Ah, your friendly 4-some. Who doesn’t like the excitement and swagger of meeting your buds at
the golf course for a spin around the links. Catching up, laughing, bragging, smack-talking
children or your favorite rainy day wrestler, betting a few bucks, and enjoying the beverage of
choice. It certainly offers a lot in terms of connection, fellowship, and fun. Plus, you get to see
how your game matches up against your golfing frenemies. Usually you get home 5 hours later,
pocketing your typical round of counting up having hit 11 fairways, 9 greens, 2 birdies, and
minimum of 2 3-putts. And there’s always a couple of 4 footers that got away. Your are sweaty
and dirty, with a few bug bites, a sunburn, and you likely are a few dollars short in your wallet.

Yeah sure, you had fun, but something was missing. You know that you are better than the 7
handicap that you mastered 5 years ago, and you can obviously compete with your buddies.
But, what has happened? You’re still stuck on 7, and today you failed to break 80. And, did you
gain peace of mind, or do you remain frustrated? Did you grow? Did you set and realize goals?
Did you improve? You know you are better than this, so what is the problem?

As you think about your most recent afternoon 4-some and the dreaded 81 on the card, don’t
just think about the greens you hit, and the putts you missed. Get outside of your box and ask
yourself a few questions:

1. Were you truly “present’ in your game? Or were you laughing with your friends a little too often, or maybe wondering what they will do on their next shot?
2. Were you mindful of your body, your thoughts, and the layout around you?
3. Where did you fail to show patience, or refuse to accept a tough lie or a bad break?
4. Were you adaptable to the varying conditions on the course and in your group?
5. Were you able to rely on your own instincts with confidence, and not overthink your swing or your club selection?
6. Were you connected to the course surroundings, the sounds, the smells, and the beauty of the course?

Golfing alone offers a unique and serene experience that contrasts with the more social aspects
of the sport. One of the primary joys of golfing solo is the deep sense of tranquility and peace it
provides. Without the distractions of conversation or the pressure of competing with others,
golfers can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the course. The chirping of birds,
the rustling of leaves, and the gentle sound of a well-struck ball create a meditative atmosphere
that allows for complete relaxation and mental clarity.

When I hit a slump, or question why my game isn’t improving, I take a long look at those
questions. Sure, I might spend a little extra time on the range, but I’ve learned that teeing it up
alone on a peaceful morning or a late afternoon, can strengthen the mental (and emotional)
aspects of my game. And, on such days, I tend to carry my own bag and loop the course on
foot. This enables me to bring my game into harmony with the course, the surroundings, my
sense of feel of my swing and the grass, and gives me a boost of peace and quiet self-
confidence. From there, I am prepared to improve. The harmony of the game becomes evident
when these elements are combined. In fact, these elements complement and respond to each
other, making the result quite satisfying. Golf is not just a sport or hobby anymore; it actually
becomes an artform, and an expression of the very best of you.

Golfing alone is the opportunity for personal improvement and self-reflection. When playing
solo, golfers can focus solely on their own game, taking the time to analyze their swing,
experiment with different techniques, and practice specific shots without any time constraints or
judgment from others. This focused practice can lead to significant improvements in skill and
confidence. Additionally, the solitary nature of the game encourages introspection, allowing
players to reflect on their strategies, set personal goals, and celebrate their progress in a deeply
personal way.

Finally, playing golf alone offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom. Without the need to coordinate
with others, solo golfers can play at their own pace, taking as much time as they need to
complete each hole. They can choose to play a full 18-hole round or simply enjoy a few holes,
depending on their mood and schedule. This flexibility makes golfing alone an ideal way to
unwind after a long day or to enjoy a spontaneous round on a beautiful afternoon. The freedom
to play on one’s own terms enhances the overall enjoyment of the game, making each solo
round a uniquely satisfying experience.