Do You Golf Alone?

[mtrevors]

  WhiteSoxFan said:

I hope all of you guys who "drop a couple balls" aren't posting those scores for your handicap.

Wow, now that is hardcore.

[chigolf07]

I play alone sometimes, mostly because I don't know too many that golf. Tomorrow I'll be playing alone in the morning, just for one last time of the season (it's getting cold here in the Midwest).

[ser182]

I go out alot by my self because most people are working. i like it it is like going to the range and practicing

[ks8829]

I use to play alone all the time, just in the last 8 months, I've been playing regularly with my buddy who's a 3 handicapp golfer and we play match play each time.

I like the consistent play with my buddy and the learning experience but I also met new friends playing alone.

[albatroz]

It is when i go play by myself that i come to realize the numerous mistakes that i have in my game . When there arent many players around i see to it that i hit half a dozen balls and play 3 of the worst lies . Doing this makes me more proficient and in the long run i do not fear anymore where my ball goes as i know i can get it out of the worst situation . Also my handicap has gone down because of the practise i devote to the game . The feeling is kinda eiree at first but once you get used to the solitude you can find peace and solutions to the numerous problems in life . After the game i come out refreashed and ready to tackle life .

[Roody]

In the first 4 or 5 years I played golf, I would go out alone more. I would even go out when then temperature was in the 30's. Heck, other than the temperature I loved winter golf - you've pretty much got the course to yourself, and the ground is so hard you get some wicked roll on your drives. The rates are mad-cheap, it's dead quiet, and with no one else around I could hit two or three balls and get some good practice in.

For the past 5-6 years though, I've become much more of a fair-weather golfer, and I tend to not go out by myself as much. It's largely due to the fact that I've increased my pool of available golf buddies.

I'm considering joining a club next year, and I think if I do I'll probably be golfing more often by myself.

[Diobacco]

I am glad I read this thread. So encouraging...

I never played solo in my first season, but know it will happen and that is the only way I can play as much as I want to. I was fearing playing solo was somehow bad.

If you enjoy it, I will as well!

[Will]

  iacas said:

That's not correct either. You can practice putt in stroke play - they just make a local rule disallowing it on the pro tours.

Yes, except I think in the PGA sponsored events they sometimes allow it. See attached for 1993 Tom Watson example.

[Terrier]

IMHO...

When I first moved and got a gig at a golf course, I played alone almost all the time. I kept myself honest and saw some great progress/scores. Being the last person on a stellar golf course in Myrtle at sunset was paradise.

I still enjoy playing alone (I'm an introvert by nature), but playing with actual human beings is crucial to growing as a golfer. You help your playing partners look for their balls, have conversations, learn to wait to take your turn, must pay attention to where to walk on the green, etc.

The above situations throw off one's tempo and mental approach as opposed to playing alone, i.e., the "nerve factor". In the long run, and again, in my humble opinion, one will be a better golfer playing with others.

Most of my rounds playing with others are impromptu. I've been known to ask another or two to play 9 holes (who are just out on the range hitting balls) with me for free (since I'm an employee).

And heaven forbid I get a hole in one by myself.

[crazy_horst]

Hey terrier , do you drink alone?

Ah I kill myself...

When I'm up north during the summer I play a ton by myself. I actually prefer it to a certain extent. But there could also be more than one meaning of "alone." I rarely, if ever, have a partner/golfing buddy, so I'm normally always alone and get paired up on the first tee.

But in both senses, yes, I do play alone.

[Terrier]

  crazy_horst said:

Hey

Ahh...one of those me speaketh of that I drag off the range.

You'll overcome the "playing alone" factor, my friend. And you'll get better because of it. Agreed -- "alone" can be subjective. I show up at the course(s) alone and get grouped with strangers. Isn't that one of the aspects of golf? "If you play golf, you're a friend of mine". Case in point: meeting others that are as addicted to the game as you are. Getting to meet superior players, less than superior players (that are excellent conversationists), and even tour pros that just want to play at that time of the day. As far as drinking alone, Mr. Horst: George Thoroughgood rocks. In fact, he's quite...dare I say..."good"?

[xixiviii]

Absolutely.

As an only child I have grown to like being alone. I probably play 8 out of 10 rounds alone. I catch slower groups and sometimes join up, or I might get paired with another single or two, but I prefer to go at it alone.

[tm22721]

I play alone.

I don't know why but I have encountered more jerks on the golf course than any place else. A gentlemen's game it is NOT, anymore.

[g-funk13]

  tm22721 said:

I play alone.

Me and my Dad got paired with a JERK this summer in New Mexico (Paa ko ridge). He had such horrible etiquette, and it was ruining one of our precious few rounds. We made a courteous break for it at the turn. Ahh so much better with out him . . . and his poor wife!

[DGStinner]

I'm hoping to play my first round in about 15 years tomorrow and I'll be doing it solo.

[HartridgeKing]

When I need to spend time working on my game I prefer to do it alone. If I am going to go play for fun I will go with a couple of buddies.

[DirtCheap]

Any of you guys golf alone?

I can't do it..
I've tried.. twice...

I end up talking to myself and by the fourth hole I am bored and just flailing at the ball to try and finish up so I can go home.

A buddy of mine does it all the time. He says its a great time to work on your swing without pressure. He also says he plays 2-3 balls on every hole. I guess for him it's more fun then going to a driving range.

[JonB27]

Usually when I go alone they pair me up with others so that they can keep things moving... But I don't get bored at all when I'm playing alone I just continue to try and improve my game.