Pull Golf Cart - should I buy?

[bobbydacron]

I've been playing for about a year. Now I realize that golf is starting to take over my life - I figure at 47 years of age I am finally old enough to play the game. I am an "enthusiastic beginner" and just want to spend money on equipment. I've bought the clubs, the bag, the shirts, the hats, balls, magazine etc. Without a doubt I am at the stage of starting to waste money, but I figure what the heck. So here is my question...

I usually walk instead of ride when I play golf each week. I pay about $4 to rent a pull cart. Is it worth me buying one? If so what are the benefits? Lastly what can people recommend?

Thanks everyone.

[Smallville]

There is a whole bunch of carts out there, but I would suggest you get a "push" cart - - -one with a third wheel. Beats pulling one. And if you want to use it as a pull cart you can remove the extra wheel. Just go to your local sporting goods store (Dicks, Sports Authority, etc.). They will have quite a few to look at and decide on. You really need to see them to make a good decision for your own personal needs. they range from around $50 to well over $100.

There's a few threads on here about push/pull carts you can browse, just go to "search" and type in "carts."

[tonyy]

I used to walk and carry my bag all the time. I would get a little tired by the end of the round and start having some bad last 2-3 holes due to fatigue (at least that's what I blamed it on). I then purchased a pull cart and it's been great. A lot easier to lug around and plus it's basically effortless. Of course I occasionally just carry it but only if it's 9 or less holes that I'm playing.

As for the type, I really had no preference and bought a basic pull cart. Nothing fancy, 2 wheels, scorecard holder, and ball holder. I bought it for like $15 and it's worked just fine.

[NI4NI]

It comes down to $, convenience, and to a lesser extent, physical desire to lug versus pull the bag around the course. If you're spending $4 per week, then you could be handing over ~$100 each season (based on how many rounds you rent), versus paying ~$200 for a very good Sun Mountain 1.0, 2.0, or Clic Gear 2.0 quality pull cart, which you would own forever.

Assuming that you stay hooked on golfing for the next decade at even a fraction of the above frequency, and continue to walk versus golf cart, then buying a pull cart is a good investment.

Wait until the end of the season when deals will be more plentiful - sounds like a good investment.

Good luck.

[TheGasman]

Golfsmith has 20% off all carts until tomorrow. I ordered a clicgear last week and the shipping is only 5.99.

[Fat Slice]

I've been playing for about a year. Now I realize that golf is starting to take over my life - I figure at 47 years of age I am finally old enough to play the game. I am an "enthusiastic beginner" and just want to spend money on equipment. I've bought the clubs, the bag, the shirts, the hats, balls, magazine etc. Without a doubt I am at the stage of starting to waste money, but I figure what the heck. So here is my question...

It's hard to say if it's "worth it" because you may enjoy some feature more (or less) than someone else. Still, here's my experience. I walk when I can. Most courses are OK. There are some super hilly ones and I am 46 and not in great shape. I can walk them, but then I'm too tired to hit a good shot! I have a small carry bag (backpack strap kind) I use for 9 hole courses and only take about 1/2 my clubs. For full courses (even if only playing 9 holes), I bought a Clicgear 2.0. I *love* it. It's so much better balanced and smoother than the rental carts. You never know what you are going to get and they don't really maintain them, just run them until they get too wonky. You can also leave your own cart setup with balls, tees, etc., ready to go - no packing and unpacking. I adjusted my cart so that it's perfect ergonomically and it's a pleasure to push (not pull!) around the course. I paid roughly $200 - there are deals on eBay that can get it to you for $185 shipped IIRC. Lots of colors, too. The Clicgear 2.0 unfolds and folds in a few seconds, is really compact, and seems well constructed. For me, it was worth it.

edit: There's always Craigslist! http://newjersey.craigslist.org/spo/808448347.html

[NI4NI]

Golfsmith has 20% off all carts until tomorrow. I ordered a clicgear last week and the shipping is only 5.99.

Thanks for the head's up. I've been combing a few local stores researching pull carts. It's down to Sun Mtn and Clic Gear - there are some good threads both here and other forums between these two.

[gogolfing]

I'm 39 and have always carried my clubs. In August, my back went out and I was on the shelf for a good four weeks. When I was able to play I used a push cart and my back felt much better at the end of the round from when I was carrying. So I bought a Ping Pioneer cart bag and a Clicgear 2.0 push cart; best money I've spent in a while. My back is so much less fatigued at the end of the round. I would highly recommend the Clicgear; there is a review of it the Sandtrap too.

[N.V.M.]

BagBoy! yes, i have a C-550...spam. seriously though, don't cheap out on whatever push cart you get. all the big companies make cheaper, smaller diameter aluminum tubed models, stay away from those.

[Wisconsin Golfer]

I highly recommend the SUN MOUNTAIN three wheel push cart. It costs alittle more, however it has allot of storage,inflatable wheels with air pump, umbrella holder, folds easy, and best of all has a hand brake. The hand brake is awesome, when you are on any kind of hill or slope the cart stays put.