How To Lower Your Score in One Easy Step.

[Sherpat]

Just take a lot LESS steps.

The American College of Sports Medicine has just released the results of a study on golf that focuses on how swing mechanics are affected over time by walking the course as compared to riding in a cart.

The news is not good for those of us who like to hoof it.

Granted, the study also said that the effects *may* be moderated the better shape you're in. But for those of us not at Tiger or Camillo's level of fitness, that's probably a moot point.

So waddaya think, fellow diehard carry bag traditionalists? Is it worth finally dropping the last few strokes off that handicap, but at the cost of giving up the exercise/pace/zen experience we love about walking?

[mikelz]

Just take a lot LESS steps.

Maybe that's what the study indicates but I'm not buying it entirely.

Passionate, healthy golfers like you (and I used to be) love the contact with the course. I still miss laying my bag down next to my ball and beginning to plan my shot (I detest stand bags. I'm quirky.) You just don't get that in a cart. In a cart, you could drive from course to course and not notice. The late "Fast George" Loudermilk told me that walking is the way to go because it's just like the golf swing - you transfer your weight from one hip socket to the other. Fast George was a +1 in the 50s & 60s. When he stopped playing at around age 85, he was an 18. I was lucky to grow up around a course. I caddied for good players I ended up playing with and against.

[iacas]

Granted, the study also said that the effects *may* be moderated the better shape you're in. But for those of us not at Tiger or Camillo's level of fitness, that's probably a moot point.

I don't think you have to be at the Tiger/Camilo level in order to benefit.

I also believe I SAVE strokes by feeling the contact with the ground, by better pacing, etc.

[Sherpat]

Maybe that's what the study indicates but I'm not buying it entirely.

There's no argument like experience. I couldn't agree with you more, Mike. "Fast George" sounds like he's provided you with some great memories!

BTW, even though I accept the results of their study - I have nothing empirical of my own to offer showing otherwise after all - I'm still walking (when the course allows). A couple of strokes difference during a casual round (which is the majority of rounds for me) is not worth losing "contact with the course" as you aptly put it.

[Sherpat]

I don't think you have to be at the Tiger/Camilo level in order to benefit.

You won't find me disagreeing with either sentiment. In fact, during the Christmas ("Glutton") Holiday this past year I was unfortunate enough to catch a glimpse of myself in full profile in a store mirror while shopping. Gaaahh! When did that truck tire weld itself to my waist? While downing another profiterole and contemplating that mystery, I decided I didn't want to go the way of many (most) of my 40-ish peers and just devolve into Jabba the Hutt. So I got myself a Nordic Track ski machine (

30 bucks, brand new, off Craig's List from some lady who had been using it the past 2 years as a clothes rack ). Been pounding that sucker every day without fail since January, and integrating it with my old boxing workout ever other day. You're right - I'm no Charles Atlas, but it's made a discernable difference on the course, what little I've done so far. Vive Las Muscles!

[CG031]

I play better when I walk. I feel rushed sometimes when I play in a cart...I think cooling down after a bad shot, or just not getting too 'quick' after a good one is something that helps when you are walking to your ball.

I walk 9/10 times I play, and I have to say, I shoot the same scores pretty much whether I'm riding in a cart or walking.

[michaeljames92]

i find i get very tired and lose concentration while walking 18, especially on days like 36*C. every time i have played using a cart i have shot my best scores 84 and 86. i feel using a cart keeps my concentration and i make better decisions. although it is less fun i think because the round does travel much faster. and i find i can be rushing.

[teal]

I golf both ways. When I use the cart I tend to do better. Less time inbetween shots to think about things. I get up there and hit. I typically play with my brother and they charge 7 bucks to ride, even if you are sharing a cart so we get our own and play ready golf. Do 9 holes in an hour and 10 minutes and I feel better about it.

[Sherpat]

...especially on days like 36*C....

Lol...yeah, I can see where walking several miles, carrying a bag, in 36*C (about 97*F) could drain one physically. I think I'd opt for the shaded ride once in a while myself then

[eberryhill7]

I have also noticed myself getting tired while walking if the temp is too high, or I'm already tired when I go. On days like this I ride because that effects my scores, and enjoyment in a positive way, but when I feel good and it is not too hot, I walk because of all of the before-mentioned reasons.

[Harold]

So waddaya think, fellow diehard carry bag traditionalists? Is it worth finally dropping the last few strokes off that handicap, but at the cost of giving up the exercise/pace/zen experience we love about walking?

No. Half the reason I play is the walk.

[GOLFSALOT00]

walking helps cool me down after i have hit a bad shot if i just hop on the cart i tend to rush myself and then hit another bad shot

[Lange]

Stamina does eventually take effect on your game, drinking water or pop tends to be a great decision especially when moving on to the back nine. I am one who walks teh course as its healthier and saves money from cart expenses. I haven't found a difference when using the cart or walking.

[Dent]

Stamina does eventually take effect on your game, drinking water or pop tends to be a great decision especially when moving on to the back nine. I am one who walks teh course as its healthier and saves money from cart expenses. I haven't found a difference when using the cart or walking.

Neither have I, Infact I play worse when Im riding.

One Coke on the front nine, one coke on the back.

[Jack_2251]

I have never taken a cart, so I can't comment.

[Magnus]

Riding is easier for stamina, no doubt. My back never seems to loosen up when I walk, but I am a bit heavy (6'2", 325 - with soft hands, hahahaha). But.......yardage markers are easier to find, walk off, and feel when you do walk the course. When I ride I find myself doing circles in the fairways looking for sprinkler heads, then jumping out to walk the yardage.....seems to negate the time savings people think they get from riding.

[Shindig]

Maybe the advantage to a cart is that you can more easily head in after the 17th green. That saves most of us 5 strokes right there.

[michaeljames92]

nice... shindig.