Your own sanctuary

the scorecard yet, but I am the happiest I have ever been on the course. I think that’s good enough for me.

Simon Thorpe, Southampton

Jeremy Ellwood’s piece on the joys of solo golf in January’s issue

reminded me of just how much I used to enjoy roaming around the course on my own. No chatter to contribute to; no pleasantries to offer or encouragement to dispense. Instead, just my own thoughts and my own undisturbed focus.

Because of Covid lockdowns, Covid-restricted tee times and the subsequent Covid boom in players, it’s been over two years

since I’ve played golf by myself. But with retirement and the daylight hours starting to lengthen, I’m going to make a point of heading out on my own again at the quietest times.

And my favourite way to enjoy this? Easy – my very own Texas Scramble with two balls! It’s so pleasantly surprising just how low you can score when you have two chances at everything (my best is nine shots better than any competition round I have played). Even more surprising is how well I often hit my first shot knowing I have a do-over to fall back on, and also how well I can hit the second shot when I have nothing to lose as the first is already sitting pretty.