Question:
Ron I too prefer to walk. Part of playing golf is the exercise you get from it – although I can appreciate some people, say for example the elderly might want to use them and I wouldn’t condemn them for that. But if you are reasonably fit, if you use a cart, you may just as well go to the range. But the reason that these places require the use of carts is pure greed. They can get more people round the course, therefore more income. Matt
I work at a course and generally have found walking players, myself included, to play faster than those who ride a cart. The fee for a cart is part of the additional revenue generated, and the additional beer sales send it through the roof. Not that I have any problem with people enjoying a couple of beers while they play (If I could I would, but our course forbids employees from drinking on premises.), but honestly I question the wisdom of people being anywhere but on a sofa after having drank too much to carry a golf bag and play. Also cart play no doubt contributes more to the trash on the course than anything, particularly cigarette butts all over the ground. For one I don’t think anyone walking would likely have more than 2 smokes a round, and when it’s not *WHACK* *zoom* all day then they’re more likely to stop and think about the mess they’ve made instead of lazily flipping their Snickers wrapper out onto the path without a moment’s further thought. Were it me, fines for littering would be issued left and right till the problem stops. Plus, I think the lazy, fat, spoiled slob stereotype needs to be wiped away from the sport, because that among other reasons kept me from wanting to be identified with it for quite a long time. Get rid of carts NOW. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year just use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron
Response:
You have those who do fit in that category to blame for such stereotypes. If it wasn’t at least somewhat grounded in fact it wouldn’t be an issue, would it? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – the only stereotype that needs to be removed is that overweight people are "lazy", "spoiled", or "slobs"…wait until you’re in your mid 50’s and tear an achilles tendon hot shot. And you can’t walk without crutches for a year, unable to play golf or any other sport for that matter for 3 to 5 years, and, yep, you’ll gain a few pounds. When you are finally able to play golf again you will have to do so in a golf cart, because you won’t be able to walk 18 holes for a couple more years…and then, you’ll get to be pissed off when someone stereotypes you as a fat, lazy, spoiled, slob because you ride in a golf cart… — Dave Jones RSG Roll Call http://rec-sport-golf.com/members/?rollcall=jonesd (snip) Plus, I think the lazy, fat, spoiled slob stereotype needs to be wiped away from the sport, because that among other reasons kept me from wanting to be identified with it for quite a long time. Get rid of carts NOW.
Response:
You have those who do fit in that category to blame for such stereotypes. If it wasn’t at least somewhat grounded in fact it wouldn’t be an issue, would it?
(snip) people who happen to be overweight don’t stereotype themselves, people like you do…it doesn’t matter whether it’s an "issue" or not, it’s not nice, and not right. Kinda like saying all people who fish are dumb rednecks… Dave
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For one I don’t think anyone walking would likely have more than 2 smokes a round, and when it’s not *WHACK* *zoom* all day then they’re more likely to stop and think about the mess they’ve made instead of lazily flipping their Snickers wrapper out onto the path without a moment’s further thought
We have seen a lot of PGA players smoking over the years. One would think John Daly would have a hard time walking the course – but he makes it.
Response:
I prefer walking – and for 9 holes I prefer carrying (for 18, I use a push cart and carry more stuff). But I will take a devil’s advocate position for a moment: Many courses offer "early bird" and "evening rates" packages. The early bird package might be 9 holes at 2/3 the normal price for nine holes – and it comes with the cart for free. You play the back nine, while the regular players start off on the front nine. The object is to get a bit of money on the unused part of the course. The requirement is that these people finish quickly. The regulars don’t catch them in the morning, and the carts get turned in on time in the evening. They must think that the carts speed things up. And you know, except when it is carts only, they may be right. At least in this instance. You know that the reason they included the cart was to hurry you along. You accepted the discount knowing this. And you are pacing yourself for 9 holes – often expecting that you or someone else is going to work after the 9 holes. I’m going to be playing such Sunday morning. I don’t know if I will be alone or not. If I am with people, I will do what they do. If I am alone, I wonder whether I should drive (that could make it pretty cold), or whether I will be allowed to walk. I expect I could be faster driving, but I won’t play as well, nor enjoy myself as much.
