Playing alone VS Playing with people

[Golfanatic]

I noticed that I have a problem with playing with friends. My concentration level seems to drop.

 

 

 

Yesterday, I playing alone till hole 15 and then I joined my friend from hole 14 again and the game just goes downhill. Well, we did not really joke and talk that much...

 

 

 

anyone has this experience??? and how to cope with it???

[DaveyH]

i have this problem as i dont reli prefer to have a comedy filled round i prefer a nice quiet high concentration round on my own.But with rowdy partners either ask kindly or just try and socialise and take your mind of how you might play.If you think too much this will effect everything.

[Diesel]

there's no pressure on you to perform when you're alone...

 

golf is as much mental as physical...

[wardogatc]

Playing alone eliminates one of the biggest stressors on the golfer and the golf game...embarrasment. How many times have you topped your drive by yourself, and some how made a great par. As soon as someone else is around you get embarrassed that you topped your drive because, in your mind you are better than that, and you get so pissed that you end up screwing up even worse. If we could all play like we were alone, we'd never be emparrassed by our games, good or bad, and we'd probably score alot better.

 

IMHO....

[AcesAZ]

I have encountered this as well. When I play with players that are not as good as I am I will usually play better than when I play with people who are as good or better. The fear of how they think(even how minor) can creap into my head when I play with better players :) .

[Bushy]

Its all a confidence thing, playing alone you can fully focus and do things at your own pace but you need to be able to play with other people in competition

[Golf472]

Very interesting...

My best rounds have been alone. I broke 80 twice this year, alone. My partners don't believe me.

[Golfanatic]

Ha, I have the same problem with you. I was on the verge of getting my first under 80 until my friend arrived!

[choeppner]

I always like to play by myself if possible. Let's me concentrate more. The only way I play in a group, is if they are in the same skill level as me. That way we get the sense of competition.

 

-CHRIS-

[golfernut78]

both. its nice having others - as long as they don't annoy you, but its also nice getting out there by yourself and also maybe work on some things on course.

[tigermj]

I would love to play alone because you can concentrate more on your game but sometimes if you've been hitting flushed shots you wished there is somebody to witness it :)

 

In the course that I play most often, it is rarely to be out alone, at least they would wait for another single to pair with you.

 

But most of the time I'll be in a group of 3 friends and there are times that i hit a nasty slice from the driver usually in the first tee then somebody would try to give advice to me immediately but during the round I can see that They are not that so good either and that would pissed me off.

 

There is no wrong in giving advice but I think it would be better if you asked that person if he needs an advice before you give it to them unless you're pretty damn sure that you're far more better player than the person you're playing with. In this regard I prefer playing alone or with somebody that just minds his own game.

 

just my .02 cents

[Diesel]

Very interesting...

My best rounds have been alone. I broke 80 twice this year, alone. My partners don't believe me.

 

i've run into this situation as well...

[crew_138]

Very interesting...

My best rounds have been alone. I broke 80 twice this year, alone. My partners don't believe me.

 

 

So true... it hard to make an argument without something visual besides the scorecard. I usually pair up with people with a higher handicap than me, so they are always, like "wow"and "great shot" all around good attitudes and golfers having fun. This helps me keep up my level of concentration and shoot good rounds. The people that get down on themselves really are a drag.

[ebenn]

I totally get it. I always play better alone but when friends are aound....add up the strokes. It's getting better now. When I was young it was my father I choked against. Rarely did I beat him. Now I do regularly..he's getting old..and I feel terrible! I get over it very fast however!! :)

[Golfanatic]

I agree with you that it can be annoying playing with Daddy around. For my case, he will usually give a lot comments and that disturb my game :)

 

but since now, i'm getting better. He seems to tone down...

[shook23]

For the most part, my best rounds have been alone (low 80s). But, the only two times I broke 80, I was playing with a mix of people I knew, and didn't know.

[danc]

playing alone is you against the course. playing with anyone else adds a third competitor to the game.

 

you can beat your playing opponent but you can never beat the course, you can only play it.

[WyGuy]

I guess I must be weird, but I normally play better when I play against people that are better then me. I just seem to concentrate a lot more then.

 

Also, normally when I play by myself I play multiple balls each hole.

[mcbush25]

I normally don't play alone. I play well by myself, but I have always been better when there was competition and I had a little pressure on me. I only prefer to play with people of the same handicap or around the same as I am.

[drpino]

I guess I must be weird, but I normally play better when I play against people that are better then me. I just seem to concentrate a lot more then.

 

Also, normally when I play by myself I play multiple balls each hole.

i'm with you MN! :)

[mayes]

When playing alone most people develop a playing rhythm during the round that takes the effort out of concentration almost similar to hitting balls on the range. When others are playing, their rhythm and pace can take you out of yours, and yours takes from theirs.

 

The key in my opinion, is finding a pace that keeps you comfortable and in the round. When playing in foursomes I usually use the first 2 holes to establish the pace of my round. It has balanced my scores when playing in 3 or 4somes. I then can chat more to the players in the group and become more aggressive with shot selection like I would be doing if playing as a single.

[Golfchicago]

The bottom line is you must learn to play both ways. Normally playing with others is more challenging. The best way i've learned to overcome that is to play with others, it is that simple. When your play is the same by yourself or with others, then you know you have mastered your emotions in that area.

[shoe295]

I can pretty much suck whether I play alone or with somebody...or I can play really well. It's never depended on who I do or don't play with but whether or not I'm able to keep from thinking about results and just stay in the process of hitting the ball from point A to point B. Just always remember to check your fly before going out in public.