For Maximum Convenience, Use a Golf Cart Instead of Walking

There are many advantages to using a golf cart rather than walking between holes on the course. But, properly using one without bothering other golfers can be a challenge. Let's examine some of the many benefits of using a cart, and how to be considerate when using one.

The greatest advantage of using a cart, of course, is that it eliminates the need to walk. Golf courses are often quite large. Even if you're in good shape, it's easy to become fatigued if you have to carry your clubs and bags all over the course. A golf cart will help you conserve your energy for your golf game, and you can carry more equipment if you use a cart.

You'll also stay sheltered from poor weather. If you walk when it's more than 80 degrees or so outside, you'll find that you quickly become tired and overheated in the sweltering weather. But if you take a cart along with plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated, you'll avoid sapping your energy from excessive heat. Driving a golf cart will help you avoid heat exhaustion on the summer, and will keep you dry in the pouring spring and fall rains.

It's important to remember that if you don't drive a cart very often, you're likely to have difficulties remembering when to move it, and you may not know how to drive it properly. If you end up running back and forth multiple times, other golfers may be annoyed to have you underfoot. If you don't know how to use the cart politely, it may be more trouble than it's worth.

Be extra careful when driving on wet grass or soggy ground. If the ground is overly saturated or muddy, avoid the area. Be aware that most courses will not allow you to drive on the rough; this minimizes the wear and tear on the course. If your partner is old enough to drive and is in the driver's seat, you should assume he or she will drive.

Discuss ahead of time who will move the cart. This way, you won't forget about it and have to walk back for it. Be sure to get back on the cart path as you approach the green, and always remember to bring the appropriate clubs with you. Be willing to bring your partner's clubs if needed. When you see facilities nearby, make sure to ask your partner to take a rest stop if necessary.

Plan where you're going to place the cart in advance, and make sure you park it where it can provide shade if no other source of shade is available. When you're driving and your partner's ball is next in play, pull up on the right side of the ball, with the ball placed midway down the length of the cart. That gives your partner a short distance to cover.

Don't drive your cart while other players are hitting, and make sure to never move in front of them. When parking the cart near the green, position it on the side where you'll exit the green. If the ball in play is on a hill you can park nearby, but don't drive on the hill. This can be dangerous.

Know how close you are to the green by reading the distance or paying attention to shrubs and other landmarks, and estimate how far your stroke is likely to send the ball. If you don't know what club you need, bring whichever ones you think may be necessary. This way you'll avoid walking back and forth to and from the cart several times.