Golf started out as a walking game…for that matter, it still is in most of the world outside of this country. If you haven’t experienced golf beyond the continental limits of the USA you may not fathom the reality that exists elsewhere…that is, pulling a “trolley,” (a cart to us) or packing your bag and doing it in less than four hours. Doesn’t there seem to be a connection between the fact that we live in the fattest country in the world, where obesity is epidemic, yet choose to eliminate the most important exercise element that is built into the game, walking, and substitute a vehicle for transporting our equipment, and more importantly, ourselves.
It disturbs me to see young people, particularly high school students, driving a golf car when they should be ‘hoofing it’ and lugging their bag. They should do it not only for the exercise, but also, for the camaraderie which is greater by far in a walking foursome than in two riding carts.
I know there are resort courses and others who require that you take a golf car to play there. What they really require however is that you pay for one. If you can get someone to drive (I tell my playing partner that my doctor won’t let me ride) the facility doesn’t care as long as they get the money…which of course is what riding is mostly about. (Exempted are the infirm who couldn’t play otherwise.)
If your companion also wants to walk and get something physically worthwhile from the outing, you simply alternate driving/riding every other hole, which is a good compromise. Walking gives you additional time to enjoy the experience and puts you into a better rhythm pattern for making a good swing. Rather than speeding up to your ball, to get out and hit, you can establish a better tempo by walking. Mark Twain once said, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” Today he would say, “If you want to spoil a good walk, ride in a golf car.”
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Dr. Gary Wiren is senior director of instruction for Trump Golf Properties, chairman of Golf Around the World, and a member of the PGA Hall of Fame and the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame.
(Been meaning to say "Hi" for a while, now...)
Congratulations on your new blog. Good for you. I will look forward to your articles.
On the subject of carts, While I much prefer to walk, I must say carts were a great option when I was a beginner (way back in April of last year) and losing balls all the time...in far flung areas. Kept me moving as fast as the walkers. Also the cart allowed me to escape quickly from those who witnessed me hitting a particularly pathetic shot. For a beginner a cart is a little like a security blanket and enables one to more comfortably get onto the course - sooner rather than later - and actually play. That said I'd rarely opt for a cart now.
Barry and I are dedicated course walkers. We enjoy the experience much more than riding in a cart. We also get in a good leg stretch along the way.
I must admit that I take along a "trolley", usually a push cart so, in a sense, I have become lazy but I don't like to put the bag on my back then remove and repeat all through the round.
The season officially starts soon here in N.Y. and I can't wait for the weather to be condusive for a good stroll with my glistening golf clubs and huge Burton bag! Maybe I can get into single digit handicap this year! ;-)
You're right, of course.
What is your opinion of thas LPGA allowing the use of carts in this week's Master Card event?
I know they will say that Bosque Real is very hilly, but so is Oakmont and a thousand other courses.
It sort of makes the women look like weaklings, a tag that they most certainly want to shed
Change the course if it's too hilly!