~Power Cart or Not?

[BirdieGirl]

I'm sure this topic has likely been covered at one time or another but I couldn't find it so I thought I'd ask~

Question is: Who takes a power cart when golfing and who prefers to walk?

I often use a power cart, but in all sincerity....the reason being is that the cart is included with our membership, so its sooo easy to just say 'oh, why not'. :)

What about everyone else?

[Samick]

I'm sure this topic has likely been covered at one time or another but I couldn't find it so I thought I'd ask~

Question is: Who takes a power cart when golfing and who prefers to walk?

I often use a power cart, but in all sincerity....the reason being is that the cart is included with our membership, so its sooo easy to just say 'oh, why not'. :)

What about everyone else?

I'm a BIG advocate of walking the course, I also carry my bag with me on my back.

Carrying the bag is so much easier to get around the course....you can walk straight accross the greens, hop over creeks, go through the bush with it on you back. (looking for somebody elses ball of course!:D )

When I ride in a cart....I feel rushed. I just hit my drive a few seconds ago, and already I have to jump out, decide the distance, grab 3 clubs while my playing partner heads accross the fairway to look for his ball.

I'm just not a big fan AT ALL. Some courses make them mandatory...which i think is a load of crap....but hey, its their rules, so be it. I just sit back and try to relax....

[iyell4]

power carts are meant to speed up the pace of play.
esp. in courses that are designed to have long walks between holes.

of course, this is all for not when the power cart rule du jour is "Cart Paths Only" ... sometimes you end up walking more while riding than if you were walking it.

i like to walk and carry too.:)

[golf nut]

I'm lazy, I always ride.

[Big Shooter]

power carts are meant to speed up the pace of play.
esp. in courses that are designed to have long walks between holes.

of course, this is all for not when the power cart rule du jour is "Cart Paths Only" ... sometimes you end up walking more while riding than if you were walking it.

i like to walk and carry too.:)

When I book golf, I ALWAYS ask "what the cart rule" is for THAT DAY, nothing I HATE more than paying for a cart & it's "Cart Path ONLY!":mad:

[goshawk]

With my back issues and being asthmatic, I now ride all the time. It's more expensive up front, but a lot better than taking time off work because I've put my back out again. I[m hoping through this winter I can get the breathing and back under control through exercise and get back to walking again. But, until then, it's carts for me for now.

[Chigu]

It depends on the type of course. I'm still trying to pay off student loans, so if I don't have to spend money on a cart I won't. I usually use a pull cart. The only time I use a power cart is if my playing partners really want one, or the course has long walks between holes or significant elevation changes! I'm semi-lazy, I use a pull cart and have never carried the bag on my back for a round yet. :D

[Golfbum]

I prefer to walk, using a 3 wheel cart.
I do not buy into the arguement that carts speed up play.:rolleyes:
I have nothing against riding a power cart, for some that is the only way they can get around the course do to physical problems.
That said, I rode yesterday, but then again that was my 7th straight day of golf so I earned a ride in the power cart :)

[golfinseb]

I usually use my 3 wheel cart, but....

I broke it on the weeekend, so yesterday I carried for the first time in a year and a half. I actually quite enjoyed it, and I shot a good round of golf. So I might just finish up the year carrying. Luckily for me I never got rid of my hoofer cary bag. I could never carry my staff bag around, looks nice sitting on a cart just not being carried. I don't generally use a power cart as I much prefer walking and believe I play better while walking. It makes you more aware of the contours of the course, also you get a good preview of the greens if you pay attention as you walk up to them.

[wheelman]

I guess with a /nick like "Wheelman" you would expect me to be in favour of carts...but not so.

Who ever said "carts speed up play"? What bunk!

Carts are treated like taxi cabs on the course today. There is absolutely no "ready golf" when carts are used. With carts, half the players are waiting on the other half in order to progress along the course.
If you do use a cart, you should be dropping off your partner at their ball, and then go to your own and let them walk up to you. There is no law stating "No Walking Allowed when Carting".

