Golfing Solo

[-Mini-]

I've never played a round by myself before, was wondering if it is a popular thing to do? I normally only see groups playing, I can't recall seeing solo golfers. I really want to focus on my game and take the time to read shots, and work on my game.

I was just wondering if many of you have golfed solo before and if it was worthwhile

[gsu_paintballer]

I play solo everyday after class. Nine holes walking. The course is pretty empty because my last class ends at 3:40, so the after work guys aren't quite there yet. I have almost begun to dislike riding in a cart with groups because of this.

[Trevor07Silvy]

I do all the time to do what you said, actually practice/focus. I'll get off work (I work at a golf course) and go play 9 or 18 (sometimes be paired with someone if it's busy though). The majority of the time I play, it is with friends but it is nice to get out there and really practice.

[x-forged]

I've played alone maybe three or four times at most...I didnt think Id like it but its very enjoyable.

[Klean]

Actually, I did it on Sunday. Well it started out a threesome (Me, my GF and a Friend), but due to the 110degree dry heat out here, they both called it quits around the 8th and 9th hole. So I finished the other 12 by myself.

And you know what, it was actually pleasant. I was able to take my time, and I even sat on the grass under a tree for a good 5 minutes to smoke a cig. There was only one other group out there and I was 4 holes ahead of them. To top it off, I scored one of my best rounds of golf ever.

[gsu_paintballer]

Actually, I did it on Sunday. Well it started out a threesome (Me, my GF and a Friend), but due to the 110degree dry heat out here, they both called it quits around the 8th and 9th hole. So I finished the other 12 by myself.

THAT is why I prefer going by myself. I feel so much more rushed in a group.

[-Mini-]

Nine holes walking. The course is pretty empty because my last class ends at 3:40,

Yeah - The course will be pretty empty too as it is a 9 hole - since my main course doesn't allow solo

I do all the time to do what you said, actually practice/focus. .

Yeah I am hoping to rid some of those distractions, since with buddies your talking, laughing a little and not 100% on the game which is where I need to be in order to improve

I've played alone maybe three or four times at most...I didnt think Id like it but its very enjoyable.

Yeah right now I am iffy thinking it might be umm boring not having anyone to talk to ahh well we shall see

[cougar2588]

yea this is something i've been thinking about doing lately. especially since im a new golfer, and it seems like everytime i go out with other ppl, everyone always feels the need to make suggestions to me and blah blah blah the whole time we are on the course. to be honest, its nice that they are trying to help, but it gets to be pretty annoying sometimes.

[-Mini-]

yup - when I get paired up with other people besides friends that happens a lot. Gets old quick, but with buddies I normally go with I am the best, as they started either this year/last and I've been playing for a few and taking lessons. I don't say anything to them unless they ask for help since I know what its like


Hopefully this round tomorrow will be relaxing and really allow me to focus without all distractions

[cougar2588]

yup - when I get paired up with other people besides friends that happens a lot. Gets old quick, but with buddies I normally go with I am the best, as they started either this year/last and I've been playing for a few and taking lessons. I don't say anything to them unless they ask for help since I know what its like

yep im in a similar situation with my friends. except that i just started this year too but am taking it a lot more seriously than they are. i made sure to keep my mouth shut when we went out together last week.

[CPHoya]

I play solo a lot , and moreover, I did it in D.C. for 3 years. It's actually very normal and it's very good for your game.

If the course is kind of open and you manage to get in a round alone you can do all sorts of good stuff. One thing I used to do was play each hole twice at the same time, but I was only allowed to use irons with one of the balls. At the end of the round the two scores were sometimes not that far apart at all - I once shot 9 over with all my clubs and 11 over with the irons - and that means you're improving with the long irons you would otherwise be hitting less frequently.

Another good thing about playing alone is you get to meet a lot of other players. Sometimes it's a drag, but golf is the most social game I know of and it's wonderful to make new (temporary) acquaintances with whom you can enjoy the game. And who knows, sometimes you wind up with a new playing partner in your cell phone.

Finally, being willing to play alone frees you up to simply play more , which is the best thing for your game.

D.C.-specific Tangent : In D.C. there isn't much golf to be had, but Hanes Point has a 9 hole executive course, a 9 hole longer course with a couple par 4s, and then an 18 hole course - it's a pretty solid place to learn. The range also has heated bays for those times during the winter that you just need to work on your game.

The best golf for cheap, though, is available through Montgomery County Golf . They have 8 or 9 courses, all in good shape, and they're all public and pretty affordable at twilight. You can sign up for e-mail discounts that are pretty substantial. I played alone at those courses constantly when I was in D.C. for law school. Check that out!

[QWKDTSN]

I golf solo probably 75% of the time. I would prefer to do it a little more because I tend to score a bit better. When golfing by myself I have all the time I need to think and relax. When playing in a group with another two or three players, my short game really, really suffers because there is an increased sense of urgency. I think everyone would want to kill me if I took as much time reading my putts as I do when I am playing by myself. Golf is all mental and I have a hard enough time battling me vs. the course without having three other people milling around watching me... I am definitely not mentally tough enough yet to play as well in a group. I put too much pressure on myself.

[Lemay427]

I find playing by myself very very relaxing. I normally play on the weekends with friends and during the week by myself. Its a great way to work on things without holding up your group.

[erova]

D.C.-specific Tangent

sounds like you got out of dodge at the right time, CP. MoCo Golf has gotten quite full of themselves recently and will charge only about 20 dollars less than some of the less crowded, well-conditioned daily fee courses in the area. Paying close to $75 for Needwood vs. $90 for Worthington Manor is a joke.

[MunkeyGolfer]

Going solo is the hip thing to do I do it all the time since my course isn't busy and doesn't require foursomes. I really enjoy it.

[chingali]

I play on my own a few times a week or so, have done it for about the last 25+ years. Usually I'll play 9 holes early in the morning just after the sun comes up or during summer I'll go out for a 18 holes in the evening.

It's great for practicing your short game, if nobody is around when I am on my own (usually that'll be the case) every few holes I'll throw half a dozen balls around the green and in to bunkers and try to get them up and down in as few strokes as I can including putting out. Throwing the balls around the green and playing them from where they finish I think replicates how you play more than chipping 50 balls from the same spot on the practice green.

Another thing I like to do when on my own is if I have a new driver or 3 wood etc or if I want to try out an old one I might like to put back in the bag I'll hit 3 or 4 balls with my current club and hit 3 or 4 with the new one and compare the results. I mark the balls differently so I know what I hit with which club. I find this is much better than trying something new on the range as it gives you a direct comparison you can actually see while picking up the balls.

[DJYoshi]

i go out by myself all the time...at least 3 of the 4 times i play in a week i'm by myself...especially when i'm on the road and i don't know a lot of golfers in the area.... I actually enjoy it..as long as they match me up with good people, I have a good time and enjoy a good round of golf....
and there's times when the courses are empty (really hot & humid days) and I get to go out by myself and play....

[xamilo]

I love playing solo, its kind of relaxing. You just concentrate on your ball, its wonderful. Maybe not for doing so everyday, but its interesting to have some free time with yourself without much noise around...