Travelling alone for golf can be wonderfully freeing. You play the courses you want, at your own pace, and meet golfers from all over the world on the first tee. With a little planning, solo golf travel is easy, sociable and great value. Here's how to make the most of it.
Why travel solo?
- Freedom: choose your courses, schedule and pace.
- Easy tee times: singles often slot into gaps in busy tee sheets.
- Meeting people: you'll be paired with locals and other travellers.
- Practice time: focus on your game. Read golf schools and golf camps.
Choosing a destination
- Golf-rich areas where courses are close together.
- Good transport: shuttles, taxis or easy driving.
- Welcoming culture for visitors.
Ideas: read golf in Ireland, golf holidays in Spain and Portugal and golf in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Booking tee times
- Book as a single online or by phone; courses often pair you with others. Read how to book tee times.
- Ask the starter to join a group.
- Quiet times if you prefer to play alone. Read playing golf alone.
Accommodation and costs
- Single supplements: many packages are priced per person sharing; look for single rates. Read stay-and-play packages explained.
- Golf hotels and resorts with on-site courses reduce transport.
- Club hire to avoid baggage fees. Read how to rent golf clubs.
Meeting other golfers
- Join groups on the tee.
- Golf schools and clinics.
- Group golf tours for solo travellers.
- Clubhouse and 19th hole. Read golf traditions and customs.
Safety
- Share your itinerary with someone at home.
- Use reputable transport.
- Keep valuables secure.
- Insurance: read golf travel insurance.
Choosing solo-friendly destinations
Some places are easier to enjoy alone than others. Look for:
- Plenty of courses close together, so you can play without long drives.
- Courses that pair singles with other golfers, which is common in Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and much of the US.
- Walkable towns with restaurants and pubs where it's easy to meet people.
- Good public transport, or golf resorts with shuttles.
Classic solo trips include a week in a Scottish golf town, a stay on Portugal's Algarve or a winter trip to Arizona. Read golf in Scotland and golf in Arizona.
How to get paired with others
- Ask when booking: say you're a single and happy to join others.
- Arrive early and introduce yourself on the first tee.
- Check timesheets for open spots in existing groups.
- Join open competitions at clubs that welcome visitors.
- Use golf apps and groups to find playing partners. Read how to find golf partners.
Avoiding the single supplement
- Look for solo-friendly packages with no single supplement.
- Choose apartments or small guest houses rather than resorts priced per room.
- Travel off-peak, when hotels discount single occupancy.
- Join a group golf tour that matches you with a room-sharer.
Making the most of time alone
- Play more holes: singles can often slot in quickly, especially in the evening.
- Practise properly: there's time for range and short-game sessions.
- Explore: walk the town, visit museums or take a guided tour.
- Keep a golf journal of courses and shots. Read golf journal.
Solo travel checklist
- Share your itinerary with someone at home.
- Keep digital and paper copies of documents.
- Have a plan for evenings, such as restaurants with bar seating or local clubs with social events.
- Carry a power bank for your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a tee time as a single golfer?
Yes. Many courses welcome singles and pair them with others.
Is solo golf travel expensive?
Watch for single supplements; otherwise it can be good value.
How do I meet people on a solo golf trip?
Join groups on the tee, attend clinics or join a group tour.
Is it safe to travel alone for golf?
Generally yes, with normal travel precautions.
Is it awkward to join strangers on the course?
Usually not. Most golfers are welcoming, and many lasting friendships start on the first tee.
What's the best destination for a solo golf trip?
Somewhere with lots of courses close together and a culture of pairing singles, such as Scotland, Ireland or a US golf hub.
The bottom line
Solo golf travel offers freedom, easy tee times and new friendships. Pick golf-rich destinations, book as a single, watch for supplements and stay safe. For trip planning, read your first overseas golf trip.