Golfing Solo: A Complete Pros And Cons List
If you’ve ever considered golfing solo but aren’t quite sure what it would be like, this post is for you! Whether you’re an introvert who wants to get away from the noise or someone who wants to focus on improving your technique without any distractions, playing golf alone has its advantages and disadvantages just like anything else.
It all depends on your personal preferences, but even if you want to, there may be times when playing golf solo isn’t an option. Some courses may limit solo play during busy hours while others might require partners for safety reasons or due to the golf formats that are being played.
So if you found somewhere to golf by yourself but have some questions, stick around. In this post, we will go over all of the pros and cons of golfing by yourself to help you decide if it’s right for you!
20 Pros And Cons Of Playing Golf Solo
(gone over in more detail below)
Pros:
Flexibility in scheduling tee times
Focus on personal goals
No need to make conversation
Play as many holes as you like
Alone time and relaxation in nature
Increase your confidence on the course
No pressure
Freedom to practice and improve skills at your own pace
Cons:
Being bored by yourself with nobody to socialize with
Might get stuck behind a group
If you enter a competition as a solo, you won’t know who you’ll be matched up with
Increased risk of being injured without help from anyone
No witnesses to your great shots
Less motivation and accountability
No competition
No feedback or advice
Can’t count scorecard
Fewer tee times
Unable to learn from others by watching their techniques
You might feel unsafe or uncomfortable playing alone
Now that you have a list of the good and the bad about golfing alone, let’s go over each reason in more detail.
RELATED POST: Can You Teach Yourself Golf? You Sure Can
Reasons To Golf Alone
Flexible And Convenient Tee Times
One of the best advantages of golfing alone is the flexibility you get to make your own schedule. There’s no need to figure out what time works best for everybody, you can simply pack up and go at your convenience.
This can be helpful if you have an unpredictable work schedule or one that doesn’t usually match up with your friends’ schedules. Another reason would be if you prefer to play at off-peak hours when it’s less crowded but your group isn’t available then.
Focus On Personal Goals
When you golf by yourself, you can focus on your own goals and how to improve your game. There won’t be any distractions or pressures that come along with playing in a group. You can take your time to figure out what your strengths are and what you need to improve to accomplish your goals.
Whether you taking lessons and want to practice what you’ve learned or have a private instructor meeting you on the course, you'll have the opportunities you need when golfing alone.
No Need To Make Small Talk
If you’re with a group of friends on the golf course, you probably enjoy talking and joking around with them as part of the fun. If you golf alone in a tournament, however, you will likely be grouped with people you don’t know.
That might make conversation a little less easy to come by. Aside from saying good luck, small talk can be awkward, uncomfortable, and distracting.
Play As Many Holes As You Want
When you’re golfing alone, you have the flexibility and freedom to play as many holes as you want to because you don’t have to worry about keeping up with a group or following a strict schedule. You can take the time you need on each hole, try out different types of golf shots, and even go back to replay a hole if you want to.
You may also be able to play more holes since you can start as early as you want and stay as long as you can. You’ll have the freedom to play as fast as you want to which could allow more time for additional holes.
Alone Time And Relaxation
There’s something about being out on a golf course, in the beauty of nature, with the sun shining on your face that is a much-needed escape from the daily grind. There’s a sense of calm and peacefulness that you get from being alone and present in the moment, where you can focus on your game and forget about your problems.
You can’t necessarily disconnect in the same way when you’re golfing with a group. There’s often conversation, people checking their phones, and other distractions that make it a different experience.
Being able to concentrate can make a real difference in your golf game. I like this quote from famous golfer Bobby Jones:
“In golf, the most important distance is the five inches between the ears.”
Increase Your Confidence
Golfing by yourself provides a unique opportunity to navigate the course on your own, focus solely on your game without distractions, engage in self-reflection, and develop a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. All of these things will empower you to take control of your game which will likely build your confidence.
No Pressure
Golfing with a group or in a tournament can feel intimidating because some people worry about the expectations or opinions of others. If you’re alone, you don’t need to compare yourself to anyone or feel self-conscious about your performance.
You’ll also have to freedom to experiment with different shots, try out various golf swing tips, and explore new techniques you normally wouldn’t attempt around others. This can help you grow as a golfer without stressing about how you’ll be perceived by other golfers.
Go At Your Own Pace
Some of the benefits of going at your own pace are:
You won’t feel rushed or pressured
More time to enjoy your surroundings
Improved focus to play your best round
More time to make the best decisions for your game
Reasons You Might Not Want To Golf Solo
Loneliness And Boredom
Having fun with friends is one of the benefits of golf that many players enjoy. If you’re alone, there is nobody to joke around with or play golf games with if you want to.
When you’re with a group of close friends, you can let your guard down and relax. Doing things like coming up with a funny golf team name and telling golf jokes can add an element of fun and lightheartedness to the game.
