Every weekend I can convince at least one of my friends to play a round with me, but I want to start playing more during the week. My only options are either play alone or try to convince my brother to caddie for me.
Does anyone here enjoy playing on their own, or is it not as fun?
I often get paired up with people I don't know. It's the only way I can get out early in my area.
I would rather play with friends, but don't minded getting paired up. Most golfers are decent folk.
On rare occasions, I've been able to play completely on my own. e.g. In February at at resort course in Puerto Rico, I was able to play a couple of rounds with no one on the course. Truly the finest golf experience i've ever had. No pace of play issues, played several balls from different tees or tooks some extra short game practise. Pure Bliss!
I like both.....Personally, I enjoy the company of another individual, but there are times that I want to work on different areas of my game.
Like let's say, chipping, sand shots, hitting from good lies, hitting from bad one's and putting. This has always been a good way for me to practice and actually get a lot out of it. If I spend too much time on the range, sometimes I do get bored. This gives me actual practice to true playing conditions added to the mix.
Nathan, this is an easy one.
Golf is a sport where you can meet a lot of people, and going to a course as a single works in your favor. Merely call the course you play (or want to play) and tell them you're a single. Ask to be paired with another group and you are set. I do this all the time.
Matter of fact, when I travel I always call a local course and talk to the people at the desk and tell them I'm looking for a match. It's never boring on those times when I am just sent off alone, because you can have lots of fun and get quality practice in. Or you meet some of the nicest people.
Just last Friday I met 3 great guys at my home course, and it turns out that I vacation near one of the guys. We've arranged to meet this fall again and play.
Golf is fun no matter who you play with.
Not a much fun, but have done so many times. I play 2 balls at once and keep score for both. Makes for interesting game
Good point. It's a great opportunity to meet people who you obviously have something in common with.
I play alone a lot. Usually, when I am playing I am working on something so I am able to concentrate on what I am doing and not have any distractions. Maybe it's just me and how I practice, but if it isn't a tournament, I am on the course or range working on something to better my game and not really worrying about the scores or anything because I know with practice, the scores will come.
It's fun for me to play alone or together, I like to have competition to beat (or lose to.... ...... lol) and I also like working on things alone and being able to do my thing and not have anyone waiting on me.
This makes me sound like a loner lol... I would rather play WITH someone, but I don't mind playing alone at all.
P.S. I hate getting paired up with people I don't know, especially if they are (no offense to anyone if this pertains to you) a 25+ handicap.
Eric.... come on man. 25 hdcps are people too! ; O
Seriously, I've been paired with anyone and everyone. And it's always been pretty special, even the high handicappers. I will admit that it's a bit more challenging, but it did make me focus more on my game and what I needed to do. It also had me just walk to my ball and wait for the other player to do what they needed to while I managed my own way about the course.
For me, playing with friends, or by myself depends on the purpose of the golf.
If I'm just looking to get out for a quick 9 holes, and am playing before work, I'd much prefer to play by myself, and scoot around the course. If however, I'm looking to spend some time with friends, and play golf, obviously, I'd rather play with people I know than people I don't know.
My grandfather wrote a column a few years ago about the new four-hour friends you make every time you play golf, which I think is accurate. I do like playing with randoms as well. The randoms, if they're friendly, tend to be supportive and for me, it's easy to be supportive of them. And then after 18, you go your way, and they go theirs, and the 'friendship' ends.
When the girls in my regular group aren't available to play, I call one of the local courses here that plays fivesomes. It's one of my favorite courses anyway, and they can always find a way to fit me in. I've met a lot of people that way, and many times play better -- maybe because playing with friends we do tend to chat more and perhaps lose focus. I keep thinking I'm going to meet Mr. Right this way!
I MUCH PREFER TO PLAY WITH SOMEONE OR A GROUP.
I NO LONGER AM OUT THERE "WORKING" ON SOMETHING.
WHAT I GOT IS WHAT I GET SO PLAYING ALONE IS NOT MUCH FUN TO ME.
I tend to practice alone at the course...but playing I will generally try to find someone to partner up with...
I have played alone at the course and generally use that for practice time by playing many shots with multiple balls...use this time to your benefit...
There is a lot to be said for playing alone. It is often the only way to get to practice, truly practice, shots you have to make to play well. You don't get to do that playing with a group. I also have played much of my golf just going to the course and being paired with whoever is available. I've met people who have become close friends, formed longer term groups to golf with, and met some interesting people from all types of places. Golf is the common denominator, and golf is fun. Playing with higher handicaps gets you to focus on your play; playing with better golfers challenges you to step up and perform. Go for it, either way.
love playing alone, especially an early round and first off the tee. play my own pace and hit that feel good second shot when i mess one up. i play my first, but have a good feeling when i walk away from the shot so i feel good going into making up for the one i ruined. i also enjoy the quiet solitude of an empty course, for me it's very relaxing and a great stress relief. if i'm not first off and i meet someone new to play along with for a few holes or an entire round, that's ok as well. hell said and i agree, part of the game is meeting new people.
by the way, eric, i'm a 21 hdcp can we play sometime? i won't mind if you out drive me but i would bet you won't out fun me.