Opinion on Golf Scores: Walking vs. Riding

[sundevil31673]

I'd like to hear people's opinions regarding whether scoring well in a round of golf is in someway diminished if you rode in a cart for the entire round.  From my perspective, "true" golf is only played when one walks a course as this certainly requires a degree of physical stamina that riding in a cart simply does not demand.  Having walked many rounds in my life and especially as I get older (41 years old), I have a deep appreciation and admiration for what golf professionals are able to do every week.  To be able to have the legs, concentration, and body control to repeatedly hit a ball solidly and doing so while walking an 18 hole 7000+ yard course and while carrying a 15+ golf bag is definitely a challenge that non-golfers cannot appreciate.  Personally, the last several holes of an 18 hole walking round always are the most challenging as my legs tend to feel like mush. And this comes from a former soldier who has seen his fair share of long ruck marches and hikes.  I guess I just feel as that when I score well after having used a cart, I just don't have that same level of satisfaction as I do when I score well after having walked the course.  Perhaps I should just consider them two different types of golf similar to half-court and full-court basketball.  Anyway, I would love to learn whether you consider walking vs. riding as two different types of golf or if someone who scores well while riding is viewed no differently than someone who scores well after having walked.

[BENtSwing]

You'll probably get bumped over here anyway but...

http://thesandtrap.com/t/72221/walking-vs-riding

[Golfingdad]

I tend to play better, on average, when walking anyway, so I don't at all think that they are two different types of golf.

Further, most of the courses here in south Orange County just aren't conducive to walking, and, in fact, it's virtually impossible (and not to mention, not allowed) at many of them.

So ...

[BENtSwing]

I tend to play better, on average, when walking anyway, so I don't at all think that they are two different types of golf.

Further, most of the courses here in south Orange County just aren't conducive to walking, and, in fact, it's virtually impossible (and not to mention, not allowed) at many of them.

So ...

Truth

[Yukari]

FWIW, pros do not carry their bags.

As to the OP's q's, I play much better walking.

I walk 90%+ of the time.  Just about the only time I ride is when cart is included in the green fee.

[David in FL]

I'd like to hear people's opinions regarding whether scoring well in a round of golf is in someway diminished if you rode in a cart for the entire round.  From my perspective, "true" golf is only played when one walks a course as this certainly requires a degree of physical stamina that riding in a cart simply does not demand.  Having walked many rounds in my life and especially as I get older (41 years old), I have a deep appreciation and admiration for what golf professionals are able to do every week.  To be able to have the legs, concentration, and body control to repeatedly hit a ball solidly and doing so while walking an 18 hole 7000+ yard course and while carrying a 15+ golf bag is definitely a challenge that non-golfers cannot appreciate.  Personally, the last several holes of an 18 hole walking round always are the most challenging as my legs tend to feel like mush. And this comes from a former soldier who has seen his fair share of long ruck marches and hikes.  I guess I just feel as that when I score well after having used a cart, I just don't have that same level of satisfaction as I do when I score well after having walked the course.  Perhaps I should just consider them two different types of golf similar to half-court and full-court basketball.  Anyway, I would love to learn whether you consider walking vs. riding as two different types of golf or if someone who scores well while riding is viewed no differently than someone who scores well after having walked.

Just as a point of interest, if you check out the search function, you'll find a TON of threads on this very subject.  They tend to get a little contentious, so you might find them somewhat entertaining.

Welcome to the site!

[SEVENTEEN 17]

I very rarely ride, I feel I can't get my " Mojo " going. When I walk, I get time to survey the fairway looking for my next landing area etc. On my last round where I rode, if felt like " whack - drive - whack - drive - whack - drive - two putts and drive again. I had plenty of fuel in the tank at the end of the round, went to the practice fairway and hit some balls. For some golfers it may suit, but not me. When I'm really in the groove, I carry my clubs in a light weight Titleist bag, now that's real golf to me. cheers 17

[sundevil31673]

Just wanted to post a clarification....I realize professionals don't carry their bags...didn't read what I was writing...nonetheless, still admire the fact that these guys and girls can walk 4-5 miles day after day and in many cases extremely oppressive heat.....

[rehmwa]

I play better walking.

But I think any statement that starts with "I think TRUE golf is" pretty much means I won't read the rest of the post.

it's all golf

YMMV

[tomvk77]

If i'm not walking my muscles get cold and stiff, so i rather play walking.

[tristanhilton85]

I really enjoy walking, but it's almost never an option. I can only think of a two courses around me that even allow it, and my home course isn't one of them. On top of that, during the summer (when I play the most) temps are right around 110°.

I also think that it's a bit ridiculous to say people who play using carts aren't playing "real" golf.

[Hammer 4]

Even with my bad back, I prefer to walk. The funny thing is, if I ride, my back will still start to hurt after about 12-14 holes. To me, walking while golfing just seems so natural..

[Shorty]

For many people with bad backs, riding in a cart is the worst thing you can do and walking is one of the best.

Sitting down is usually bad for the back and walking is a great way to relieve pressure on it.

[timnsr72]

When I ride, blowups get much worse as I have less time in between shots to survey the situation and calm myself down if I really messed up.

[Royster1984]

I prefer walking, more time to think about your shots and sort yourself out after a bad shot.

I always find it much more sociable to walk and chat too.

[RandyBobbitt]

Walking is always better. In fact, I refuse to ride. When I play in a tournament in which carts are included in the entry fee, I put my clubs on the cart and then walk along side. Usually irks other people in the group, but that's their problem. Play is so slow anyway that it doesn't hold up my group or the group behind us.

It's a matter of pacing. When I play with people in carts, it usually rush rush rush for a few holes, then wait wait wait. Then rush rush rush. Then wait wait wait.

Club owners and managers will tell you privately that most people play better walking, but they seldom say that publicly because carts make them a lot of money.

[TJBam]

I walk occasionally and find that I score a little better when walking.  I feel like I get in a smoother rhythm when walking to the ball and I get a better longer look at the green.  Sometimes when I ride it feels like WHACK drive 20mph screeeech and I'm setting up for my second shot while I'm still thinking about my last one.  It's nice to slow down but it's not always possible to walk at my club on weekends and during the week I'm usually tired from work or trying to play quick and get around quick in a cart.

Plus I'm less likely to hook if I know I have to walk all the way over to it.

[srjorion]

I play better when walking on average. Best investment I've made in the past two years was a push cart.