Many times disc golf is described as a group activity. There seem to always be a group playing together for a round or a tournament. So, is it unusual for someone to occasionally play alone?
There are some very good reasons why playing alone can improve your game and make you an overall better player.
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Can You Play Disc Golf Alone?
Any person can play disc golf alone. There are no rules or regulations in disc golf that would prevent someone from playing disc golf alone. While some people prefer to play for social purposes, others like to play disc golf alone to practice specific parts of their game, relax, and play free of pressure.
In this article, I’ll explain the 13 reasons why playing a round of disc golf alone can be good for your game.
Is It Weird to Disc Golf Alone?
It’s not weird at all to play disc golf alone. If you ask most players, there are times when they will play disc golf alone at least half the time.
It can be hard to get together a group of people to all play a round of disc golf. It’s also possible that you want to practice on a specific part of your game without making a group of people wait for you to take several practice shots.
Most people who disc golf will play alone some of the time. It’s not usually because they aren’t friendly or aren’t a people-person. Playing alone is done usually for more practical reasons.
Below I’ll explain the 13 reasons why you should consider playing disc golf alone sometimes. If you have the right mindset, a round of disc golf alone can be very beneficial.
13 Reasons to Play Disc Golf Alone
It’s always fun to play disc golf with a group of friends. It can increase the competition and make for some good times for sure.
But, there are other times when playing alone can also be good for your game, your body, and even your mind.
Below are the 13 top reasons why playing alone can be to your advantage.
1. Great for Experimenting
When you’re playing disc golf by yourself, it will mostly be a casual round that you can also use to try a few new things.
You can freely take multiple shots using different throws and discs. This is good practice because it allows you to try new things that you might not necessarily be willing to do during a scored round or a tournament.
When you do end up playing with a group in a scored round, you’ll now have the experience to know when to use a particular disc or throw. This could be the difference between a bogey and a birdie.
2. Don’t Worry About the Score
There’s nothing wrong with keeping score, even when playing disc golf alone. But, when you’re by yourself there is no pressure to keep score or even to put pressure on yourself to make a shot.
It’s good sometimes to play free and loose. This can help you build experience and confidence in your game.
3. Take Your Time (or Not)
When you’re playing with a group, you’re going to be at the mercy of the group whether the pace of play is what you want or not.
Maybe someone is constantly throwing out of bounds or into the woods, forcing the group to look for a lost disc.
On the other hand, the group you’re playing with might be buzzing through holes faster than you’d like.
When you’re playing a solo round you have the freedom to set the pace. If you need to take a little extra time to size up a difficult shot, you won’t feel rushed by others waiting on you to throw.
But, if you like to keep things moving and not have to wait on others, playing alone is good to get in a quick practice round too.
4. No More Waiting
Similar to setting the pace of play for yourself, playing disc golf alone means you’ll never be forced to wait on someone else to throw or go through their pre-throw routine.
In disc golf, the player with the shortest throw will throw their disc first, while the other players wait their turn.
This is standard disc golf etiquette, which is a good thing. But, playing alone means that you can go straight to your disc and get to work on the next shot without having to wait your turn.
5. Work on Form and Technique
Practicing form and technique are key to taking your game to the next level. But playing with a group isn’t always the best setting to truly take the time to focus on proper form and technique.
The great thing about playing alone is that you can be free to take all the time necessary to nail your form or refine your technique on certain shots.
6. Putting Practice
Everyone wants the long and impressive drive shot, but putting is an underrated area of disc golf that can make or break one hole or an entire round.
If you’re playing a course by yourself, take some extra time at each hole to nail your putts. You can even try throwing from a few different angles to dial in your putting technique.
You could also practice specialty shots like a jump putt.
Of course, inside the circle, putting also includes specific rules for throwing that you’ll need to be aware of to avoid a stance violation (foot fault).
7. Playing Alone Can Be Better for Exercise
Let’s face it. Playing with a group can not always mean you’re moving at a pace that is conducive to a steady heart rate.
It’s also true that more beer is likely to be consumed when playing disc golf. It’s a possibility.
Disc golf can be a physical sport if you’re walking the entire course. Playing alone can allow you to not only practice but keep moving at a steady pace to get in some decent exercise too.
8. Go Anytime
It can be fun to get a group of 4-5 people together to go play disc golf. But, working around everyone’s schedules and finding a block of time when people are available can be a challenge, to say the least.
Play alone can mean you can pick up and head to the course whenever you feel like it. You might like to get out early morning before the crowds hit, or even go later in the evening.
Playing alone can give you the flexibility to find time to play disc golf that works for your schedule and not everyone else’s timeframe.
9. Compete Against Yourself
Playing disc golf is not all about practice either. The more you play, you’re going to want to see some progression and signs that you’re improving.
The best way to do this is to play the same course and score your rounds each time. You won’t have to worry about matching the next guy’s drive or trying to outdo a competitor.
You’ll be only competing against yourself and gauging where you’re improving and what areas you’ll need to work more on.
10. Listen to Music While You Play
Listening to some music with headphones or earbuds isn’t possible when playing with a group of people.
You can try to listen at a low volume, but it can get aggravating for everyone else playing when they constantly have to repeat themselves to you.
There are times when you might want to just throw on some music and get in a groove when playing a practice round.
Playing alone makes this possible and you won’t have to worry about making small talk with anyone along the way.
11. Time to Relax
Disc golf is a competitive sport. If you’re a competitive person, playing with others is going to naturally turn into a competition to see who can win.
If you’re only looking to get some time away from day-to-day life, playing disc alone can provide some relaxing time outdoors without the pressure to perform.
Being outside and in the sunshine and nature can even lower your stress levels.
12. You Can Actually Meet New People
Playing disc golf alone doesn’t always mean you’ll be alone the entire time. If you normally play with the same group of people, you might never have the chance to play with anyone new.
If you’re playing alone, you might be asked to join a new group for a round.
In this way, it’s possible to meet new people by playing alone or at least intending to play alone.
13. Practice Your Routine
Routine in disc golf is more important than you might think. When you’re setting up for a putt, you need a standardized routine to go through before every putt.
When playing alone, you can take the extra time needed to work on your routine for putting and trying several shots with your full routine.
Practicing your routine will give you the confidence you need if you’re playing in a tournament to hit a big putt. A routine can encourage muscle memory and more consistent throws.
Summary | Can You Play Disc Golf Alone?
Even if you don’t want to play disc golf alone all the time, there are still advantages that you can get from playing alone.
It’s not a bad thing to enjoy the competitive and social aspect of disc golf too.
Finding a balance between playing with a group and going out to the course by yourself is important to hone your skills and become a better overall player.
