Playing Golf Alone: How to Book Tee Times as a Single in the UK & Ireland (And Actually Enjoy It)
If you’ve ever searched “playing golf alone” or wondered whether it’s weird to turn up as a single, you’re in good company.
A lot of golfers love the game but don’t always have someone to play with. Mates don’t play. Diaries don’t match. Or you’ve moved and your golf circle hasn’t caught up yet.
Here’s the truth: playing golf alone is normal in the UK and Ireland. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to play more often, improve faster, and meet new golf mates — as long as you know how to book it and how to approach it.
This guide shows you exactly how.
Quick answer
Yes, you can book golf as a single in the UK and Ireland. The easiest way is to book at busier courses and popular time slots, where singles are commonly paired into two-balls, three-balls, or four-balls. Arrive early, introduce yourself simply, focus on pace, and you’ll usually have a great round.
TL;DR: Do this and solo golf becomes easy
Choose a busy course and a popular tee time
Book online if you can, or call the pro shop and ask where a single fits best
Arrive 15 minutes early and warm up on the putting green
At the first tee, say hello, keep it simple, and play at a steady pace
If it’s a good group, swap numbers and book the next one
Is it weird to play golf alone?
No.
Golf is one of the few sports where “solo” is built into the system. Courses regularly have gaps in tee sheets and singles are the easiest way to fill them. Many golfers also book on their own for the same reason you’re reading this.
The awkwardness is mostly in your head, because you’re imagining you’re the only one. You’re not.
And even better: a solo tee time often turns into golf with people, because you get paired up.
How booking as a single works in the UK & Ireland
Different venues handle singles in slightly different ways, but the pattern is familiar.
At busier pay and play courses
Singles are often welcomed because they help fill the tee sheet.
Online booking systems may show “spaces available” in existing groups.
You’ll commonly be paired up without any fuss.
At member clubs and quieter venues
Visitors can still play solo, but pairing depends on how the tee sheet looks.
Some clubs prefer to pair visitors with members or place singles into open slots.
Calling the pro shop can be the fastest route.
At resorts and high-demand courses
There may be fewer solo slots at peak times.
Midweek or twilight can be easier.
Again, pro shop call often helps.
If you’re unsure, the best sentence is:
“Hi, can I book as a single, and when’s the best time to fit in?”
Where and when to book if you want the easiest solo experience
If your goal is “I want a relaxed round and I don’t want it to feel awkward,” book smart.
Best times to book as a single
Twilight (especially spring/summer)
Midweek mornings
Early weekend afternoons (after the morning rush)
Winter afternoons (when groups are smaller and more flexible)
Times that can be harder
Prime weekend morning slots
Big society day mornings
Competition times at member clubs
Best types of venues for solo golfers
Busy pay and play courses
Courses with strong visitor trade
Courses attached to ranges (more casual traffic)
Venues that run lots of opens (used to newcomers)
If you have no golf friends yet, solo booking is an excellent bridge while you build your circle.
How to book tee times as a single (step by step)
Step 1: Check the tee sheet online
Look for:
“1 space available”
“open slots”
“join a group” style options
If you can join an existing two-ball or three-ball, that’s ideal.
Step 2: If online booking blocks singles, call the pro shop
Some booking systems don’t love singles, even when the course does.
Call and say:
“Hi, I’m looking to book as a single. Are there any groups I can join, or a good time for a solo tee time?”
You’ll often get a helpful answer immediately.
Step 3: Ask one helpful follow-up question
If you’re feeling anxious, ask:
“Is it a friendly course for singles and visitors?”
Pro shops know which slots will feel easiest.
Step 4: Put a note on the booking (if possible)
Some systems allow notes. If so:
“Single golfer, happy to join any group.”
That reduces friction.
What to do when you arrive (so it feels relaxed)
Arrive 15 to 25 minutes early. This is the easiest confidence hack in golf.
Do this:
check in at the pro shop
confirm your tee time and who you’re with
roll a few putts
hit a small bucket only if you enjoy it (don’t rush)
If you arrive late, everything feels more intense. Early makes it calm.
