Playing solo!!!

[Francisceo]

As mentioned previously I've just taken the game up and absolutely love it. Only issue I've got is that I'm forced to play solo as my mates are just not into it - more rugby and football type guys.

How do I get more involved? Is this abnormal to play solo? Do I just approach groups of players?

 

[jpenno]

where do you play? local municipal or a club? easiest way to meet people is to join a club and play some comps

or post on here in the arrange a game section see if someone local fancies a knock

 

[Andy808]

I would join a club, get your handicap, ask a few people for a game and play in comps. There are always players who are happy to go out with new players, I know I do.

 

[Jack_bfc]

This is my first year joining a club to get a handicap and play in comps.

I,m lucky as the club is new therefore there are a high proportion of mid to high handicappers. So you generally end up playing with players of a similar handicap.

The club also offers a pay and play memnership which suits me. £60 to join to play in comps and maintain your handicap. Green fees payable as and when you play.

 

[Jay Gee]

It's not abnormal to play solo, some prefer it, but you can certainty ask other players if you can join them.

I found asking the pro or someone in the starter's hut if they know anyone who might want a game works well. I met the social secretary this way and he introduced me to a couple of other players who have regular weekly games.

 

[mcbroon]

Playing solo is one of the great things about this game. You don't need anyone else to be able to enjoy it.

If you're looking for playing partners, join a club and put your name down for comps, or speak to the pro about the rollups - a good pro will sort you out with a game. My normal playing partner is injured and can't play until next year, so I'm playing all my golf with people I either don't know at all, or don't know very well. I've yet to meet someone who refused to let me join their group and everyone I've played with has been at the very least perfectly decent company.

If you don't want to join a club, your work might have a golf society. Or you can check out the Arrange a Game section of the forum.

 

[pbrown7582]

dont worry about playimg on your own its certainly not unusual, if you play at reasonably busy times the chances are you can join up with one of the adjacent groups.
Or as many have said join a club and youll soon meet playing partners and find out about roll ups.
Where are you based?

 

[big_eck]

I play on my own often and I'm in the same boat I joined a club but haven't had much time to meet ppl lately due to working every weekend with a second job but I do aim just to play as much as I can and get involved with the clubs social events

 

[Francisceo]

Thanks all - very helpful tips. Will being a high handicapper be an issue - will i get shunned by pros?
I'm located in Surrey.

 

[big_eck]

Thanks all - very helpful tips. Will being a high handicapper be an issue - will i get shunned by pros?
I'm located in Surrey.

would hope not because I doubt anybody that started off playing put 3 cards in and received a 3 handicap, have u joined a club?

 

[Francisceo]

would hope not because I doubt anybody that started off playing put 3 cards in and received a 3 handicap, have u joined a club?

Not yet. My local is a pay-and-play course, so i just pay during the Saturdays that i'm free.
@Eck, that's my main fear. Also I hate teeing off with a crowd watching I guess the better i get the more this wouldn't be an issue.

 

[Khamelion]

One of my mates does it solo all the time, he keeps saying solism is not a crime, I sure he is talking about golf, or at least I hope he is.

Have a look in the community section and join up to one of the Society groups, there's always society games being arranged, good way to meet new people, chew the fat and play a round.

Or as has been suggested throw up a post in the arrange a game section.

 

[bangaio]

I frequently play on my own but have been getting better at playing with other people / randoms. I really need to join a club but having just decided to move from the area it's going to be a while until I can do this!

 

[groundskeeperwilly]

I often play on my own early morning or late evening. Always see a few others doing the same so don't worry it's not abnormal!

 

[Mark mizuno]

I used to like playing solo but found after time I was looking up for my ball before I hit it which is a very bad habit.
I have just rejoined my local GC and they are a very friendly bunch and will ask you to join them if they have room.
I have not found that anywhere else I have played. But as above mucker joining a club and entering comps. Or even going up there on gentlemans evening will get you involved. And before you know it you will be a regular in a fourball.

 

[ger147]

I play solo, play nearly every weekend in my club's comps/medals and also play "friendly" games with mates

Variety is the spice of life!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Not yet. My local is a pay-and-play course, so i just pay during the Saturdays that i'm free.
@Eck, that's my main fear. Also I hate teeing off with a crowd watching I guess the better i get the more this wouldn't be an issue.

Where do you play? Does the P&P have a club attached and if so why not join that, put the cards in and get a handicap and get playing in the comps. Best way to meet new players. Does the club have social roll ups at weekends. Most clubs I know aren't snobbish at all about players ability and so what if you are a high handicapper. As long as you play without delay and are decent company on and off the course most people would be happy to play with you (myself included)

 

[Neddy]

I have come to the conclusion that i much prefer playing by myself most of the time.

I only know a couple of people that play so about half of my rounds are solo. It's nice to be able to go at your own pace and take in the surroundings.

I paired up with a randomer for 9 last week and he was a nice enough bloke but small talk with strangers really isn't my thing and he walked so quickly i just felt rushed half the time.

Just have to be careful to avoid busy times.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

And don't be worried about going up to a group who look organised as often they won't be - just stick your head in and ask if they need another to make up numbers - you'll often find they are - and are only to happy to have you join them. And if they are not then they'll often split two four balls into three threes to include you. Or simply ask in the pro shop when a good time to turn up to get a game

 

[Francisceo]

I play at Farleigh Golf Club and The Addington Golf Club. But i don't mind playing around East Surrey if anyone fancies a game