Considering a solo golf resort trip

[ElWagonne]

I'm thinking of going on a golf vacation solo due to not having a lot of golfing friends willing to go on a trip of this sort.  Has anybody thought about this or done it before?  Just soliciting some opinions before pulling the trigger.

[meenman]

Just go to an area of the country with a bunch of sand trappers in it. You could probably get to play several different courses with a variety of *friends.*

I will say that I have never had a bad time playing with someone from this board that was in the area.

[France46]

I just had 4 nights away with the wife who does't play and got in two rounds.  I enjoyed the second pairing/golf course better than the first, but it was a fun trip overall.

Years ago with my dad in Scotland, we got paired with a Canadian or American guy who was doing a month solo at St Andrews as he was between jobs/girlfriends.  He had rented a small apartment and would play 18 in the morning, take a nap and then do another 18 in the afternoon...he seemed to be having a blast.

[ElWagonne]

Originally Posted by meenman

Just go to an area of the country with a bunch of sand trappers in it. You could probably get to play several different courses with a variety of *friends.*

I will say that I have never had a bad time playing with someone from this board that was in the area.

It's a good number of people on the board from North TX, never had any complaints, so I could try that.  I'm thinking either San Antonio or Austin for starters.

[geauxforbroke]

Originally Posted by ElWagonne

It's a good number of people on the board from North TX, never had any complaints, so I could try that.  I'm thinking either San Antonio or Austin for starters.

Plenty of solid choices in both cities. TPC San Antonio is a beast.

[ElWagonne]

Originally Posted by geauxforbroke

Plenty of solid choices in both cities. TPC San Antonio is a beast.

TPC may be too rich for my blood, but the Westin seems reasonable.  Barton Creek, I may save for a trip with the lady.

[bkuehn1952]

Once you have tentatively selected a location, you might check with a few of the courses and ask them how they handle single golfers.  I suspect most courses are fine with slotting in a single but I always prefer to know in advance that I won't be treated like a leper as a single golfer.

If you go to San Antonio, I recommend Cedar Creek as the "poor man's" La Cantera.  If you stay at the Westin La Cantera, Cedar Creek is just down the road.  Of course, the two courses at the resort are top notch and you won't get bored playing them several days.  Set aside some time for the range at La Cantera.  It is a terrific facility.

[geauxforbroke]

If you go to La Cantera, both courses are good, but I prefer the Palmer course. It's a little more difficult, but I think it's a more fun layout than the Resort course.

Cedar Creek is okay, but usually not in very good shape. My favorite course in town is Canyon Springs near 281 and 1604. Beautiful course with a great layout. Silverhorn is difficult, but a good track. Usually gets pretty backed up in the summer though. The Quarry and Brackenridge Park are fun, but overrated and overpriced, IYAM.

[Yukari]

Did it many times as most of my friends are not avid golfers like me.

I usually tend to go to Mesquite, Las Vegas, Tucson, or the Bay area (S.F.) so there are other things to do after a round (except maybe Tucson).

[Big C]

My wife and did our 1 year anniversary in Kauai, and I played a few times by myself since she is not a golfer. Honestly, I have to go against the grain here and say that I really didn't enjoy the experience that much. There's something about playing a really nice track that makes you want to experience it with others. I don't mind playing 9 holes by myself after work at the local muni, but if I were to plan a golfing trip with that specific purpose in mind, I'd be sure I had enough people to at least round out a foursome.

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by Big C

My wife and did our 1 year anniversary in Kauai, and I played a few times by myself since she is not a golfer. Honestly, I have to go against the grain here and say that I really didn't enjoy the experience that much. There's something about playing a really nice track that makes you want to experience it with others. I don't mind playing 9 holes by myself after work at the local muni, but if I were to plan a golfing trip with that specific purpose in mind, I'd be sure I had enough people to at least round out a foursome.

I'm with you.  I've never actually played golf completely alone before.  I did play in Hawaii by myself several years ago, but with my wife riding along in the cart.  That was fun, but I definitely prefer playing with other people.

Although, if I had the same problem as the OP, I might pull the trigger.  Golfing alone would be better than not golfing at all, and there is always the possibility of meeting new people!

I am having a deja vu right now that I've either said this on here already, or read it ... but I have an idea:  Somebody should start an eharmony type website for golfing partners!  It's gold Jerry, gold!!

