How To Avoid Getting Paired Up in Golf

I love everything about golf. The peaceful nature, fresh air, physical and mental exertion, and spending time with friends are why I continue to “tee it up” every year.

If there’s one aspect of golf that I dislike, it’s getting paired up with random players. Don’t get me wrong, being paired up is better than not playing at all, and for the most part, I’ve had enjoyable experiences golfing with people I don’t know.

However, most days, I prefer not to play with random people. Whether I arrive at the golf course by myself or with one other friend, I generally like to seclude myself from other players.

If you dislike being paired up with others as much as I do, then please continue reading! In this post, I’ll supply you with the best methods for avoiding getting paired up on the golf course.

Key Points

• During peak hours, golf courses try to group golfers up so each group contains four players.
• If you make a tee time for four people, it ensures you won’t be paired with strangers.
• If you show up to the course by yourself or in a group of less than four, the golf course may require you to be paired with other players.
• Golfers who are by themselves may ask to join you or your group.
• There are benefits to playing with strangers. However, most golfers don’t prefer it.

Have a Foursome

The easiest way you can avoid getting paired up is to, of course, have a group of four players. Foursomes are the largest number of players within a group that golf courses will allow. During busy times, courses aim to group up golfers, so each group contains four players.

If you and three of your friends are in a group, it will guarantee you will be safe from getting paired with random people.

Try asking some friends and plan a tee time a week in advance. Planning allows each person adequate time to agree on a date, time, and place.

Book a Tee Time for Four Players

Okay, let’s say you don’t exactly have four players. The golf course doesn’t necessarily know!

This tactic may get me some heckles, but admittingly, I’ve done it before, and it almost works every time.

If you have a group of three, it’s reasonable to make a tee time for four players because, hey, you don’t know, maybe someone else will end up joining! Once your group of three checks in at the course, explain to the pro shop that your fourth is running late and that they’ll meet you at the turn. Or,  you can wait until it’s almost your tee time and say the fourth player can’t make it. Either way, the pro shop won’t pair you up as they believe a fourth member of your group is to arrive, allowing you and your buddies to play freely without a random person.

If you only have a group of two, this takes a little more guts. Typically, if you only have two golfers, it’s hard to convince the pro shop that half of your group is late or canceled at the last minute. 

I don’t recommend doing the frequently, especially at the same course over and over again. Eventually, people will catch on.

Ask the Pro Shop

Another easy way to avoid getting paired up is to call and ask the Pro shop. You can give any reason you want, such as “I’m new to golf and don’t want to slow anyone down,” “I enjoy being by myself,” or “I’m catching up with a friend from out of town.” 

Ask them which days and times are easy for them to let you or your friend play without getting paired into a foursome. Truthfully, all golfers understand the dislike of getting paired with random people, so they should be able to help you out.

Split Up On Hole #2

Here’s another strategy that I’m not proud of, but it does work. If you get paired up with another group, you likely won’t be able to avoid them on the first tee, given that it’s right by the clubhouse. What you can do is split up on the second or third hole.

A good excuse to tell the other players is you think you forgot your wedge on the last hole, to continue without you, and that you’ll catch up. The dirty part is you know darn well you aren’t going to catch up with them or there’s a wedge lying around on the previous hole.

You can also politely mention that you prefer to play alone. Let them tee off without you and hit your tee shot when they are well out of reach. It might make for a weird few minutes, but you’ll have the rest of the day in a more comfortable setting.

You’ll need good judgment when breaking off from the other players. If the golf course is packed, and there are groups directly behind you, this tactic won’t work. If you do this in front of the clubhouse, starter, or ranger, it won’t work either. However, if you are clear from the course’s employees, and there isn’t anyone behind you, this strategy is harmless.

Show Up to the Golf Course at Less Busy Times

Another easy way to avoid random pairings is to make a tee time when the course isn’t busy. Golf courses are usually strict about foursome pairings during peak hours, such as Saturday and Sunday mornings. However, days and times with less traffic are more flexible for pairing rules.

Least Busy Time for Golf Courses

Early Morning Back Nine: Even on weekend mornings, some courses will allow singles to start on the tenth hole, while groups of four start on the first hole.

Weekend Evenings: Morning tee times on the weekends are generally very busy. However, evenings during sunset tend to be wide open.

Twilight hours during the week: Depending on the course, twilight tee times during the week are generally not busy. You should be good if you show up just after the after-work crowd.

If your local golf course does online booking, look if there are many available tee times before booking. The more tee times available before, after, and during the time you want to play, the more likely you won’t be required to pair into foursomes.

Besides choosing the best times, choosing a less popular course can work too! Less popular courses are probably not in the best condition, but it will boost your odds of getting paired up.

Get a Private Membership

I realize most of us don’t have the resources to join a private club. However, joining a private golf course is a great way to ensure your preferences are met if you golf frequently and have the funds to do so.

Private golf courses cater to their members more than public courses. If you make a tee time and request you aren’t paired up with other players, the private course should be able to accommodate.

Par Three Courses

Due to their short length, par three courses aren’t as strict as regular golf courses. Even if you’ve never played a Par three-course, you should try it because it forces you to improve your skills around the green and from varying approach distances.

Make a Good Excuse

Even if you get past the pro shop and are free to golf by yourself or with your group without getting paired up, there still might be some golfers who approach you and ask if you want to play together.

The crucial tactic here is to act fast. If you stall and don’t respond right away, you’re screwed.

The objective is to decline politely, provide a good excuse, and avoid awkwardness.

Easy Excuses

Money Match: Tell the golfer you and your friend have a money match planned and prefer to play alone.

Catching Up: Politely say your friend is home from out of town, and you’d like to get some alone time to catch up.

Working On Your Game: Explain that you’ll be hitting multiple balls or spending extra time around the green and don’t want to slow them down.

Whatever your excuse is, be polite and decline. The other golfer will understand and will likely not push back on any reason you give them.

Final Thoughts

Some golfer’s love of golf goes hand in hand with the desire for relaxing solitude. Not every random pairing will be a bad experience. Most of the time, I enjoy getting to play with someone new. However, there are times when I want to avoid getting paired up at all costs. 

While some tactics may raise eyebrows, the key lies in respectful communication with the golf course employees and other players. Golf isn’t just about getting a little white ball into a hole; it’s also about finding peace and an atmosphere that suits your preferences. So, the next time you hit the links, use these strategies to ensure your golfing experience is enjoyable and you avoid getting paired up!