Playing by yourself (golf that is)

[granters]

I've read all the stuff on here regarding range practice etc and thought i'd throw my tuppence in. I've always believed that the best practice is on the course.

A few weeks ago i went to the range for the first time this year as my swing was bothering me. After 40 balls and aching arms i'd got worse if anything, my mind was crammed full of technical claptrap by the end.

Last night i played on my own and went out with just a few mental notes on what to work on. Managed 7 pars and 2 birdies over 12 holes,, with 2 bogeys and a pick up. Nothing spectacular but it struck me on the drive home that i'd been totally concentrated on my game, and on the walk between shots i was thinking about improvements etc that could be made for the next one.

My short game was the best it has been in months, purely through concentration aided by having no-one else about.
My driving was awesome too (for me).

Anyway my point is it's the best "practice" i've had in ages and i felt really positive about my game afterwards, rather than completely confuddled like i do after the occasional range visit. I think the simple fact that you don't hit 50 drives in a row helps, as you have the time to consider why you hit that bad slice, hook or whatever before your next one.

That's the end of my bored little muttering, i'm being forced to watch harry potter

 

[pokerjoke]

Sometimes it is best to go out alone and try a few things.
Concentration is key,being able to block out distractions.
Obviously not the same as having a card in your hand,but it certainly irons out the flaws.

 

[bozza]

I go and play a round on my own quite abit because i work shifts and alot of people i play with are at work.

I love going out early on a morning or a late summer evening and spend time on the course.

Don't get me wrong i do use the range but normally just if i'm having a lesson or over winter and the course is shut or if i've got a serious fault with my driving and i can't be arsed having to try find the balls i've sprayed all over the course!

They both have there advantages but given the choice i'd much rather do my pracitce on the course than a range.

 

[Farneyman]

.
My driving was awesome too (for me).

I take it you got the lights working.

I much prefer to play on course and have been one for practise.

 

[granters]

.
My driving was awesome too (for me).

I take it you got the lights working.

I much prefer to play on course and have been one for practise.

I did make it home eventually, after dazzling every south bounder on the A77 with my full beams. I also claimed the fuel back for revenge mmmwwwooohahah

 

[Jimbooo]

I love playing a round on my own. I usually go on a Saturday or Sunday night after the kids have gone to bed and I get time for 12 or so holes before it gets too dark.

I start off with 1 or 2 balls off the tee (there's usually nobody but me on the course at this time) and by the end I'm usually playing around 10 balls per hole Getting lots of practice out of bunkers and chipping around the green.

Can't beat it - for me it beats the range hands down.

 

[jammydodger]

I try to play on my own as often as I can. I'll usually try to make it up to the club around 2 to 3 oclock (midweek) and have a nice leisurely 9 holes or so. Sometimes i'll get up and make sure i'm first off in the morning and chasing the greenkeepers around.

There's nothing better (in my eyes) than having a lovely saunter around the course with no-one bothering you or talking to you. Just you and your thoughts and that little white ball. Its a truly relaxing experience.

I very rarely these days book a round with anyone else and hardly ever play weekend friendly stuff as its too slow and painful with the course packed. In fact its rare for me to play a comp these days either.

 

[DaveM]

I think both have there merits. Take the range first. If you go just to hit 50 balls with your driver forget it. It will do you no good. Start with your short irons and work your way though the bag a few balls on each club. By the time you get to the driver with say the last 5 balls. You will be nice and loose and ready for the big stick. Playing a round by yourself will be good also for the practise from differant lies. Both should then complement each other.

 

[RGDave]

You go for it.

Personally, I like to groove something by hitting balls over and over again. Not the same club(s) for long, and usually only take 3 or 4 anyway. It works for me.

I play 9 on my own quite often, but during that time I don't think about my swing, I just work out how to get it around the course and enjoy the "real-ness" of the short game and putting.

Horses for courses.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I like to do some preparation work on the range if I'm making any swing changes or if the swing has been out of sorts. Once I think I've got it I'll often go out for a round (Sunday PM at our place is millionaire golf) and play on my own and see how it goes

 

[Mungoscorner]

I hate the range,but i find playing golf alone even worse.Golf is a social game.
I find playing golf for money (and losing) has an uncanny knack of focusing the mind,and correcting faults.

 

[granters]

Agreed on the money part. I hate playing for nothing, i think you need that wee competitive edge to keep you focused. We usually play for a tenner, and it absolutely makes the round more enjoyable despite me never winning it

 

[chris661]

At our place there is a small car park beside the 12th tee which is a par 3. I tend to play from the forward (ladies tee) as it is perfect for a pitching wedge, then throw a few balls down around the green. Once I am fed up with that will play 3 full holes. I find this to be much more enjoyable and productive than standing bashing balls on a range.

 

[Essex_Stu]

I play most Saturday mornings by myself. I usually get the 7am slot and get round in just over 2 and a bit hours. Played with my mate on Saturday who has played the same amount as me and he was just so slow and really ruined my rythem. Took him ages to actually play a shot and he hadn't even thought of the shot before he reached his ball. When Im consistent enough I will join the Saturday society as I have many friends who play in that. Play regularly with father in law and his brother in law during the week and get round fairly rapid.

 

[neilkath]

i do the same mate i work shifts as well and find it hard to get the same as my mates so i end up out by myself some times it does me good and i enjoy it.