All the activities you perform, club selection, cleaning, digging out something from your bag, scoring etc. can be performed while walking and carrying your bag. No back to the cart for another ball (you should always have a spare ball in you pocket for that odd provisional), or to change clubs when you are walking.

And how much fun is a cart when playing in the rain? None. So much easier to play in the rain when walking and carrying your bag.

For me, there is no "feeling" for a course if I am forced to cart it. After walking a course I can probably replay every shot in my mind for months to come, carting just makes it all a blur.

Walking establishes a natural body rhythm, that carries over to your swing.

My friend and I have no problem finishing 9 holes on an open course in an hour and 15 mins. We do that by placing our bags between the flag and the next tee on each green, cleaning our clubs while we walk, and always moving forward. We never hurry or rush any shots, it's just what we do between shots that makes the difference.

Get yourself a good walking bag. It should have a wide soft strap, just enough pockets for the necessities and a rain suit. The most important feature of a good carry bag is "balance". The bag should hang comfortably off your shoulder the same whether your hand is on the bag or not. I'm using the Nike Skinny bag this year and it is great.

That being said, I certainly support carts if you physically require one, or are going for that 3rd round in one day. I'm sure one day I'll be thankful for the cart that keeps me on the course for a few more years.

[Andru]

I ride. I'm lazy. If I need a work out I'll ride my bike, or run 5km.

[abz-pete]

I prefer to carry my clubs. On steep climbs I'll hop on to the back of the cart, if any of my playing partners has one!

[johnthegolfer]

I always walk (pull cart) unless playing with my wife (she likes to drive! - she can't play much so gets her fun putting and chauffeuring).
Riding a cart only speeds up play on those long trips between holes. Otherwise it is quicker to walk as each person can move to their ball while others are playing, rather than having to chase after two seperate ball, which always seem to be on opposite sides of the fairway for each person on the cart!

[Dan_L]

Im young, able to walk, in somewhat decent shape and somehow 99% of the time Im riding. :confused:

[goshawk]

Riding a cart only speeds up play on those long trips between holes. Otherwise it is quicker to walk as each person can move to their ball while others are playing, rather than having to chase after two seperate ball, which always seem to be on opposite sides of the fairway for each person on the cart!

I would tend to agree in some instances. I've been behind a foursome who were playing "committee golf": everyone drove to each ball in order, usually all on different sides of the course. I've also been behind foursomes who were walking and did the same thing. The only difference was the riders got to each ball just a tad quicker then the walkers. I see pros and cons for each choice - riding or walking. I think it's just a matter of golfers playing their own ball and using proper course etiquette. No one says you HAVE to stay next to your riding partner until they hit their ball before going to find your own. I never do, and I won't allow the people I ride with to do so either. I'll get out and tell them to go ahead to their ball, I'll walk over. If everyone does this, then it will speed up the game a bit. Unfortunately, no everyone get this principle.

[el tigre]

With my back issues and being asthmatic, I now ride all the time. It's more expensive up front, but a lot better than taking time off work because I've put my back out again. Im hoping through this winter I can get the breathing and back under control through exercise and get back to walking again. But, until then, it's carts for me for now. I hope you're seeing an asthma specialist, because if simply walking a flat course triggers your asthma then it is not being properly controlled (unless it is allergy-related, in which case walking may never be an option).

I've had some serious asthma attacks in the past, but it is under control for now. It has never been an issue for my golf game (well, if you don't count being stuck in a hospital on a weekend). I walk with a pull cart whenever possible, including some fairly hilly courses in Quebec.

[Golden Bear]

Personally, I'm someone who's run marathons, walks everywhere, and is generally a cardio fanatic. For me, the walking is part of golf, and if I'm not walking, I don't feel like I'm playing the game properly.

I also prefer carrying my bag rather than using a pull cart.

