Playing golf alone can be one of the most gratifying experiences in the game. Don’t get me wrong I love to tee it up with others most of the time, but there is something about getting out early by yourself and flying around the course. Because let’s be honest, it’s no fun playing by yourself if you’re stuck behind a bunch of foursomes.
I feel I can truly decompress and relax when playing as a party of one. There are no innate competitive tendencies that flare-up. I just try to play the course and enjoy the outdoors. I find I get in a great rhythm this way. Whatever my score ends up is usually irrelevant.
I got to be the first out as a single on my Michigan trip last month and it was great. Being up there in May made for some cold mornings, but I was even alone on some of the afternoon rounds on courses that were not at all busy. These were fabulous experiences that allowed me time to take pictures for this site and enjoy the course.
So aside from the ridiculous rule about posting scores played alone (which I may or may not follow) there is really no downside to alone rounds every now and again. But I want to hear what you think!
Sound off in the comments and let me know what you like about playing golf alone. What don’t you like?
I prefer to play alone. Less to worry about, can usually play more than one ball, and I can take as much time as I want or need.
So true, the freedom to not worry about time is the best.
Jimmy, I love to go out solo when it’s early. i have a set of games I play that helps me work on specific areas of my game.
Thanks,
Brian
The practice aspect is great!
I agree with everything you said. I look at those solo rounds as a way to get away from everything and everyone. Sometimes you just need that peace and quiet. I don’t have a lot of golfing friends so it’s tough to find someone to accompany me. At first, I was hesitant to go out by myself. Now, I almost look forward to it once in a while.
It is liberating to play alone. The peace and quiet can be so comforting.
Hi Jimmy,
I rarely get to play solo but I remember those rounds well. My first ever chip in was when I was playing solo in the Costa Brava in Spain and while no one was there to witness it, the moment was sublime.
I love playing golf for the soul – just me and the course and I have also played a solo round barefoot on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Amazing experience.
Cheers,
Tiff
Those are some awesome experiences, thanks for sharing!
Great post Jimmy. At the risk of you getting only comments of people agreeing with you, I’ll chime in. I play alone a good bit. Love it. Last Saturday I got to the course a little early, no one was out yet, so I took off. Played 18 in 2 hours exactly. Score was 10 shots better than my previous 18 hole round (tournament at the same course). I learned some things about myself I should be able to apply to future rounds. Maybe it was that my “rhythm” was better and I wasn’t so worried about a score.
I’m always cool with people agreeing with me! I also find I usually play better while alone. I think the rhythm aspect is huge. You hit shots quickly and don’t get in your own way.
This year has been strange for me, in that I’ve been playing a lot more rounds with others. My usual Thursday night solo round has been put on its heels a bit for varying reasons. Part of it has been connecting with others and some of it has been bringing my daughter (who’s almost 6) out on the course with me on late afternoon weekends. Lucky for me, she’s the one asking to go out on the course!
I still enjoy the solo rounds, but I’ve also enjoyed the company I’ve had this year.
Getting out the the family is a good substitute!
Jimmy,
While I don’t do it too often, playing solo is a refreshing experience and a good way to get some practice in. The membership at my course is generally pretty soft when it comes to playing in cool temperatures, so that can be a great opportunity to go out and have the course completely to myself.
Cheers
Josh
Extreme conditions are always a crowd thinner!
Yes the solo game early in the morning is so refreshing for mind amd body. I will play from the forward “red” markers at times just to have a different play on the familier holes. Usually am the first one off the back nine so no crowd and its like a private club even at the
Yes, a solo back nine first off the tee in the morning is great for the mind and body. Sometimes will play the red tees just to have a different view of the course and new challenges.