[cipher]

Originally Posted by Golfingdad

I'm with you.  I've never actually played golf completely alone before.  I did play in Hawaii by myself several years ago, but with my wife riding along in the cart.  That was fun, but I definitely prefer playing with other people.

Although, if I had the same problem as the OP, I might pull the trigger.  Golfing alone would be better than not golfing at all, and there is always the possibility of meeting new people!

I am having a deja vu right now that I've either said this on here already, or read it ... but I have an idea:  Somebody should start an eharmony type website for golfing partners!  It's gold Jerry, gold!!

I thought of that a while back, looked into it and it has already been done, a bunch of times poorly.

I of course play alone a lot.  I kind of like the quiet of being alone on the course as well.  Other than me, who wants to get up and tee off at 5:20AM in the morning.  If I were to ever go on a golfing trip though I would not do it alone if I did not need to though. ElWagonne, hopefully you can find someone to roll with or meet up with.

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by cipher

Other than me, who wants to get up and tee off at 5:20AM in the morning.

I do!

(But I'm not waking up a day early to drive to Wisconsin ... sorry.) ;)

I'm actually in this same boat.  I'd be able to play a lot more if I played early morning 9 hole weekday rounds, and I would be more inclined to do it if I had somebody to play with (mainly because I want to be assured of a tee time and can't book for one at most of the courses I play) so for now I have to be content with the regular 9-hole par 3 game I talked a couple co-workers into.

[cipher]

Originally Posted by Golfingdad

I do!

(But I'm not waking up a day early to drive to Wisconsin ... sorry.) ;)

I'm actually in this same boat.  I'd be able to play a lot more if I played early morning 9 hole weekday rounds, and I would be more inclined to do it if I had somebody to play with (mainly because I want to be assured of a tee time and can't book for one at most of the courses I play) so for now I have to be content with the regular 9-hole par 3 game I talked a couple co-workers into.

Ha ha, yeah that would be a long walk.  There are some decent golf destinations here though.  Although I have never played any of them(only been here 3 years now).  You have Erin Hills, Kohler(Whistling, the Irish, Blackwolf Run)  Maybe one year I will make it out to a SoCal event and make a trip out of it as well.

Playing in the mornings is pretty much the only way right now that I can get enough golf in to feel like I could be doing enough to reach my goals.  The first tee is pretty brutal though.  No driving range ahead of time, cold temps and tight muscles.   Tee times seem to be at such a premium there in Cali, must be tough.  Wish I lived there though.  It is nice to play all year round and I would head over to Carson and watch the Galaxy as well.

[lumpuckeroo]

Originally Posted by chriskzoo

I'd probably only do it on a course that was on my "must play before I die" list (e.g. St. Andrews)

Same for me, I go on the trips for the comradery, I don't think I would enjoy a trip solo.

[Peak2Creek]

I do this all the time. In fact just about every time I'm on vacation in Hawaii or California. My wife doesn't like golf so I get used to being paired up with other groups as a single.

[jfepper]

I'm 68 and did two trips alone because for 20 years I could not find friends and family who would, or could join me. These were bucket list items and I finally decided that I didn't want to live with the regret of not playing them. The two courses were Pebble Beach and the Old Course at St. Andrews and both, while expensive, were easy to get on as a single. At PB I just called and asked if they accept singles and they said yes, and booked me a room and a round of golf, pairing me with similar handicap players. I showed the pictures to friends and the next year THEY suggested we go there and play, and we did, with the returning guest upgrades. You can also show up at PB the day you want to play and they will fit you in if there is an opening. At St. Andrews you go to the starter's hut early on the morning you want to play and get in line for a tee time. The starter gets there at 6:30 and adds players to an open tee time in the order they arrive until they are all gone. I went at 4:30 AM as recommended by my B&B; and was given a 7:50 tee time. Terrible weather and still had a blast. Next day I approached the same starter around noon and he was kind enough to get me out in an hour with perfect weather. Dream come true. Of course to do that one I had to plan a tour of Scotland and England for my wife and her mother, which was also fun. I will go back!!

I recently retired and would like to travel around the US and play courses which will be friendly to a solo golfer. Any suggestions would be appreciated.