Response:
the only stereotype that needs to be removed is that overweight people are "lazy", "spoiled", or "slobs"…wait until you’re in your mid 50’s and tear an achilles tendon hot shot. And you can’t walk without crutches for a year, unable to play golf or any other sport for that matter for 3 to 5 years, and, yep, you’ll gain a few pounds. When you are finally able to play golf again you will have to do so in a golf cart, because you won’t be able to walk 18 holes for a couple more years…and then, you’ll get to be pissed off when someone stereotypes you as a fat, lazy, spoiled, slob because you ride in a golf cart… — Dave Jones RSG Roll Call http://rec-sport-golf.com/members/?rollcall=jonesd
(snip) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Plus, I think the lazy, fat, spoiled slob stereotype needs to be wiped away from the sport, because that among other reasons kept me from wanting to be identified with it for quite a long time. Get rid of carts NOW.
Response:
One big advantage in walking is that it makes it easier to find my ball. I can almost always go straight towards my ball. If I am pushing my speedcart, I can stop and use it as a pointing device. If I am walking I can walk directly across small creeks. I don’t have to watch where I am driving, but can keep my eye on where my ball should be.
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What will the vote be when the body goes and you can’t walk any more?
Same as it is when I vote to walk from my bedroom to the dining room now. If I become disabled I may need a wheelchair. Right now prefer walking. I prefer to buy a house that will allow me to use a wheelchair if the need arises. But I don’t want to be forced to ride a wheelchair before I am ready to – so that my family can earn more money from me renting wheelchairs.
Response:
Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —–
In Australia, competition and social golf are two separate entities. You can’t be handicapped on any social round, you must play competition (i.e. weekly club competition or a formal tournament) for your handicap to be kept or adjusted. So for social golf, I think players should be able to play in a way that suits them and that they enjoy. If that means carts, then that’s OK. Of course, one of the benefits of golf ought to be that it gives walking exercise, which is good for general fitness and health. But that’s up to each person to decide. I’m against compulsion either way however, and personally would always choose to walk. So the idea of "carts only" is strange, and I’d avoid any courses that had that policy, unless they were really worth it or the conditions were extreme. 
For competition golf at my club, the rules are stricter. You must walk, unless you get approval to use a cart by applying to the Committee. This will be granted where there are reasonable grounds i.e. you find walking long distances impossible. A doctor’s recommendation is a necessary support to your case if you are younger and have a defined medical condition. It’s not absolutely necessary just for "aging" … it’s fairly obvious when someone is getting too old and having trouble walking. Technically, any advantage in using a cart should be reflected in the player’s handicap anyway, so it’s not really a "Casey Martin" situation. The system appears to be a bit loose though. It can break down where a player visits other club competitions or tournaments. There doesn’t appear to me to be a recognised ID of some sort to show that the player has an approval from his home club. At least, few tournament organisers seem to formally ask for it. So someone could hire a cart elsewhere and probably have no questions asked, regardless of their status. I think that would be a fairly rare event though. Some situations might need more definition. For example, in our annual tournament, a player from another club turns up for a pairs event with a two-seater Club Car. He partners someone from our club who has no "approval" to ride. Yet they are both seen riding in the cart. Again no one asks any questions or challenges the practice. So I think the club, or maybe the VGA, perhaps needs a more defined policy for riding during tournament conditions. However, there seems to be a real walking culture amongst the club golfers I play with. Riding is a last resort to continue playing. One guy about my age, a former club champion, had a severe blood clot in his leg a couple of years ago (cursed smoking), and nearly had his lower leg amputated. Yet he still refuses to ride. Personally I’ll walk until my legs can no longer carry me around the 6-8 kilometres it takes to play most courses. Then I’ll probably get an electric single seater and continue to enjoy playing golf. BTW, most people riding in competition *don’t* have a large Club Car or Yamaha-type cart. They mainly use a small single-seat electric "mobility" cart. A few even use modified 50cc four-wheel motorbikes … we are out in the sticks after all! — Cheers Colin Wilson RSG Roll Call: http://rec-sport-golf.com/members/?rollcall=wilsonc Trentham Golf Club: http://www.trenthamgolf.com
Response:
Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —–
some of you might me taking this line in the wrong way …… I’m just saying I’m not a fan of carts FOR MYSELF at this time …… sure when I get old and grey (wait I already am grey) then a cart is a certain I understand that and I’m sorry if my statement might not have come out right ……. I guess what I was trying to say was that if it’s a normal , relatively level course without huge hills etc… then I’d rather walk and I’m just not a fan maybe it just did’nt come out like I intended it too….. I certainly met no disrespect for those with handicaps etc……. and "my ron
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron
I, too, enjoy your passion for walking. I enjoy it even more now that I can’t walk any more. Health conditions make it impossible to walk . If it weren’t for carts I couldn’t play. I just wonder how you will vote in an other 20 years. I hope you can walk in 20 years. Taz
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year just use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron
This: , is a comma. This: . is a period. Most of us learned how to use them in 4th grade.