Of course, I have no back or other health issues.

I'll pass on this story ... My grandmother golfed five days a week at Lookout Point in Fonthill ... walking every time. She couldn't stand power carts. She last golfed in her late 80s, and at that point she had never experienced any serious health issues. She's now 95, and credits her years of golfing -- and walking the course -- for her longevity.


Walking a golf course is great for your health. Carry your bag and you burn 2000 calories during a round of golf. If you're physically able, why not walk? You can legitimately tell your wife/husband that it's good exercise ... because it is.

[wigler]

Walk and carry!!

[Golfbum]

Personally, I'm someone who's run marathons, walks everywhere, and is generally a cardio fanatic. For me, the walking is part of golf, and if I'm not walking, I don't feel like I'm playing the game properly.

I also prefer carrying my bag rather than using a pull cart.

Of course, I have no back or other health issues.

I'll pass on this story ... My grandmother golfed five days a week at Lookout Point in Fonthill ... walking every time. She couldn't stand power carts. She last golfed in her late 80s, and at that point she had never experienced any serious health issues. She's now 95, and credits her years of golfing -- and walking the course -- for her longevity.


Walking a golf course is great for your health. Carry your bag and you burn 2000 calories during a round of golf. If you're physically able, why not walk? You can legitimately tell your wife/husband that it's good exercise ... because it is.

Great story about your Grandmother, good for her :clap: You know I forgot about those 2000 or so calories you lose while carrying your bag. I walk but I use a 3 wheel cart. I started using one back in early May because I was getting tired while carrying my bag. Come to find out the reason was I had major blockage in my heart which lead to a mild heart attack which lead to a by bass operation. No wonder I was getting tired:) Now I am pretty well back to normal, I have been thinking about carrying again. You just reminded me why I should carry, as I do need to lose another 10 lbs. Thanks :D
I think in this day and age too many people just rent the power carts and go. I see this a lot with young green fee players at my home course.
I have nothing against power carts, I ride once in awhile. However it is a shame to see young golfers riding and not walking.

[Anthony]

Walk whenever possible, which is less and less today on premium (or even above average) courses.

Was out in PEI and played 2 great courses and was very happy to walk.

Stayed at Brudenell Resort, walked the course in the morning (closed for maintenance) and then played and wlked the new course Dundarave in the afternoon.

Spouse can't walk and play 18 holes because of feet problems, so add that to a # of tournaments and mandatory cart courses and there are fewer chances to walk nowadays.

[BirdieGirl]

Great story about your Grandmother, good for her :clap: You know I forgot about those 2000 or so calories you lose while carrying your bag. I walk but I use a 3 wheel cart. I started using one back in early May because I was getting tired while carrying my bag. Come to find out the reason was I had major blockage in my heart which lead to a mild heart attack which lead to a by bass operation. No wonder I was getting tired:) Now I am pretty well back to normal, I have been thinking about carrying again. You just reminded me why I should carry, as I do need to lose another 10 lbs. Thanks :D
I think in this day and age too many people just rent the power carts and go. I see this a lot with young green fee players at my home course.
I have nothing against power carts, I ride once in awhile. However it is a shame to see young golfers riding and not walking.


Golfbum~ Glad to know you are doing better and feeling back to normal again!

[goshawk]

I hope you're seeing an asthma specialist, because if simply walking a flat course triggers your asthma then it is not being properly controlled (unless it is allergy-related, in which case walking may never be an option).

I haven't had an asthma attack since I was a baby, but it cost me to be permanently short of breath. Even when I was in the military, nothing that I did worked on trying to improve my shortness of breath. I can walk the course, but I have to sit down when I get to my ball and rest. That's not a fun round. I also have a lower lumbar condition that stops me from walking for any distance as well. So I've resigned myself to riding now.

