Golfing Solo or only with Friends?

[digitaltexan 7]

There pretty much isn't a day where I wish I was on a course somewhere, ANYWHERE, playing golf with my buddies. However, I've always been the type of person who prefers to play with friends rather than going out on my own. Unfortunately, all my golf buddies live in other towns and other states. So as a result, I don't get to play as often as I'd like because I simply can not find any playing partners.

Another result of not playing too often is that my game suffers from the lack of practice. I think that's one of the reasons why I like to only play with friends; I don't feel any pressure to play at the same pace as the rest of the foursome. I can be myself and actually enjoy the game. 

There was a time when I had a buddy of mine encourage me to join his golf league. Since my skill level wasn't as great as his, I was put in a different pool of players and never got to play with my buddy. But since I was grouped together with players of my own skill level, I actually enjoyed playing along with strangers. In fact the more I played the better I got, and actually earned a spot to play for the championship of my bracket. But that was some time ago and back when I lived in a different place.

So now where I live, (closer to family) I have one brother-in-law that plays, but we can never schedule a time to play. There are a number of courses to play in my area. I played at my favorite course, last October, and probably had the best round ever. Some four or five months later, I played at probably my least favorite course and had the worst round ever. I know that I just need to simply play much more. And with this COVID-19, being cooped up in the house for so long while witnessing the awesome weather that Spring is rolling in; I'm just about desperate enough to go out solo. However, I'm not too confident and certain what type of round I'm going to have. I just want to play!

So the question is: Am I alone in finding it difficult to go out to play? Is it just a self-made phobia or do others feel the same? 

I guess one could say it's all about pace of play. Since most of us are recreational golfers, and don't play golf for a living, the only golfers that I've met that had no problem going out to any course on their own are those golfers with the lowest of handicaps. 

 

Edited April 21 by digitaltexan

[Tsmithjr9 1,165]

I play 90% of my rounds alone. I guess in one sense you just get used to it. The only time I've had for years is early Sat & Sun morning, and even though I'm 35 and past the 'party all night' stage, guys just don't want to get up on their day off. I'm in a situation where I can't afford to be gone from home for 6 or 7 hours to play mid or late morning every weekend. I play dawn patrol solo and back home by 10ish. If you want to golf you find a way to play.

I would suggest finding a local course where you know you'll be able to play at a certain time of day. For me It's weekend mornings, maybe for you that's 4pm on Thursday, whatever time is good. Introduce yourself to the pro or shop manager or starter. Get to know a few guys and they'll start to know you, know your voice on the phone. They'll be honest and work you in when they can. Then, when you have a buddy or family member you can have a lot of fun and know it's a special round.

Take Dead Aim

[GaDawg 181]

I am like Tsmithjr9, I play almost all of my golf alone. For years I was a member of two different clubs and always had games with 7 other guys. The golf was great, but too much drama. It was like playing with a bunch of kids. Always complaining about someone's handicap or didn't like who their partner was, etc. Moved on to the second club and enjoyed it for about 10 years, played with a few groups and had some nice matches.

After leaving that club, I have just played a lot of different clubs, Golfnow (which I hated due to never knowing who you would be paired with). Finally, I just started playing alone, mostly in the late afternoons. I actually love playing alone, I can concentrate better and seem to have more focus. It's kinda a mind set, you just need focus on your game.

Edited April 21 by GaDawg
correct spelling

[GolfSpy STUDque 11,114]

Hey @digitaltexan I think this would make a great poll. If you want to put one in, I'll feature it in a few days. Just click edit on your first post and use the "Poll" tab to build one. 

[russtopherb 4,225]

I've never had a problem with going out solo, regardless of the course. There's a few near my office that I would hit on the way home to squeeze in 9. Never had a problem walking by myself, I rather enjoy the peace and quiet to be honest.

[braveheart 19]

This past winter in CT was very mild. It’s been at least 10 years since I played as much as I did this year. Most of the time, I played alone. Most of these rounds,  I played mostly on days off during the week, very early in the morning. Felt like I had the course to myself some days, thus I could experiment with equipment and hit two to three balls each shot. I also walk, saving money and getting a workout. I have a close friend who makes an effort to join me as often as he can. It is my preference to have him there.

With the recent pandemic, the course has been open and busy. I still try to play early and alone most of the time. I am used to it and make the most of it as I said above. 

I have a golf league starting soon. It will be different with the social distancing that is present now. Don’t know if it will be as enjoyable as other years. 

[digitaltexan 7]

Hey [mention=1504]digitaltexan[/mention] I think this would make a great poll. If you want to put one in, I'll feature it in a few days. Just click edit on your first post and use the "Poll" tab to build one. 

