15 Reasons Why Playing Golf Alone Helps You Improve Your Game
Do you fancy being an accomplished golfer, but just can’t get it right? Well, everybody begins somewhere, and there are many ways to learn. Many amateurs choose to rely on mentors, but you will be surprised by how much you can learn while practicing and playing alone.
Here is an insight into 15 reasons why playing golf alone helps you improve your game.
No Pressure
Pressure is good and motivational, but only to a certain point. In fact, the pressure at times may put you off your game. When you are playing alone you get to escape your opponents’ and onlookers’ impression of your skills, so you can play without feeling the need to impress anyone – other than yourself, of course.
No Criticism
Have you ever been in a situation where a better player (or worse, an onlooker) criticizes your game because, well, you’re not good at it – at least not yet. Those commentaries such as “tough luck” or “better luck next time” do not help. In fact, they make amateurs lose self-confidence. You don’t have to put up with such comments when you are alone.
Flexibility
Playing alone saves you the trouble of having to correspond with other players’ schedules – you can play wherever you feel. Additionally, you can start your game wherever you feel like – even at the last hole if you wish.
Score? Not A-Must
Many beginners are not usually after scoring but after honing their golfing skills. When playing with company you will be obliged to score – and chances are you will perform terribly at it. However, you can do your thing without worrying about the scorecard.
Nurture Integrity
Sometimes golfers are faced with desperate difficulties that they wish they could break the rules. It is effortless to break the rules when playing alone, but it is not advisable. When you play with integrity when playing alone, you learn how to stick to the rules and take on the toughest challenges when playing with company.
Play at Your Pace
Playing with company is somewhat tedious as everyone has to wait their chance. However, you have the ball all to yourself when playing alone, so you can play fast and catch up quicker.
Know Your Preferences
Have you played golf long enough to know your strengths when it comes to your choice of equipment? When playing alone, you can test out various clubs, tees, and balls to see which ones suit you best. You may not have this chance when playing with company as your game would be inconsistent.
Build Rhythm and Consistency
You may feel rushed when playing with company, especially since you will be hitting more shots than them. However, you get to perform at your own pace when playing alone, hence building consistency and rhythm.
It is Motivating
Golf is not exactly easy – in fact, many people who pick up an interest in the game eventually quit. Considering that playing alone eliminates the pressure and criticism of others, you never have to worry about hitting the golf course. After several games alone, you will be motivated enough to fully nurture your passion for the game – and, hopefully, play until your hair turns grey.
Your Pick!
Imagine a situation where, when playing with company, you and your opponent cannot agree which set of tees to use. It is very frustrating especially for amateurs as they usually have the lower hand. However, you get to make all the decisions when playing alone.
Try Again and Again
You are obliged to move at the pace of other players when playing with company. As such, if you make a mistake that you think you can rectify, you have no option but to wait for another chance. However, you can always try again and again when playing alone and not have to worry about penalties.
It is Therapeutic
There is something about playing golf alone – the fresh air, silence, and an expanse of lush grass. All these and other factors combine to put your mind at ease and relief stress – it is almost therapeutic no matter how bad you are at the game.
Lay the Groundwork for Training
You will have to play under a mentor’s guidance eventually. Your mentor will teach you a lot of things, but you should already know the basics. Playing alone helps you get a grip of the game’s fundamentals and enhances your training sessions.
Improve on What You Learn
Even if you are training under a mentor, most of the work still lies with you. So, when do you get to improve your skills? You can play with company, in which case you might feel intimidated, or play alone and improve on what you learn.
You Can Always Make New Friends
When you play with company, do you always play with the same people? If you are a beginner, then there is a high likelihood of that being true. Playing alone doesn’t mean that you are all alone in the field. There may be other solo golfers like you, and chance may bring you together – hence, you can always make new friends and expand your golfing circle.