Why do you walk when playing golf?

[bkuehn1952]

I originally walked because it was cheaper.  As I have aged, it is a nice way to get a bit of non-aerobic exercise (while saving money!!).  I have also noticed that walking allows me a bit more sightseeing time and less time watching where we are going in a cart.  Also, I think I play a bit better when walking, but that is totally anecdotal.

Many of my golf buddies have gotten used to carting and they want to ride.  So I ride to be social but it bugs me a bit and as payback, I make them drive.

[phillyk]

I walked a lot a few years ago, but the course I'm at is a cart only course.  Outside of my course, I'll walk when I can.  I usually play better when walking because I take my time more.  When I have a cart, I tend to rush.  By walking, if I miss hit a shot, I can mull over it on the walk instead of speed up to the next shot and do the same thing.  It's not a ton, but walking also helps me cut down on my beer belly 

[Wanzo]

I enjoy walking.  My three in order are

1.  play better, find a better rhythm.
2.  enjoy it, able to not feel rushed
3.  Exercise

I've gotten in the habit of riding mostly over the last few years when I do get the chance to play because the guys I play with ride, but planning on walking more this year.

[woodzie264]

1. play better

2. when others in group walk

When I play alone, I always walk; when playing with my buddies, we always ride...makes it easier to carry my bourbon

[chilepepper]

It depends on the course. Some I play have long distances between holes. But for the most part it is for exercise. If it's going to be cart path only I will walk as it takes too long otherwise but that will factor in to the course I choose

[mcanadiens]

1. It's cheaper. Number one with a bullet. I'm very tight.

2. Exercise. I need all the help I can get in this area. It burns up some of last night's beer calories, so that's a good thing. 

- As long as the course is reasonably flat (as my home courses are), there is fairly little downside to walking. I may not be in great shape conventionally, but walking certainly doesn't tire me out. One exception is when the course is jammed and pace is very slow. Standing around and waiting truly sucks. At least with the motor cart, you can put your feet up.

[Kalnoky]

Initially I didn’t see the sense in driving 75 yards to my next shot, lol. Managing a cart in addition to managing my nerves would have been a real challenge. As I improved, it became a matter of cost: why play twilight rates and blow the savings on a cart? Last season as I grew in confidence, and started playing weekends and holidays, I still insisted on walking. Sometimes people rode alongside me. As long as they didn’t mind my walking, I didn’t mind them riding. My work is very stressful, and I look forward to playing golf so much, I just really try to relish my time out there. It’s a very meditative experience for me.

[krupa]

My primary reason is simply that I enjoy walking.
Close second is the exercise; I tend to walk pretty fast.

[jsgolfer]

I love to walk, mainly for the exercise and it's a bonus that it saves money.

[Fidget]

I was in the UK when I first took up golf nine years ago. Non of the courses around where I lived had carts so for that first year I had to walk. Lived eight years in the US now and it's 99℅ cart golf now.

I actually prefer to walk, course permitting, but it's too easy to jump on a cart anymore.

Edited January 31, 2017 by Fidget

[jbishop15]

Excercise and getting to see the course in a different light. I've been struggling with a knee problem for the past few months (doesn't affect movement or flexibility, just soreness), and I'm itching to get back to walking. 

[Groucho Valentine]

I walk nearly every time i play. I selected alot of the reasons in the poll. I play better golf when i walk because my decision making and course management is better. I have much more time to think my way around a hole if I'm walking. Its cheaper and i get good exercise from it. Most of my tournaments do not allow carts, either. 

I was introduced to golf as a walker, so it just stuck with me. And also my first rounds were at the bethpage park courses, which didn't have motorized carts at the time. So now its a habit. When i think of playing golf, its always walking. So if i dont have 3-4 hours to burn, i just don't play. The two go hand in hand in my mind. 

[MrDC]

It's just a better game when walking.

- the peace and quiet, no cart noise
- your bag is always right there, clubs are ready to swap, towel
- solitude, no sweaty guy sitting right next to you
- no cart path only, freedom to roam
- carts add a frantic feel to a round, move! move! move! got your club? ok I'm moving!
- exercise, I'm totally spent after walking 36 holes, that feels great, even 18 can be a decent workout

I bet those courses in Europe that don't allow carts and everyone walks don't have nearly the same slow play issues as the US, I could be wrong but doubt it, the game is meant to be walked.

 

 

Edited January 31, 2017 by MrDC

[CarlSpackler]

Walking keeps my back loose and helps me to forget the last shot. I had my son caddy for me a few times, and I really enjoyed walking from shot to shot without carrying my clubs or pushing a cart. I could get used to that real easy.

[Jeremie Boop]

Exercise/save money mostly. I should have selected other also though. I say that because if I'm going to play more than just a set number of holes, such as the all you can golf twilight deals, I'll always get a cart because it maximizes the number of holes I can play. Another reason I'll ride over walk is if I have my daughter with me as she'd probably not care to walk and she also likes to drive the cart.

[shanksalot]

I walk when ever I can. I started playing in the early 1960's and everyone walked on the courses I played. To me the best part of playing is walking the course enjoying the scenery and the people you are playing with that day. I feel at ease walking down the fairways and am able to see my ball and start to ascertain how I am going to play the shot before I get there. Plus it is great exercise as well.

Edited January 31, 2017 by shanksalot

[bste]

When I first started we walked to save money (I'm a cheap booger).

Walking allows time between shots to relax, check distances and forget the everyday concerns for a few hours.

[tristanhilton85]

I enjoy walking, but it isn't something I've done in a long time; that's mainly due to the lack of courses around me that allow it. I'm going to check with my home course (recently switched where I play most my rounds) and see if they do. If so, I'll start walking a lot more.

EDIT: I just called and they allow walking, so I'll be doing more of that.