Had a 9am tee time at Ballyowen and got there around 8:20. Only 5 cars in the lot. Checked in at the pro shop, grabbed a cart, hit 5 putts on the practice green, and ended up teeing off solo before 8:30.
Played an awesome round solo and shot an 80—my all-time best! But damn, that double bogey on 4 and that missed 5-foot birdie putt on 18 still haunt me. If I’d nailed that, I’d have broken 80. It’s been bugging me all the way home.
Hoping to squeeze in 1 or 2 more rounds before the season ends.
Best day ever.
Envious.
I was out at Ballyowen Thursday the 14th with my dad. I had a very similar experience. Hardly anyone out there and couldn’t have asked for better weather this time of the year. Shot a personal best for that course 76 and spent some time with my dad. Awesome day.
@Oak
That’s awesome!! I had my dad on my mind every swing. He taught me how to play when I was a kid and he passed away over the summer. I’d kill for 1 more round with him.
Solo golf is my absolute favourite. I like playing with friends too, but I value my alone time a lot. Put on a podcast, think about life, and play the round as serious as I want until it falls apart and I change to practicing stuff for the remainder.
What a gorgeous day you had!
@Darin
I still play my best rounds solo (while playing with randos). I find I have less expectations for myself under those scenarios and I play better as a result. A completely solo round, I find myself more than likely practicing and playing multiple balls at once.
@Sage
Agreed, the separation does help somehow, I had a great round a few weeks back with my family, but they are better than me and play back tees. I decided to move up and not torture myself and had a great day playing my own game while they battled.
I’m jealous.
How does it compare to Neshanic Valley? It’s only an hour away and we never make it to Ballyowen.
Fitz said:
How does it compare to Neshanic Valley? It’s only an hour away and we never make it to Ballyowen.
Never played Neshanic. Ballyowen is beautiful. Wide open fairways, moderately fast greens. Good fall course since there’s few trees = no leaves.
I gotta get out to Ballyowen. I was at a muni in Jersey this morning; perfect golf weather!
Is this… Heaven?
Looks like a course back home I used to play except this one looks 10 times nicer.
Man, love the one time I played east coast golf at Ballyowen. What an awesome course.