Might Get Stuck Behind A Group
If you get to the course at a busier time, you might need to wait to start playing or get stuck behind a group that has already begun. You can always ask to play through if there is an opportunity to do so as long as it would be safe and won’t disrupt their game.
Could Get Matched Up With Players You Don’t Like
If you enter a golf tournament alone, you may be paired up with other golfers to form a team or play alongside them. Sometimes this can happen even if you aren’t playing in a tournament.
If a golf course is busy, the staff may need to pair you up with other golfers to maximize the number of people able to play. There are also places that have policies that encourage pairing up with other golfers.
If these things happen, there is always the chance that personalities will clash and you won’t enjoy being around the people you are matched up with. If you want to avoid this from happening, let the staff know in advance that you prefer to golf alone and they might be able to accommodate you or at least suggest a time when the course isn’t as crowded.
No Immediate Help If Injured
Golf is a physical sport played outdoors in the elements. There’s always a risk of injury whether it’s straining a muscle, falling on uneven terrain, weather-related injuries such as heat stroke, and more.
It’s important to take precautions to minimize those risks. Doing things like wearing appropriate golf attire, having a golf warm-up routine, staying alert and aware of your surroundings, and having a cell phone in case of emergencies can all help.
No Witnesses
If you just hit more birdies in a round than ever before but there were no witnesses, did they really happen? All joking aside, a personal best or hole-in-one might feel better with a group there to experience it with you.
Less Motivation
Even though golfing on your own might allow for more concentration, you lose that element of being held accountable when someone else is watching. When you have an audience, that will motivate you to try harder if you’re having a lazy day.
No Competition
Fun competition motivates golfers and allows them to measure their progress against others. Feeling the pressure of performing well against a group will help you grow mentally which will ultimately lead to improved confidence and performance.
No Feedback
Feedback is important in golf since it helps golfers identify areas where they need to improve. Other golfers can offer insight into your technique and share tips with you on what works for them.
These things will help you figure out adjustments you can make to improve your game. Also, feedback can help motivate and encourage you to stay focused on your goals.
Scorecard Doesn’t Count
The rules of handicapping state that you are not allowed to submit your scorecard towards improving your handicap if you golf by yourself. This is because there is a peer review process required that cannot take place when rounds are played without another person present.
RELATED POST: What Is A Handicap In Golf?
Fewer Tee Times
When golfing with friends, you have to coordinate everyone’s schedules which can limit your options for tee times you might want.
Safety
Golfing alone presents certain safety concerns such as:
Getting lost on an unfamiliar course
Becoming injured or sick without help
Encountering dangerous wildlife
Being injured due to dangerous terrain
Preexisting medical conditions could present risks
Unable To Learn From Other Players
Golfing with a group allows you to learn from other players by watching their techniques and getting ideas for how to improve your game. You might be able to pick up certain tips and tricks like how to adjust for certain weather conditions.
You could also learn strategies for navigating the course or develop a better sense of the rules and etiquette of the game. By observing more experienced golfers, you can gain valuable knowledge and become a better golfer over time.
Planning Your Solo Golfing Adventure
How To Choose The Right Golf Course For Solo Play
When choosing a golf course for playing solo, there are several things to consider to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Here are some tips:
Check the policies: Before choosing a course, go to their website or call to check the policies on golfing solo. Some courses restrict solo play or require you to be paired up with others.
Consider how difficult the course is: There are different courses for different skill levels. If you are a beginner, you will want a course that is easier like a par 3 course or an executive golf course.
Search reviews: Most golf courses have a presence online where you will be able to read reviews from other golfers. This can help you get a sense of the course’s quality or any potential safety concerns.
Find out where it is located: Do you want to drive an hour away to spend the day golfing alone and have to drive all the way back when you’re done? Consider a golf course conveniently located to make things easier.
Check for pricing and amenities: You can check online or call to ask what the rates are if pricing is a concern. Some golf courses also have certain amenities such as a driving range, clubhouse, or practice area that could improve your overall experience.
Proper Etiquette for Solo Golfers
Proper etiquette is important when golfing, whether you’re alone or with a group.
Here are some tips:
Keep up: Even if you’re playing alone, it’s important to keep a good pace of play. Be aware of groups behind you and allow them to play through if you’re slower than they are.
Repair the course: Always make sure to repair any ball marks, divots, or other damage to the course as you play your round.
Follow the rules: It’s important to follow the rules of golf even when nobody else is watching.
Be respectful of others: Avoid disruptive or loud behavior just as you would if you were golfing on a team. Be mindful of other golfer’s personal space.
Safety Tips When Golfing Alone
To reduce your risk of injury while golfing alone, it's important to take proper precautions. This may include doing things like stretching and warming up before playing and using proper technique and form when swinging.
Make sure to wear attire meant for golfing and stay alert and aware of your surroundings. It's a good idea to carry a cell phone in case of emergencies or if you need to call for help.
