There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a golf cart instead of walking between holes on the course. But, you can easily bother other golfers if you don’t use the cart properly. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using a cart instead of walking, and how to operate one considerately.
The most obvious benefit of using a cart is that you won’t have to walk. Courses are often large, with uneven and hilly terrain. Walkers who carry their own equipment will become fatigued quickly, even if they’re in good physical condition. With a golf cart, you can conserve your energy for your golf swing. Plus, you can carry a greater assortment of equipment on a cart than if you have to carry it by hand.
A cart will also shield you from bad weather. For example, if it’s sweltering hot, you’ll soon become fatigued and overheated if you walk the course. But if you take a cart along with plenty of water to beat the heat, you’ll be able to keep cool in the shade. Driving a golf cart can help protect you from overheating in the summer, and can keep you from getting drenched in spring and fall rains.
It’s important to remember that if you don’t drive a cart very often, you’re likely to have difficulties remembering when to move it, and you may not know how to drive it properly. If you end up running back and forth multiple times, other golfers may be annoyed to have you underfoot. If you don’t know how to use the cart politely, it may be more trouble than it’s worth.
Take extra care when driving the cart on wet grass or damp ground, and make sure to avoid muddy areas. Many courses prohibit driving on the rough to minimize the impact on the course. If your partner is old enough to drive the cart and is sitting in the driver’s seat, assume that he or she will do the driving.
Come to agreement with your partner about who will move the cart. This will prevent you from leaving it behind and having to walk back to get it. Be considerate, and return to the cart path once you approach the green. Remember to bring the clubs you need with you, and make sure to bring your partner’s club if necessary. Remind your partner if you notice that facilities are nearby and you need to take a rest stop.
Decide ahead of time where you are going to put the cart, and park it where it can provide shade if there is no other source available. If you are driving and your partner’s ball is next up, pull up along the right side of the ball. Make sure the ball is located midway down the length of the cart so that your partner will have less distance to walk.
You should never drive the cart while other golfers are hitting, and most importantly, don’t move in front of them. When you park near the green, place the cart on the side where you’ll be exiting the green. If the ball is on a steep hill, park as close as you safely can, but avoid driving on the hill; this can be hazardous.
Know how close you are to the green by reading the distance or paying attention to shrubs and other landmarks, and estimate how far your stroke is likely to send the ball. If you don’t know what club you need, bring whichever ones you think may be necessary. This way you’ll avoid walking back and forth to and from the cart several times.
Soeren is an expert in golf carts in all shapes and forms. Cheap models, expensive models and anything in between. Read his latest review article titled: How To Buy Melex Golf Carts. Come visit the site for more cart information.
