The day before yesterday I went out and played golf for the first time by myself. Now I have practiced alone many times, but have never actually went out and played the course. At first it was a little wierd first shot of tee into the cow fader. So I tee it up again this boom about 280yds down the fairway. Well I'm not going to tell every hole but I shot a +8 on the front 9 with a 7 on the par4 2nd. Than it dark and had to get a rain check. What I'm trying to say is that I have only been playing for about 4months and never even thought about playing golf seriously before that. Now for me there is a new found pleasure in swinging something other than a softball bat. But I never had so much fun and respect for the game than the other day by myself. I think that I will probably become a really good golfer one day, but I just wonder what I could have done had I played earlier. With the winter coming I'm gonna miss being out there, but thats ok I found a nice indoor simulator league to play in. So with a new set of matched clubs I can't wait for the spring I just hope my golf buddies are ready.

Don't worry about winter coming, it can be the best time to play the game. The courses are not as full of slow golfers, as most bad golfers have put the clubs in the garage by now. And when the trees lose their leaves, it's much easier to see your way around the course. It may surprise you, but you may be able to hit a tee shot over the trees in the winter and cut off the corner on a few of those dogleg holes. With the leaves gone, you can see where the fairway is around the corner and tell where you need to aim the ball to land it in the fairway. Can make a big difference in how you will play the same holes in the summer after you find out how to hit over the trees and cut 20-50 yards off some holes. I played my first game of winter golf last January and I was amazed at how much more you can see with the leaves gone. Plus, most courses have lower rates in the winter to get us crazy people out and playing. So take this great chance winter gives you and learn a new version of the game. An if the fairways are real hard, don't be surprized at how far the ball can roll for you. One thing you have to keep in mind about winter golf, don't let bad putting and your short iron game bother you too much. The greens may not hold your aproach shot very well and the greens may not roll true if the ground is frozen, so don't worry about how you score, just gauge your game by how well you hit the ball and it what direction it flys. Have fun and in the spring, you will be that much ahead of your playing buddies.

Went out friday alone as one group had just left and the nest 2 guys where 1/2 hour later. Lost two balls on each of the first two holes...good shots just lost sight of the balls in the air. Decided to wait on the 4th hole for the 2 guys behind to catch up just so that we could watch each others ball flight.. I will probally try not to go out alone again unless I want to work on some fairway woods.

Good point about losing sight of the ball. That can be a problem even at the driving range when the sky is cloudy and you keep your eyes down until the ball is well on it's way. Was the sky clear the day you played by yourself, or was it cloudy? Will have to remember to find at least one playing partner to watch the ball for me next time. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks for the advice guys. Don I'll make a note of what you said about seeing the course a different way in the winter. Question how does the cold effect the clubs? I know for instance in softball I can't play with my better bats because of the material they are made of. They tend to crack or dent. How about the golf clubs? Some of the same material is used in clubs that they use for bats. Well I hope yall had a great holiday I know I sure did.

The cold effects the ball the most. You want to keep the ball in your pocket with a hand warmer if it's real cold. And miss hit shots will sting your hands some as your hands get cold. Graphite shafts might be a little more brittle in the cold, but I haven't played in below 40 degree weather, so I can't say about real cold tempertures affecting the shafts. Don't really want to find out about it either, 40 is cold enough for me.

In cold weather, use a lower compression ball.
Bill H.

Hi Bill, That shouldn't be a problem next week in Cabo. Do you have a playing schedule set for when we get there? I'm looking forward to having some fun in the warm weather. We won't get a chance to play a round here before we leave, it's 4 degrees outside at the moment and six inches of snow is on the ground. But we will be sure to get in a little range time at least. looking forward to meeting you and Jan. Be interesting to see how my iron distances do at sea level compared to here in Colorado. See you soon. Don

Don,
The weather here was not so good today. The temperature dropped to around 79 degrees and the wind kicked up to 3 or 4 mph. I haven't played for over 3 weeks now, but I'll be ready for you. Jan and I are looking forward to meeting you and Lynn also. I trust you'll both have a fun week.
I'll write to you before you leave. See you soon,
Bill

Dev,
Some of the most relaxing times, and great moments of your life can be when you're playing by yourself on a golf course.
The first few times I played alone, I spent alot of time talking to myself about what shot to hit and what club to use. Then when I realized, "I'm schizophrenic, and so am I," I started having a great time.
If you like books, read "Golf in the Kingdom."
Bill H

Dev,

I second Bill's recommendation to read Golf in the Kingdom. Then go out by yourself and fantasize that your playing partner is Shivas Irons - very zen-like.

JW

Hey guys, thanks for the advice I'll have to read some of those books. Bill you're scaring me LOL it's ok to talk to yourself on the course just don't answer yourself. I appreciate the invite to Cabo sorry can't make it LOL I guess I'll just have to brave the weather here in old KY. Bill make sure you put a coat and hat on wouldn't want you to catch a cold in that 79 degree temp. Well you guys have a great time down there and hit em straight. I appreciate all the advice and tips from you guys they have helped me out tremendously. My game has really improved just working by myself. Well God Bless and have a safe trip home.