Walking for 1st time in 15 years

[jetsknicks1]

I know there's been several threads on this subject and I've always been on the side of those who prefer to ride. Sunday I'm playing with a new golf buddy who prefers to walk so I agreed to walk as well. I haven't walked a golf course in at least 15 years and while I'm a little concerned about my stamina, and whether I'll still be feeling well by hole 18, I'm also looking forward to it.

When I play by myself I find that I play better because I'm more focused and I'm hoping that walking will provide the same focus. I just hope that I'm not crawling into the clubhouse at the end of the round! :)

I'm 46 yrs old and while I'm not in bad shape, my knees can be a bit iffy (Walking doesn't bother them) and I've had to give up the sports I used to play (Basketball, softball & tennis) and I'm thinking that walking will be a good way to get some exercise. Has anyone started walking after such a long time riding? Any tips?

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by jetsknicks1

I know there's been several threads on this subject and I've always been on the side of those who prefer to ride. Sunday I'm playing with a new golf buddy who prefers to walk so I agreed to walk as well. I haven't walked a golf course in at least 15 years and while I'm a little concerned about my stamina, and whether I'll still be feeling well by hole 18, I'm also looking forward to it.

When I play by myself I find that I play better because I'm more focused and I'm hoping that walking will provide the same focus. I just hope that I'm not crawling into the clubhouse at the end of the round! :)

I'm 46 yrs old and while I'm not in bad shape, my knees can be a bit iffy (Walking doesn't bother them) and I've had to give up the sports I used to play (Basketball, softball & tennis) and I'm thinking that walking will be a good way to get some exercise. Has anyone started walking after such a long time riding? Any tips?

A long layoff from walking happens to me every year. It's called winter. I always carry, but for the first few rounds I've been known to carry a partial set and just enough other stuff to get me through the day. I find pulling or pushing a cart can be just as strenuous and 10x more annoying than carrying. Then again as a long time rider, you're probably used to going out of your way and never having the right stick.

[anthony]

I never walked until 3 years when I started playing with a group where they all walked. Now, I prefer it and try to get others to walk also. It's a lot more relaxing and enjoyable for me to play this way. Plus, it's great exercise!

As an added bonus, you're a lot less likely to leave a wedge by the side of the green this way.

[596]

I will either ride, walk carrying or walk with a pull cart when I play.  I do one of the three on any given day depending on time and playing partners.   I use walking a round of golf as my rest day from working out, I'm a triahtlete and this allows me to stay active on the rest day without beating myself up again : )

I find the pullcart is worst then carrying, it hurts my back.  I'd much rather walk carrying then ride.  I play much better as I concentrate and think about the shot as I walk to the ball.

I nearly always take ibuprophine before I play, even when I ride.  I have bad hips and it helps me get through 18 holes without locking up at about hole 15.  I'd suggest, since you have not walked in awhile, taking Aleve, or ibuprophine before you go, it'll help in the later parts of the round and you won't even notice it.

[ND Fan]

I carried the last 7 rounds last year with no problem.  That surprised me, I am 6' 2" and 248lbs.  But I was determined to walk some so I bought  a carry bag and just started walking.  It wasn't bad but it seems those darn two strap bags are designed for much smaller people.  I felt like Houdini getting out of a straight jacket every time I put the thing down.  I wear a 48 inch jacket and those straps felt like getting into and out of a 40 short.

I got a three wheeled cart this winter and plan on using it.  What I like about walking is everything is right there.  What I didn't like about carrying is I didn't seem to use my range finder as it wasn't handy and seemed to make things take even longer getting it out of the bag and such.  Using the cart may be nice if I can get an appropriate holder for my range finder.  Looking forward to walking off some pounds this summer.