Will do!


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[Fugatec 23]

I get bored playing alone. I still do it to practice, but I miss the competition. Some times when I play alone I will drop 3 balls and play those against each other. Also, its fun to play for a little money and bragging rights against friends. Or against the dogfight guys. They really arent friends but I am friendly with them.

[Middler 1,501]

I’d rather play in a league so I’m always in a three or foursome with different guys every week. I play alone for practice maybe 10% of the time, with friends 10% of the time and 80% in league play.

[xOldBenKenobiX 1,055]

Because I love playing at first light, a lot of my friends don't like getting up that early, I play a lot, about half of my yearly rounds alone, or with my 11 year old son.

[PMookie 10,344]

I play solo the overwhelming majority of the time. When I’m at these semi-private courses, I try to join a group of two or three, but always get rebuffed. Even at my local goat ranch, I generally play as a single, trying to get finished within three hours.

I’ll never forget being in San Antonio for work, and I went to the Quarry to play. They don’t mess around there so they put singles with others to keep the course full, and groups stacked. I was placed with three members. They weren’t happy about it. They didn’t want to get stuck with someone slowing them down. I get it. Well, after four hours, we had been laughing it up, having a great time, and they asked me to join them for beers after the round as well. Tom, one of the three, gave me his cell, and I contacted him each time I came back to town so we could all join up together.

I’ve had bad experiences as well, but I enjoy trying to join-up with folks.


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[tony@CIC 14,177]

90% of the time I prefer playing with others. We have a large group so it's easy to put together  a 4some. More often than not, after playing 18 with the guys, my wife will come home from bridge and want to go out and play 9. I really enjoy the interaction with the others and an added bonus is that we all play fairly fast. 

The 10% of the time, which coincidentally happened Sunday is when something goes wrong and I'm trying to fix it. I was having a good round  Sunday and the last 3 holes were cr*ap - couldn't hit any of my long clubs. Went out to play 9 last night with my wife and now I can add wedges to that list. So as soon as the wind dies down I'll be out by myself trying to fix the issues. 

[bens197 5,036]

Both. I love the company of a casual round with my friends on the course. I also love a quiet round to myself.

My favorite memories in life have always been in the company of friends and family. I’ve found lately that a quiet walk to myself is as peaceful as meditation.

[Lacassem 4,245]

Does not matter for me would prefer playing with friends but am constantly jumping out solo or with randoms. Either way its golf just get me out there!

[B.Boston 5,700]

I used to play alone and get grouped up with folks at a small 9 hole course where they didn't even take tee-times.  It was a fun way to meet some really interesting people.

I plan on having more solo rounds in my future.  I'm looking to join a club but will only do that if I can manage to get myself there one or twice during the week for a morning 6 or 9 holes before heading to work.

[ZenGolfer 552]

It doesnt really matter to me.  I can play alone, I can get grouped with strangers or I can golf with friends.  Theres a part of me that enjoys the meditative nature of early morning or evening rounds alone and sometimes its nice to play with others.  Its all great, really.

[GB13 7,333]

I play alone probably 75% of the time, and I love it. Around here, the golf courses (usually) aren’t very busy, and I can get around in under 3 hours. And, since the courses are so empty, it is a quiet peaceful environment. For me, there is nothing more therapeutic than spending hours outside alone. As @ZenGolfer said, it can be a meditative experience, and a calming escape from daily life. 

On the days courses are busier, since I can’t play a quick round, I love being paired up with people. Meeting new, interesting people is always fun.

Basically, in case you can’t tell, I like golf.

[daviddvm 1,738]

I usually do the driving range and practice areas by myself or with my daughter.

When playing a round I usually play with a group of friends and/or family. I play a weekly foursome group ( sometime five-some) usually the same guys. 

[juspoole 1,181]

I enjoy playing with others, but it's always such a pain in the butt to match schedules or weather that I end up just randomly going out during the week and playing. Many times, I'll use GolfNow for a hot deal and get paired up with another group.  

At times, the serenity of playing alone around is really nice to feel like you have the course to yourself as well.  Before all of this, my plan was to play more rounds around 7;30pm to have the course to myself and not feel like I am missing out on family time.

[GolfSpy STUDque 11,114]

If I'm traveling, I would 10/10 prefer being paired up with strangers than play alone. It's great to chat with locals who play these courses all the time and learn about the course wherever possible.

At home, I can totally go either way. The 6 degrees of separation are strong around here so there's a good chance I have a connection of some sort with any "stranger" I could get paired with.