time. Don't have too many close friends that golf, so that's out of the question. I sometimes prefer it, as it allows me to focus on my game, especially when walking. I do enjoy the company though, and being able to play with groups around my skill level whenever I get the chance.

[dadivots]

Twilight golf isn't bad either. Usually follow a league for 9. If your by yourself or with a friend it's a nice to get some on course practice in that way

 

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Been there with those folks on those tracks too.

If you evening guys out there ever get the wild hair, there is/was a nine hole par 32( I think) muni in Indio under the lights. Some of the most dialed in golf Ive ever played was there. Ide play under the lights all the time if I was able to.

[cnosil]

When I go on my family vacation I Am the only golfer so I go alone most of the time. I just call the course and ask when they can fit me in. Never had a problem. Sometimes I go by myself and other times the course pairs me up.

[hckymeyer]

Since joining my course I haven't played single much.  If I do it's when the course is slow and I'm just jumping out for a few holes.

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with playing as a single though.  When calling for tee times though I'd just say hey I'm a single and I'd love to try and play around this time, can you squeeze me in?  Most courses aren't going to want to book an entire tee slot for a single unless it's really slow.

 

As for finding partners I went through a similar situation.  I didn't have regular playing partners before joining my course and the only person I knew here was my brother in law.  He was able to facilitate a lot of introductions and that helped, but what really helped me find more golfers is joining the mens league.

 

See if any local courses have a mens league you could join.  Even if it's just a 9 hole shotgun league it helps to meet new people who are also in to golf.  Plus you'll run in to the same guys each time so easier to get to know them.

[Jiro]

In the summer, I'll try and grab the first tee time of the day with a cart to get a quick 9 in before work. Usually I am by myself but sometimes have been paired with the grounds crew moving the holes.

 

 

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