Getting in some twilight rounds might be your best bet. Get to the course a couple hours before sunset and walk 9. You can play until you can’t see any more as long as you don’t have a cart out on the course.
If you take a cart, the boys in the cart barn probably won’t love this strategy
This is 100% of my golf, so I doubly recommend this. It's cheaper, and way more casual. I kinda hate regular golf. Plus 5 hours of golf is way too much, but I'm probably in the minority there.
I like about 2.5 hours of golf. I just would like to be able to play 18 in that amount of time
Great advice, thanks!
Not OP but I am using this advice whenever I get the courage to hit the course my first time.
I really enjoy playing golf on my own. It’s relaxing and lets me really focus on my own game. It may be easier for me though as I’m in the UK and solo players don’t tend to get paired up.
If you’re just getting back into it and unsure about your game I’d suggest playing some evening rounds if you can (and weather/light permits) and just having fun. Be mindful of any players and groups behind you and let them play through if they’re quicker. Don’t hesitate playing multiple balls as well and working on different shot types.
I hated the idea of golfing alone, but once I done it I realised it’s a great way to play and get some on-course practice before I play my weekend rounds with mates.
I’m similar to you, coming back after about 20 years for me.
I’ve gone out alone by myself in the past. Haven’t done it recently as, being retired, I have some playing partners I go out with a couple times per week.
IIRC, just let them know when you book tee time your skill level and your desire to play as a single. You might have to be flexible with your tee time but I think most courses will try to fit you in. If you do get paired up with better players, let them know and be willing to pick your ball up and drop by them for the next shot.
Just pay attention to your pace of play and you’ll be fine. As a single it shouldn’t be an issue but just be aware. One of the times I went out as a single I had a better player behind me out as a single as well. It was just a 9-hole course but he was catching me. I was about to let him play through when I shot a freak eagle on a par 4, got back on pace, and stayed ahead of him for the rest of the round.
Just play with your friends. Everyone knows what it's like to suck at first, so there won't be any judgement
Great feedback about going for a twilight round! Much appreciated.
I love golfing alone. But I also enjoy spending an hour or so on the range or putting green working on parts of my game that haven't been good of late. If I'm on the course alone and hit a bad shot, I can easily drop another ball and try to make a small correction to see if that helps.