Guys that play in tournaments, question...

[sp33d]

Next year I plan on playing in all the local am-tournys in my area. To get some experience.

Right now I carry my bag, after about 10 holes I can feel it taking a toll on my back and traps. Do many of you take pull carts with you? or do you carry?

I'm sure my game starts to suffer a bit as far as energy and power, but I just like to carry my bag for added exercise, which doesn't effect me if theres nothing on the line.

[Motley01]

Get a caddy.

[Titleistgolf16]

Push carts a nice. Pull carts can hurt your back if you have back problems. My dad has back/neck problems and can't use a pull cart but a push cart is fine.

[bsettle]

You may think about some core/leg workouts to develop what seems to be getting tired after the front nine.

I would suggest not carrying your bag in a tourney if your game suffers. But in the long run having the core/leg strength to sustain for 18 holes will do nothing but help your golf game.

[sp33d]

Its not a lack of strength, our courses are mostly hills. Plus humidity, just drains me. I'm in really good shape, but I can tell it takes it out of me after a while.

Would I look like a pompous ass to take a caddy with me? My cousin wants to caddy for me for some damn reason...

[Elvisliveson]

Would I look like a pompous ass to take a caddy with me? My cousin wants to caddy for me for some damn reason...

I remember years ago at a county course tournament, most contestants, including myself, we're thinking that about a guy who brought a caddy. That was until he won, of course.

[maraca2020]

answer isn't that hard. I'm not sure how heavy the aerolite III bag is, but if it's not the litest, go for a sun mountain. Also, only carry 1 pencil, 6-8 balls, 1 ballmarker, 18 tees(if you break one every swing) and a divot repair tool. Most bags get really cluttered. Also, take a gronola bar/power bar or 3, and two waters/gatorades, one frozen to ice for the back 9, one super cold but not ice for the front. That should get you going.

[sp33d]

Aerolite is 3.8lbs. maybe i'm a puss :)

Ill start running with my bag on my back, I dont know, I have my clubs usually like 4 balls, tees and water/gatorade.

Maybe I should rephrase, and I shall.

When walking with my bag, I start to get slightly fatigued after 10 holes. I'm not dragging my feet and praying for god to save me from the pure tourture. I'm just thinking that in a tournament situation, it may be beneficial to my score to not hoist my bag on my back and drag it around.

[Zeph]

I always carry, but tried a cart the other day. I walked 18 holes the day before, had gotten only 3 hours of sleep and was going to play 18 the next three days. After 9 holes I parked the cart and carried the rest of the round. I feel much more relaxed when carrying. I can write scorecard while walking, look at the course guide to plan the next hole. Eat whatever is in my bag or taking a drink. I felt stressed out having to think about where to drive the cart, driving it around the green area. When I carry I take the bag with me all over the course, over the green for a chip and back across towards the next tee before putting.

If you get too tired to play and plan on using carts a lot, I suggest you buy a good push cart with 3 or 4 wheels. Those with two wheels you can rent at a course (at least those I've seen) are no good.

[MiniMoe]

pull carts are hard in their own way. As it turns out, it is easier on the back, but you end up walking a lot more. Just think about it, you have to walk the cart all the way around the green, no short cuts. Also, if there are a lot of hills, you have to find a flat spot to park it, then walk to your ball, then walk all the way back around to the thing and go to the next tee.

If you get run down, you have to eat during the round. I usually eat a snack on the 5th, then the 9th, then the 12th, then the 15th. And drink lots of water.

[sp33d]

Dont most of them have brakes?

[Wazzu8]

Most of them do have brakes.. but they are nothing special based on the ones I would have to move for a little bit at my job.

I think since this is a local tournament your adrenaline might be flowing more then usual to help you out. One thing that could help is buy a 5 hr energy and drink a small sip at the turn, then on like 14. Maybe 1/4 a bottle on each at most.

Just an idea to ponder.

[BookBoy]

I just played in a tourney and we had two caddies in our group. I never gave it any thought. Players handled all the flag duties, but one did handle the scorecard chores for the group.

If you have someone that will carry your satchel, I say do it. You may want to make sure your cuz can easily walk 18 and knows their role.

[sp33d]

yes hes quite capable big weight lifter, straping young lad, squats like 500lbs. He knows my golf game as much as I do almost he plays with me almost every time I go out. Also added bonus I can have him beat up the person whos doing better than me ;)

[CG031]

I know what you mean about getting worn down. Usually some tension in my shoulders build up by the last few holes when I walk.

It helps to just walk a lot though. You get used to it and it gets better and better on your back and stamina in general.

But my bag is REALLY heavy, I've felt some of my friends it's like 5 lbs. lighter than mine. I need to get a lighter bag, but oh well.

[Ben]

Next year I plan on playing in all the local am-tournys in my area. To get some experience.

If I don't have a caddy, which is about 98% of the time, I take a cart. No need to tire yourself by carrying. I consider it my electric powered caddy. Keep as fresh and energized as possible. While you're at it, always have protein bars, an apple or banana, or even a peanut butter sandwich with you. Getting hungry and thinking about how hungry you is an unnecessary distraction. I usually eat an hour before I tee off and I just go ahead and eat at the turn so I know I won't get hungry.

[Ram]

I remember years ago at a county course tournament, most contestants, including myself, we're thinking that about a guy who brought a caddy. That was until he won, of course.

If you can take a caddy who is excited to be out there and knows something about golf, do it. Just being able to talk through shots, course managements, and putts is worth a couple strokes.

[Blades4me]

Next year I plan on playing in all the local am-tournys in my area. To get some experience.

Push carts work well. Start working out so you have endurance b/c you will need it if you carry your bag. Caddies are usually good if available.

IMO the biggest things to get ready for tournaments is practice, especially your short game and putting, course management and get a range finder or GPS unit