Can You Play Golf by Yourself? (What You Need to Know)

Can you play golf by yourself? Absolutely, and here’s why you should.

Imagine this: It’s morning, and the sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon. With dew still on the grass, you place a tee in the ground and take a deep breath as birds chirp, and a mower hums somewhere in the distance. Eighteen holes of bliss and freedom await you, with only the golfing gods and the animals, as your witness.

As not to sound poetic and save time, I will get to the point and let you know that golfing alone is perfectly acceptable and necessary for developing your game. In fact, playing the occasional solo round is hugely beneficial to a golfer. So, if there’s no one to play golf with and you want to know why this is a good thing, read on.  

How to Play Golf by Yourself

Like great chess players, golfers too should learn how to play matches against themselves. If no other groups are pushing from behind, it’s perfectly fine to play a second ball and create a match play situation against yourself. It’s like playing in your own golf tournament. Not to mention, there’s no better time to work on your golf skills and golf swing in general than when teeing it up solo.

I’ve always believed that you learn the most from playing a match against yourself. There’s a lot to be said about playing alone. It forces you to slow down and take your time. You have time to observe, be patient, and learn. On top of learning how to improve your game, you also learn more about yourself.

Time to Think

You can use the time spent on the golf course alone to get away from work or family to clear your head and organize your thoughts. You never know what great idea you may come up with, and you’ll find yourself more relaxed and ready to take on new challenges after a round of clearing your mind and getting away.

They say some of the best business deals are struck throughout a round of golf. I would say that some of the best life decisions and turning points in your thought process can and will come while on the golf course and playing a round of golf by yourself. 

Although I still play golf with others regularly, some of my favorite rounds of golf have occurred while I was playing golf alone. I guess I enjoy the peace and quiet and the opportunity to reflect on life and where I’ve been, and perhaps more importantly, where I’m going.

Playing golf alone is peaceful and a great way to get away from everyone else. Let’s face it, even the most extroverted among us still need some time alone. Whether it’s time away from work, family, or just some much-needed relaxation, golfing alone is the perfect solution and even a meditation of sorts. Whether you ride in a golf cart or walk, golfing alone can be a pleasant experience. 

Playing Golf Solo Leads to Better Golf

Pounding the ball for 18 holes is hard work. Walking, hitting the ball, and making decisions about strategy and shot selection can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when playing in a group with other golfers.

If I’m struggling with my golf game, I’ll play a round alone, and eventually, I begin playing better. I’m more relaxed and focused and have the freedom to swing at the ball when I’m ready. Sometimes it feels like I’m relearning the game all over again. I can focus more on my golf swing, which significantly impacts my game. I can visualize my shots better, and I have more time to set up correctly and concentrate on the mechanics of how I’m playing.

When you play golf alone, you have time to practice different shots and use various clubs in unique situations. Whenever I play golf with buddies, I always get caught up in the game and visit with friends. I sometimes forget about playing my own game, which is an important skill to learn, especially for a beginner golfer. 

When on the golf course alone, it forces you to concentrate on your own game. Typically, if you’re playing with friends, it becomes less about the game and more about catching up. When playing alone, you can focus more on your golf game and improve your course management, such as golf club selection. It also teaches you to pay close attention to your golf ball because there are no extra eyes to help watch your tee shot and prevent a lost ball situation. 

If you’re having an off day and playing poorly, there’s no one to blame but yourself. You also avoid that one person who always wants to give you a golf tip, even when you don’t want one. You are more likely to hit a bad shot as a golfer when you’re constantly worrying about getting in your playing partner’s way or your golf etiquette. Although etiquette, the pace of play, and fixing your ball mark on the green are always important, they become less of a hassle as a solo golfer.

Play Your Game

Like many things in life, golf gives us the unique opportunity to reflect on others and compare ourselves to them in one way or another.

After being a golfer for over twenty years and speaking with other golfers, I’ve come to understand that many of us actively compare our golf games to others. Whether it’s putting, iron play, driving the ball, or even just the way others conduct themselves on the golf course, it becomes increasingly difficult to play our own game when we constantly compare ourselves to playing partners.

When you’re playing alone, you can play shots without the temptation of worrying about someone else’s game. Playing solo gives you complete control over the situation. You can decide exactly how you want to play a particular hole.

Can You Play Golf by Yourself? (Final Thoughts)

If you’re still having doubts about solo play, let me give you one final benefit of being a single player on the golf course: it allows you to forget the things that aren’t helping you hit a great shot. Whether that means forgetting about other players driving it past you or having to entertain those in your group, being a single player on the golf course frees up your mind.

If I feel like golf has become less exciting, I find that playing 18 holes alone brings out my love and excitement for the game again. I can honestly say, for the most part, I’ve never enjoyed the game more than when I’m out there by myself.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t play golf with others. I still play with friends and enjoy it, but I also understand the value of playing golf alone, which is why I recommend giving playing golf alone a try. Perhaps you won’t like it, or maybe, you’ll find that it makes the game much more enjoyable.

So, if you’re looking to tee it up solo and haven’t done it yet, then just do it! You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to hit the greens and shoot your best score when you are playing by yourself.

Resources:

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/johann_wolfgang_von_goeth_125419?src=t_solitude