[jetsknicks1]

I'm a bit surprised that a couple of you would rather carry than use a push cart. it seems like carrying would be more strenuous than pushing. I plan on getting a good night's sleep and abstaining from any alcohol the night before and I will defly take the advise on the Advil.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by jetsknicks1

I'm a bit surprised that a couple of you would rather carry than use a push cart. it seems like carrying would be more strenuous than pushing. I plan on getting a good night's sleep and abstaining from any alcohol the night before and I will defly take the advise on the Advil.

I'm a bit surprised that anyone would ever choose to ride in a buggy versus walking, no matter how the clubs get transported.

[jetsknicks1]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

I'm a bit surprised that anyone would ever choose to ride in a buggy versus walking, no matter how the clubs get transported.

I don't want this to turn into a walking vs riding thread, there's plenty of those. Whatever floats your boat is fine with me.

[ejimsmith]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

I'm a bit surprised that anyone would ever choose to ride in a buggy versus walking, no matter how the clubs get transported.

if you see golf as a walk ruined, then it makes more sense...

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by jetsknicks1

I don't want this to turn into a walking vs riding thread, there's plenty of those. Whatever floats your boat is fine with me.

When I started there were guys who carried, guys who rode, and old people who pulled (they didn't push in my day). When I can no summon the strength to carry a 4 pound golf bag and 10 pounds of equipment, I'll retire. But like you said, whatever floats your boat.

[weavej2]

lightest bag possible.....carry very little, you can restock at the turn.  Have a few snacks and water on hand.  Light light light.....make sure you hit right down the middle

[weavej2]

Are there other options than those 3 ?? I guess a caddy could carry

Originally Posted by 596

I will either ride, walk carrying or walk with a pull cart when I plaIy.  I do one of the three on any given day depending on time and playing partners.   I use walking a round of golf as my rest day from working out, I'm a triahtlete and this allows me to stay active on the rest day without beating myself up again : )

I find the pullcart is worst then carrying, it hurts my back.  I'd much rather walk carrying then ride.  I play much better as I concentrate and think about the shot as I walk to the ball.

I nearly always take ibuprophine before I play, even when I ride.  I have bad hips and it helps me get through 18 holes without locking up at about hole 15.  I'd suggest, since you have not walked in awhile, taking Aleve, or ibuprophine before you go, it'll help in the later parts of the round and you won't even notice it.

[jetsknicks1]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

When I started there were guys who carried, guys who rode, and old people who pulled (they didn't push in my day). When I can no summon the strength to carry a 4 pound golf bag and 10 pounds of equipment, I'll retire. But like you said, whatever floats your boat.

In your day? How old are you, 107? It's not a question of "Strength", it's a question of what people prefer.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by jetsknicks1

In your day? How old are you, 107? It's not a question of "Strength", it's a question of what people prefer.

If I was 107, I'd definitely be considering a push cart. Seriously though, you were the one questioning the logic of carrying without having tried it (at least not in the past 15 years)..

[walk18]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

If I was 107, I'd definitely be considering a push cart. Seriously though, you were the one questioning the logic of carrying without having tried it (at least not in the past 15 years)..

I'm all about walking (obviously) in most situations. However, I do know that some people don't play golf for the exercise, they workout independently from golf, and a cart is easier and relaxing for them. Then there are those with bad knees, ankles, hips, whatever, and they wouldn't be able to play without carts. Oh, and some people are just plain lazy.

[jetsknicks1]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

If I was 107, I'd definitely be considering a push cart. Seriously though, you were the one questioning the logic of carrying without having tried it (at least not in the past 15 years)..

I didn't question anybody's logic. I was just surprised that some find carrying easier than pushing.

[bkoguy07]

I'd rather ride... I get plenty of exercise without the walking.. if i do walk it makes my workouts suck.  I've walked once and was pretty tired at the end so its a good workout, i just don't see the point if you already workout, or enjoy walking

[tristanhilton85]

Originally Posted by sean_miller

I'm a bit surprised that anyone would ever choose to ride in a buggy versus walking, no matter how the clubs get transported.

Some of us have no choice... pretty much all the courses around me require you to ride.