What to say at the first tee (simple, normal, not cringe)
You don’t need a speech.
If you’re joining a group
“Hi, I’m [Name]. Nice to meet you. Thanks for letting me join.”
If someone asks your handicap and you’re unsure
“I’m around [X]” or “I’m still getting back into it.”
If you’re a beginner or returning
“I’m a bit rusty, but I’ll keep pace.”
That line does two things:
it shows self-awareness
it tells people you won’t hold them up
Most people relax instantly.
How to enjoy playing golf alone (rather than just “getting through it”)
Solo golf can be brilliant. Here’s how to make it genuinely enjoyable.
Make it a “golf day”, not a performance
Pick one focus:
keep it in play
commit to pre-shot routine
enjoy walking and being outside
practise course management
You’ll play better when you’re not trying to impress strangers.
Accept that silence is normal
Some groups chat loads. Some don’t. Quiet golf is still good golf.
Be friendly, not desperate
A smile, a “good shot,” and a relaxed vibe go a long way. You don’t need to force conversation.
The only etiquette that matters when you’re the single
If you want people to happily play with you again, these basics matter more than your score.
Keep pace
Be ready, limit practice swings, pick up if needed, and keep moving.Be positive
No one enjoys four hours of self-criticism. Bad shots happen.Don’t give swing advice unless asked
Even if you mean well, most golfers hate it.Be tidy
Repair pitch marks, rake bunkers, and be respectful on greens.Be honest
If you’re unsure about a rule or scoring, ask.
That’s it. You’ll be welcome almost everywhere.
How to turn solo golf into golf friends (the step most people miss)
This is how you go from “I play alone” to “I’ve got people to play with.”
The 10-second follow-up at the end of the round
If you enjoyed the group, say:
“Really enjoyed that. Fancy another game sometime?”
Or:
“Want to swap numbers in case we book again?”
It’s simple and normal. And it works.
Book the next round quickly
Friendships form through repetition. If you leave it for months, it resets.
A great follow-up suggestion:
“Fancy a quick nine next week?”
“Same time next Sunday?”
“Twilight after work one evening?”
What if you don’t get paired up?
Occasionally, you will genuinely play alone, especially in quieter winter slots. That’s not a failure, it’s a bonus round.
Use it to:
practise course management
hit two balls when allowed (only if quiet and permitted)
work on routine and tempo
enjoy the walk
And if you’d rather be paired up next time, choose a busier slot or call ahead.
If you want the easiest shortcut (no awkwardness)
If you’re playing golf alone because you have no golf mates yet, the quickest fix is to join a community where golfers are already organising rounds.
Join the My Friendly Golf Club WhatsApp community
It’s free, welcoming, and built for golfers across the UK & Ireland.
When you join, post:
your area
your level (beginner, returning, handicap range)
when you like to play
Then ask:
“Anyone up for a friendly round this week?”
You can also start with our main guide: How to Find Golf Partners in the UK & Ireland (link to your existing post).
FAQs
Is it weird to play golf alone in the UK?
No. Singles are common and most courses are used to pairing people up.
Can you book a tee time for one person?
Yes. If online booking doesn’t allow it, call the pro shop and they’ll usually fit you into a group or suggest the best slot.
Will I get paired with strangers?
Often, yes, especially at busier courses. That’s normal and usually very friendly.
Do I need a handicap to play as a single?
No. You can book a casual round without a handicap. Some competitions require one, but solo golf does not.
What if I’m worried about slowing people down?
Arrive early, keep pace, and pick up if you’re having a rough hole. Most golfers care about pace, not perfection.
Wrap-up
Playing golf alone is not something to “get through.” It’s one of the best ways to play more often, improve faster, and meet new golfers.
Book smart, arrive early, keep it simple at the first tee, and follow up when you meet a good group. Do that a couple of times and you won’t be “a solo golfer” for long.
If you want the easiest first step, join the My Friendly Golf Club WhatsApp community and find a friendly round near you.
