How To Lower Your Score in One Easy Step.

[Doctorfro]

So I guess if Tiger and his cohorts on tour were riding in carts they'd be shooting in the 50's

[Guest]

long time lurker, first time poster...
I actually read the story about the study, and the study is flawed.

"Researchers studied seven recreational golfers, who typically average a score between 80 and 95, who walked while carrying a weighted golf bag during a simulated golf game. The one female and six male golfers walked 6 miles in total in 1-mile increments. Before the first mile, and after each subsequent mile, each player hit 20 tee shots, totaling 140 tee shots for the round. "

these geniuses had golfers walk ONE MILE, then hit, then walk ANOTHER MILE. hardly an accurate approximation of actually walking the course...the longest I walk between shots would be less than 300 yards...way less.

[DJYoshi]

all of my low rounds this year have come when i've walked the course....i'll only ride if it's a resort course and cart's included in your greens fee or if it's a new course i haven't played before...but most of the time..i like to walk....

[DavidFehertysBike]

I walk so much that trying to play with a cart just ruins timing, rythm, everything. Whenever i do use a cart its almost like im playing a different game. For some reason, i dont concentrate on my shots as much with a cart as much as I do when im walking. Unless I have no other option, or my body wont let me do it, ill walk everytime.

[MunkeyGolfer]

long time lurker, first time poster...

I agree with this. There is no way you can make me walk a mile and then expect me to hit a golf ball. And just tee shots? Which only accounts for 18 strokes a game anyway?? (If playing 18 holes) It's flawed.

[txsouthpaw]

i find that when i walk in the South texas heat i tend to get tired and it affects my score.

It can reach 100f down here for a month at a time. and if im hot and sweaty i rush my shots to try and get the round over faster. So less time in the heat= lower score. thats just me though

[tm22721]

You can lose much more weight using a cart because eventually you will leave all of your irons behind in the fairway.

[tbjohnston]

The study is flawed. One doesn't walk a mile and then hit shots.

The study ignores many benefits of walking:
- Improved flexibility
- Better course management
- Faster play, especially on courses that are "cart path only"

etc. etc. etc.

I play in the PacNW where we don't often have 100-degree temps, and the courses I play on were designed for walking, so the green to tee distances are reasonable.

[sacm3bill]

The study is also irrelevant for anyone who uses a push/pull cart, as opposed to carrying as was done in the tests. Obviously using a cart is much less taxing than carrying.

[Jeepthrills]

Just take a lot LESS steps.

As an exercise physiologist and someone certified by the ACSM, I actually think their testing is flawed. Granted, the ability to hit 20 shots in a row may be decreased by walking a mile, golf is not played that way. You never walk for 1 mile straight without putting down your clubs or taking shots in between. I would like to see them do a test with more golfers of comparable fitness and skill levels. Have them playing rounds at various courses and have them carry on some courses and ride on others. Multiple rounds will eliminate the variables. This way you could have multiple rounds truly compare golf scores, not swing techniques.

The key factor is going to be fitness level. If you take an out of shape guy and have him carry a bag for 18 holes when he normally rides, there will be a big jump in score.