Will Golf Courses Let You Play Alone in 2023?

There are close to 40,000 golf courses in the world. This indicates an over 81% distribution of the sport, which many consider elitist. Typically, you will find groups of players enjoying a round or two, but what does this mean if you are a solo player?

Will golf courses let you play alone? You can play alone at most golf courses globally. Playing alone presents you with lots of benefits, but the opportunity for solo play may not be as readily available. Several factors influence the availability of solo sessions, including course restrictions and location. 

Keep reading to discover the conditions when a golf course will let you play a round of golf by yourself. You will learn about the benefits of playing alone and how to make your session more enjoyable.

When Can You Play Alone At A Golf Course? (4 Most Common Situations)

A golf course will only allow you to play alone if certain conditions allow it (interestingly, the same goes for golf ride-alongs).

Here are some of the reasons a golf course might let you play alone:

1. The Course Schedule

Golf courses operate on a peak and off-peak schedule. The busiest times for a golf course are weekday evenings and weekends.

Look for opportunities when there is less traffic at the course to improve your chances. For example, early mornings on weekdays are the best if you want the course to yourself.

2. The Course Location

Playing alone at a golf course may sometimes prove challenging in some golfing countries. For example, the United Kingdom and Ireland consider golf a social sport and are not as accommodating to solo players.

3. Golf Etiquette

Golf etiquette dictates that groups take priority over a single player. Therefore, never expect to be let through when playing solo. Furthermore, if there are multiple groups on the course, it is unlikely that you will get to play.

4. Booking Restrictions

Finally, golf courses that allow you to play alone only offer limited tee-off times. Typically, you can only book a solo round on the day you wish to play. Make sure to scout for different options to improve your chances.

Benefits of Playing Alone at a Golf Course

You are now aware of when golf courses will let you play alone. So, are there any benefits you gain from it? Below are the top benefits you should expect when playing solo.

You Dictate Your Pace of Play

Playing as a single allows you to determine how you advance through the course. For example, it takes the average player about four and a half hours to play 18-holes. You can decide to stick with the average or advance even faster to maximize your time at the course.

Better Practice Sessions

Playing alone allows you to have more meaningful practice sessions. For example, you can use course markers to measure your yardage after each shot without distracting other players. You can practice different playing styles by playing multiple balls at each hole.

As a result, you can determine the best play to apply during local tournaments. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to play more holes because you advance the course faster.

Finally, the additional rounds allow you to vary between game formats, resulting in more meaningful practice sessions.

You Have Less Pressure From Others

Playing golf in groups can be a stressful experience.

First, you need to prove that you are worthy of their time by scoring well. Also, there is a need to communicate with them regularly to not appear anti-social. These factors can severely affect your quality of play, making for a frustrating experience.

Playing alone allows you to concentrate on improving your game. For example, you can try out audacious shots without fear of judgment from others.

Honest Golfers Tip: when golfing solo, you do not have to put up with unnecessary conversations from your group!

It Allows You to Relax Better

Playing alone at a golf course allows you to relax.

You can enjoy everything on offer, without the pressure usually present in competitions. For example, you can notice the ducks present at the pond or stroll barefoot across the fairway.

Whatever you need to relax is available when playing a solo round of golf.

It Offers a Great Physical Workout

Golf courses encourage using golf carts during peak times. This allows for faster navigation through the course and allows the operator to maximize their attendance. However, you miss out on the physical benefits that an 18-hole round offers. 

Walking the course allows you to burn up to 900 calories. A fete you can only achieve when playing alone at a golf course.

You can maximize the workout by carrying your clubs. On average, you walk close to seven miles, and the bag weighs twenty-five pounds, which offers an ideal physical workout.

Tips For Playing Golf Alone

You may encounter individuals who consider playing golf alone dull. However, these tips can improve the experience and make it worthwhile.

Have a Purpose For Each Session

Always have a goal for each solo golfing session. For example, you can concentrate on improving specific aspects of your game, such as course management.

Playing golf alone is the best opportunity to practice without the pressure of others judging your performance.

Prepare Yourself for The Unexpected

You need to have an open mind when expecting to play golf alone. Sometimes, the course may decide to pair you with other players, depending on the day. However, do not be too disappointed as the course also needs to make money.

Study the course schedule before booking your session if you want some alone time. Typically, weekdays give you the best chance, with early morning and midday being the most ideal.

Play Different Formats

Playing alone allows you to experiment with different formats of the game. For example, you can play with two balls in each hole to determine your best starting shot.

As a result, you improve your skills overall and make the session more enjoyable. Additionally, you get more value by playing two rounds at one price.