How to Play Golf with a Stranger

Playing golf is a cherished pastime for many, offering not only the challenge of the game but also the serene beauty of the greens. However, there are times when you’ll find yourself paired with a stranger due to a busy golf course. While this may not be the ideal scenario for all players, it’s a chance to meet new people with a shared interest. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your day on the course.

Considerations When Playing Golf with a Solo Player

I’ll break out my advice into a few simple steps. There are benefits to playing with random people, after all. While they might have a different play style than your usual threesome or foursome, solo players sometimes become golf buddies you end up playing with more frequently.

Embrace the Unexpected Pairing

When you’re paired with a single golfer on a busy day, don’t let it ruin your experience. There’s a silver lining: you both share a love for the greatest game ever invented—golf. An excellent way to handle this is by directly addressing it. As the single player approaches the first tee, introduce yourself and your group. This small gesture will ease any nervous tension, allowing everyone to focus on the game itself. And, as with so much of my advice, this ties in directly with the essentials of golf etiquette.

Understanding Your New Partner

The first tee meeting is a great opportunity to gauge what kind of golfer your new partner is. They might play a solid round, or they might hit it into the wrong fairway. They might prefer different tees, which is perfectly acceptable and shouldn’t slow your group down if managed correctly. Whether they’re walking while you’re riding or they have their own equipment preferences, mutual respect and communication ensure a smooth game.

Address Modern Golf Trends

Modern golf sometimes introduces new dynamics, like the inclusion of music during play. This isn’t yet widespread, so if you’re paired with someone focused on improving their handicap, music might not be fitting. Discussing preferences as you start will prevent surprises and ensure everyone enjoys their experience.

Scorekeeping and Course Flow

During a regular round, you don’t need to keep score for the single player—they will likely track their performance independently. Remember, busy days often require courses to pair up players for efficiency. Don’t think of separating from the single after the second tee, as it disrupts the flow and might lead to a marshal directing you back together.

Focus on Enjoying the Day

The key is to maintain a friendly demeanor and focus on enjoying your day. Most singles are as keen on playing alone as you might be, but adapting to these situations is part of the game, especially when golf is seasonal. Being respectful can go a long way, and it shouldn’t tarnish your experience.

Why Golf Solo?

There are plenty of reasons why someone might prefer to golf solo. One common example is a golfer looking to escape the stresses of the day, using the quiet moments on the course to relax and unwind. Some solo golfers enjoy focusing entirely on their game without the social distractions that come with a group. Others might have busy schedules and fit in a quick round whenever they have a spare hour or two, making it more convenient to play alone. These individuals appreciate the meditative nature of a solo round, where the only competition is with themselves and the course.

Conclusion

The next time you’re paired with a stranger on the course, embrace it as an opportunity to share and enjoy the beautiful game of golf together. Be courteous, adapt to the day, and you might end up enjoying a round more than you anticipated. And rest assured, most singles will appreciate and reciprocate your friendliness, ensuring a great day for everyone involved. So go out there, play your best game, and remember that the camaraderie golf brings is just as rewarding as the score on the card.

Interested in more? Read what younger golfers can learn from senior players.