Response:
I too prefer to walk and am a "walking member" of the USGA. On some courses that I have played, they have honored this membership and let me walk. I actually play faster walking, as I think about the next shot while I walk up to it (and the one after that).
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year just use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked I prefer to walk also, but a lot of times the course will have a layout that is not conducive to walking. Many, many yards from green to tee, hills and valleys, and the like. Most of the courses I’ve played in Hawaii, resort courses, and the like all require carts. One local course here in SW Washington State does not require carts except on Saturday mornings, but it is so spread out it is not pleasant to walk and just about everyone else is using a cart. If the course were even a little busy a person walking would cause a delay. It is just so far between holes, like 500 yards or more.
My god, a 500 yard walk? In one go? Without stopping? I assume that there are not 500 yard hikes between all the holes. I’ve played quite a few courses where there is a big gap between holes. At my own course there’s a fair distance between the 5th & 6th holes and the rest of the course (there’s a caravan park in the way). I played a few times at Leighton Buzzard. There is a huge distance from the 11th to the 12th holes and then from the 17th back to the 18th. Normal casual rounds at our place take about 3 hours. Played a competition last Saturday morning, 3 ball strokeplay off the back tees, course full. That took just under 4 hours. Everyone walks. I suppose it’s a culture thing. At most courses in the UK, if you asked for a motorised cart they would think you were deranged. From what I can gather, these US courses that insist on carts don’t play any quicker than I can walk round. Setting aside those who are physically incapable of walking 18 holes (what percentage of cart users is that BTW?) I can’t see why anyone would rather ride than walk. That’s not golf. Just my opinion 
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked
I prefer to walk also, but a lot of times the course will have a layout that is not conducive to walking. Many, many yards from green to tee, hills and valleys, and the like. Most of the courses I’ve played in Hawaii, resort courses, and the like all require carts. One local course here in SW Washington State does not require carts except on Saturday mornings, but it is so spread out it is not pleasant to walk and just about everyone else is using a cart. If the course were even a little busy a person walking would cause a delay. It is just so far between holes, like 500 yards or more. — Mike Bowen (for reply must edit email address)
Response:
I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron
Response:
[...] Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —–
I used a pull cart for a few years early on, but for most of my 41 years in golf, I have walked and carried. It is the way I most enjoy golf…by far. I also play better when I walk and carry. I’m not going to vote "against" carts because I think people should enjoy golf in their own way, but if I had my preference, I want to enjoy a scenic and challenging course without seeing any cart paths and without hearing any gas-powered carts. At the very least, I want to be able to continue playing courses walking and carrying as I have. Others can ride if they wish. Bruce Bruce E. Newman * Fredericton, NB, Canada http://rec-sport-golf.com/members/?rollcall=newmanb info at benewman dot bizland dot com * http://go.to/bruce_newman
Response:
What will the vote be when the body goes and you can’t walk any more?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year just use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron
Response:
Ron I too prefer to walk. Part of playing golf is the exercise you get from it – although I can appreciate some people, say for example the elderly might want to use them and I wouldn’t condemn them for that. But if you are reasonably fit, if you use a cart, you may just as well go to the range. But the reason that these places require the use of carts is pure greed. They can get more people round the course, therefore more income. Matt
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year just use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron
Response:
Some courses in Michigan are actually built on some ridiculous hills, so it’s not uncommon up here….One course, the front nine goes up a mountain and the back nine out of it….but, yeah, I would walk sometimes.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started the tread the other day on greens fees around the country and I’m actually shocked at the number of places that require use of a motorized golf carts……. I’ve used a cart1 I think 4-5 times over the last 20 years — once when my partners wife was pregnant and she played as well and I think just 2 other times when my wife and kids went along to "play" and watch me and once in NC when I went to a private club with a friend from down there. ….. ….. the rest of the time I walked , my partner(s) walked or my wife and kids walked In my opinion the sport of golf and walking the course go hand in hand ……. you get more exercise (I’m 47) ……. you get to enjoy the course much more than riding , you get to hear the birds, follow the contours of the course I for years would use a pull cart but I bought a new set of Cleveland Irons this winter and they came with a new Cleveland bag and it has the double straps (that I’ve never had before) and I think I’m going to carry the bag this year just use the pull cart….. Here’s 1 vote against motorized carts —– ron