[BirdieGirl]

I haven't had an asthma attack since I was a baby, but it cost me to be permanently short of breath. Even when I was in the military, nothing that I did worked on trying to improve my shortness of breath. I can walk the course, but I have to sit down when I get to my ball and rest. That's not a fun round. I also have a lower lumbar condition that stops me from walking for any distance as well. So I've resigned myself to riding now.

goshawk~ I'm sorry to hear that your asthma causes you such shortness of breath like that. At least you know when we get out for a round that I'm happy to ride! :)

[el tigre]

I haven't had an asthma attack since I was a baby, but it cost me to be permanently short of breath. Even when I was in the military, nothing that I did worked on trying to improve my shortness of breath. I can walk the course, but I have to sit down when I get to my ball and rest. That's not a fun round. I also have a lower lumbar condition that stops me from walking for any distance as well. So I've resigned myself to riding now. I developed asthma as an adult, and went through a very rough 5-year period where I was hospitalized many times from asthma attacks - including one that was very serious.

I'm still active in sports (I referee broomball as well as play golf), but I've learned my lesson the hard way about ignoring the symptoms. Even though
I haven't had ANY asthma symptoms for over 2 years, I still take Symbicort daily for prevention (similar to Pulmicort, the brown puffer) and probably will for the rest of my life. I have the blue "emergency" puffers nearby at all times just in case, and a supply of Prednazone in the medicine cabinet if the puffers don't work.

It sounds like you are still suffering from the symptoms, and I hope you are seeing your doctor about them. Just because you're not having attacks doesn't mean you should not be treating the condition.

[goshawk]

goshawk~ I'm sorry to hear that your asthma causes you such shortness of breath like that. At least you know when we get out for a round that I'm happy to ride! :)

Thanks BG. It's not that much of a problem. My difficult time was as a baby. My mom actually had to stay up with me one night because it was really bad. She told me that I stopped breathing twice that night. Thankfully, my doc had me on the right meds, and she prescribed 8oz of beer per day for the yeast (man, I was a happy baby!:D ). I haven't had an attack since age 2, but I can't run any farther than about 2 blocks without stopping. Walking a hilly course is a challenge though. That's when I have to sit for a while. And I will be contacting you shortly about that round, right after getting the kid settled in Sheridan this weekend.
Tigre, as for seeing my doc, I've had numerous tests done over the years, including stress tests. My lung capacity is pretty normal. It's primarily the ability of my lung tissue to transfer oxygen that's the problem. I was able to increase this somewhat when I played football in highschool, but I didn't keep up the same intensity of exercise past basic training so I lost that.

[The Troll]

I only take a cart when I'm forced though I will admit to liking the GPS carts at Whistle Bear.

Mind you, they use their GPS as a "1984" type of control over golfers.

[GQuizzle]

I like to walk in the temperate/cooler climates... Its too flippin hot to walk in the desert.

[hogannut]

Part of golf is walking, if you ride you are not really playing the game. I understand for social events, work tournaments or health reasons fine. When I play with my 80 year old father we ride. I do not consider that "playing" the game. Part of golf is are you physically fit enought to walk and in the pro events are you fit enough to walk 4 days in a row.

I have used the example of maybe you could put jet skates on and not actually skate when playing hockey. You would still pass, and shoot but the actual movement of getting to where the puck is would not be done by human movement it would be done by a machine. Maybe a bit extremem, but carts are so over used now in North America it's a joke.

[Big Shooter]

Part of golf is walking, if you ride you are not really playing the game..

...and if you're CHEAP, I mean THRIFTY, like a good Scot!!!;) :D

[Grobar]

I can understand older people or people with health issues riding a cart, but so many times I've seen younger players in their 20's or even teens riding :rolleyes:

Thank God, I'm healthy so I "always" walk. Sometime I carry, other time I pull. It depends on a course. If its hilly I carry since its to difficult to push or pull carts, but if it flat, ether will do.

According to my walking meter, so far this year I'm up to almost 700km...