First Off and Twilight Rounds

[Shane Cavitt]

I have been getting out once or twice a week and walking 9 holes in the late afternoon/early evening. Many times I have the course to myself. It is a plus to get to pay twilight rates as well. That has worked out fine during the winter months as there aren't near as many folks out playing. I am new to playing in DFW (Mansfield/Arlington area). Will I still be able to do this as the days get longer and warm up? Right now I usually get out around 3:30-3:45. During the summer days that might mean 5:30-6:00. On the opposite end, will public courses allow a single to go off on 10 and walk the back 9 if you are the first one out?

[Abh159]

As the weather warms courses will become more crowded. Whether or not you'll still be able to snag the first (or late afternoon) tee time as a single depends on how busy the course is. If busy, there's a good chance you won't be able to book a single time at all and may have to pair up with others.

 

As far as going off #10... That will entirely depend on the course. A lot of places have their maintenance crews out in the morning so they may not let you start on #10 considering you'd run into that group at some point.

 

 

[Shane Cavitt]

35 minutes ago, Abh159 said:

As the weather warms courses will become more crowded. Whether or not you'll still be able to snag the first (or late afternoon) tee time as a single depends on how busy the course is. If busy, there's a good chance you won't be able to book a single time at all and may have to pair up with others.

 

As far as going off #10... That will entirely depend on the course. A lot of places have their maintenance crews out in the morning so they may not let you start on #10 considering you'd run into that group at some point.

 

 

Figured that would be the case, but thought I would ask anyway. I play mostly at Tierra Verde. I will talk to the guys in the shop and see what they say.

[Is Golf Fun or Work]

In the summer, often I'll go out last during twilight, play 2 or 3 balls a hole and have a few cocktails.

[Abh159]

12 minutes ago, Shane Cavitt said:

Figured that would be the case, but thought I would ask anyway. I play mostly at Tierra Verde. I will talk to the guys in the shop and see what they say.

 

I realize my "answer" was sort of a non-answer, but I don't think anyone here is going to be able to give you a definitive yes or no on your questions. 

 

I'd suggest just asking at the courses you play regularly. Even then though they may tell you it would be day to day in the summer. They at least might be able to tell you what days tend to be more or less busy than others. 

[Shane Cavitt]

24 minutes ago, Is Golf Fun or Work said:

In the summer, often I'll go out last during twilight, play 2 or 3 balls a hole and have a few cocktails.

That is exactly what I am hoping for. Maybe minus the cocktails. Where do you normally play?

Edited February 22, 2023 by Shane Cavitt

[Shane Cavitt]

15 minutes ago, Abh159 said:

 

I realize my "answer" was sort of a non-answer, but I don't think anyone here is going to be able to give you a definitive yes or no on your questions. 

 

I'd suggest just asking at the courses you play regularly. Even then though they may tell you it would be day to day in the summer. They at least might be able to tell you what days tend to be more or less busy than others. 

I appreciate the input. I wasn't exactly looking for definitive answers as much as hoping to hear from some folks who have experienced what I am looking for and maybe the courses they have been able to get on to.

[Is Golf Fun or Work]

22 minutes ago, Shane Cavitt said:

That is exactly what I am hoping for. Maybe minus the cocktails. Where do you normally play?

Usually play in the morning @ Grapevine.....I'm also close to Indian Creek, so I usually (when I have time) will play the Creeks there

[llewol007]

 Depends on the golf course.  A local golf course would offer back 9 rounds but most were first come first serve. Great way to get the golf fix in since 9 holes does not take as long a commitment and you still can make it home in time for the evening activities. Check around and you will get a scope of who offers what.

[TexasTurf]

Spring will be busy. Once it gets hot afternoon will be open. Most golfers are softies when it comes to heat.

[CTG77]

If you want the chance to play basically as often as you can, and get off most mornings in the 1st couple of groups, look into Walnut Creek CC in Mansfield.  There are 2 courses, and the Pecan Course is not only challenging, but you can walk the front 9 in about 60-90 minutes (depending on if you're as fast as I am) in the morning.  The group of guys who normally "lottery request" the 1st tee times every day are really good about letting a single go through if you're the 2nd tee time and ready, especially if they know you're a fast player and they'll never be waiting on you.

 

Not sure about going off the back 9s, but with respect to the Oak Course, you'll have to drive past most of the front 9 to get there anyway...as it's a long loop out starting across the street from the clubhouse at #1, with #9 ending at the farthest point from the clubhouse and working back to the same area from 10-18.

 

For unlimited golf, even if you walk most of the time as I do, it's going to save you money over time if you're playing 3-4 times a week and / or have other family members in your same house who play.  I don't mind the "lack of variety" as A) when walking, I am getting to see a lot of different parts of the courses anyway because my driver is kind of "spray and pray" most days, and B) I occasionally will vary what tees I'm using for a round (normally the back, or gold tees on Pecan) and use different clubs to give myself even more variety on my 2nd shots into greens, especially if I'm playing a solo round in the afternoon with no one behind me and I can practice a bit.

As TexasTurf said, you can always get an open tee time there in the mid-afternoons in the summer too if you can handle the heat.  I probably ride a cart more in the summer than I do any other of year, just to be able to keep more water or Gatorade handy than I would otherwise want to carry in my bag.