Walking vs riding

[Dave H]

I like to walk for a few reasons. 1, because golf is an expensive game and you can save a lot of money by not renting a power cart. 2, because walking is good exercise. I've actually dropped a few pounds and feel much better this season after not renting a cart once. 3, I like the pace of the game when I walk. I feel more focused on what's happening with my game and the shot I want to make.

I also got a 3 wheeled push cart this year as I had always found my back would get fatigued during 18 carrying. This has completely changed my perspective on walking as my cart seems nearly effortless to push.

[Happy Dragon]

I always find that I play better if I'm walking the course. I always have the full set with me on every shot and I can start focusing on my next shot as I walk towards it. This seem especially helpful for the short game.

The bad thing is, it seems like newer courses are more spread out from the greens to the next tees and walking is discouraged by the clubhouse.

Any thoughts?

[DavidFehertysBike]

Most able players (regardless of handicap) would probably see better scores walking. You develop a better rythm through the round, IMO. I understand the bussiness side of golf carts and know they are here to stay, but i am very much agaist them being such a big part of the way the game is played.

[kafka01]

While i agree that you develop a better rythm when walking and warm up quicker, people might just get tired when they get in the later stages of their rounds, when their are not physical fit and play hilly courses.

[Cussin hacker]

I use to play better walking but can't walk a whole round these days so I ride. I'm 45 and mostly play with guys in their 60's and 70's and bad knee's, backs, and such have most of them riding also.

[quantim0]

I love to walk, but it's almost a death sentence here in Fl during the summer. I did it once and was sick for the rest of the day.

I can't wait for it to drop into the low 80s so I can start walking again.

[clearwaterms]

I think they have done studies in the past, and it was stated that you will generally shoot a better round in a cart, due to fatigue.

I personally find that while I dont feel tired after walking 18, the quality of my shots isn't the same on the 18th fairway as it is on say the 3rd or 4th (after I am warmed up and playing my best golf)

I always walk 9 holes, but generally ride 18 (if for no other reason then most courses around here encourage carts for 18 holes)

[MiniMoe]

If im in the mood to consume adult beverages... I always ride. And when I don't give a snit.. I always ride. When I gamble with the guys... I always ride. When I play mini-tour events... I always walk, because that is what they require... stupid SOB's.

[TheGeekGolfer]

Walking results in lower scores! (for me, anyway)

Walking gets you in a better rhythm, you can plan your shot better as you walk to your ball. If your ball is off the fairway, it's easier to find than if you're in a cart. That's all...case closed!

[Parker0065]

Those who mention rhythm are dead on!

The biggest difference I have between walking and riding is if I'm not swinging well that day. If my swing is a little off and I'm walking I have time to regroup and prepare for the next shot. When my swing is a little off and I'm riding in a cart it has produced some real bad rounds. For me, a cart just doesn't give you that few extra moments to process whats going on with your swing. You hit, jump in the cart, drive to your ball and hit again. It can really turn into a "Golfing Nightmare"!

I guess if I exclusively rode in a cart then eventually I would get use to the change in rhythm but I would say my stroke average is a good 4-5 shots lower walking versus riding.

I'll just keep on walking:)

[flopdarock]

with all the rain we've had the past 2 days... its gonna be cartpath only so you might as well walk... plus its getting much cooler... time to break out the pull cart and have a nice stroll

[MiniMoe]

Golf courses being built today are not designed to be walked. The are built to attract buyers for lots "on a golf course". The walk between greens and tees are sometimes longer than the hole you just played. I played in a U.S. Open qualifier a few years ago and the pace of play was almost 5 hours. I had my caddy time our actual playing time per hole. It only took us 4 hrs to play. The rest of the time was spent walking in between holes.

There are some courses that do not allow walkers. They need the revenue from cart rentals, so everyone must ride. Most people that ride don't save any time. But in our group, riding does save time. If there is no one in front of us, we can play a 5'some in under three hours, but this is not the national average. If we were to walk, it would take us closer to 4.