Walk or Ride ???

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By Darius V

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  • 15 Replies
  1. Darius V

    Darius V
    Barrie, ON

    The other day a group of us were asking ourselves why so many of the "youngsters" insist on riding golf carts around the course. To begin with - we are all in our mid to late sixties and have to laugh when we catch ourselves talking about the young'uns. We all walk 18 holes 3 to four times per week and regularly finish 18 holes in less than 4 hours on a moderately difficult course. I personally find that I get a much better view of what my upcoming shot will entail as I walk up to the ball than I ever do when driving up and/or across the fairway in a cart. We are amazed at how many of our members in their 20's and 30's seem to insist on riding carts. I know there are some courses that are simply not walkable due to significant distances between greens and the next tee blocks as they wind through subdivisions or in the mountains, but what about when you are on a walkable course ? I do use an electric cart trolley and send my bag via remote control up the fairway, but relish the walk. So - I am curious... What is your preference and why ? Walk - or Ride ???

  2. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Another "old man" here that loves to walk. Some courses in the USA insist on making you ride and use the cart fee as additional revenue for their course. Nothing better than getting home from work and walking a quick 9-holes with my Players 4 Carbon on my back. My favorite annual trip each year is a week of walking all the courses at Bandon Oregon and playing as they say... "golf as it was meant to be". Some day this old body will break down to the point that maybe I have to ride but for now, my preference is to walk whenever I can.
  3. Fred L

    Fred L
    Centerport,NY

    I to will walk and/or either push. Though carrying seems easier as long as my back holds up. If back is barking in the AM I may opt to ride..
  4. JasonK

    JasonK
    Whitby, ON

    A few years ago I would only like riding as it was fun to drive the cart and drink a few beers, felt like the round went faster as well. I'm 40 turning 41 next month. When Covid hit I bought a remote controlled cart and I've only been walking since as I'm not walking as much as I did when I worked downtown. I prefer walking now and I found I score better somehow walking. I hated pushing a cart!!!
  5. Shawn P.

    Shawn P.
    Barrie, ON

    This is a really great topic as it can go either way really.

    For me I like to do a mixture of both and the deciding factor is usually who I am paired with that day. I also take into consideration if I have to work afterwards and I can’t finish 18. I’ll take a cart and just leave on whatever hole I need to.

    Walking is great and it’s helped me lose 22lbs this year, so that was a bonus.
  6. Darren Y

    Darren Y
    Summerland, BC

    Walking by far…. Appreciate the course much more… and am able to concentrate on upcoming shot a lot better….. the only way to play. Add a caddy to the mix = piece of heaven on earth!!!
  7. Riaz P

    Riaz P
    Boucherville

    Im a walker when possible. Carry bag or push cart. There is one course where I played where you have to ride because of all the elevation, but they include the cart in the round. I enjoy the walk the fresh air and the exercise.

    I thing the younger people drive the cart because it’s fun, have a few drinks and have their music and whatnot. Which is fine as well. To each their own!
  8. Paul P

    Paul P
    Rochester, NY

    Love this conversation. My Golf Partner and I have it often when we are playing. I am an avid walker and 90% of the time carry, unless I am in a club tournament for two days and its hot do I use my push cart.
    For me its two fold. The exercise, and most importantly I just play better when I am walking. I have a much better feel for the course and my game. The Titleist Carbon Bag is the best addition. Feels like a feather.
    #enjoythewalk
  9. Robert C

    Robert C
    Regina

    I played this year with 3 Japanese Canadian Seniors. The 84-year-old walks 80 Per cent of the course. Sometimes the 5 foot 74 year old female who rides, gives him a lift up some of the steep hills. The third member is 72 and he walks with me. If our group is first out we play in 3 hours. They are a great inspiration to me as I am 67.
  10. Trevor S

    Trevor S
    Calgary, AB

    I partake in both. One group that play with will never walk. One because he has foot trouble if he walks too much, the other because he just doesn't walk. lol.
    I will walk in one of my leagues because most of the members walk and it makes for a more enjoyable round. Some of the mountain courses I play don't allow walking because the travel time between holes it too much for a walker.
    I definitely enjoy walking a course as it allows you to take in the scenery.
  11. Dave M

    Dave M

    Always walk, unless the course requires a cart. At 43 I succumbed to the push cart last year, the tight back around hole 15 every round forced me into it. Took some adjustment, but after a few rounds it is so much nicer. As far as pace of play, I found when paired with a twosome in a cart I was waiting on them not the other way around. Walking is pure, it allows your mind to pace itself better between shots and notice things about the course you don't get with a cart. Not to mention the health benefits of walking. Not a fan of tje music on the course, I love music, but the only sounds I want to hear on the course are conversations and nature.
  12. Daniel Tramble

    Daniel Tramble
    Dartmouth

    I am 49 with osteoarthritis in my lower back and need two hip replacements. I walk I have always walked.... not the same game at all riding in a cart etc... I went from 6'2 @ 253 lbs to 206 lbs in 10 months and I try to walk 18 holes of golf every day of the week.... however i only play 2-3 times per week.

    Walking is great exercise clamp on a fit bit and see what and how you exert yourself on a golf course I was shocked! Its true Nothing wrong with exercise at any age
  13. BMaddigan

    BMaddigan

    I usually ride, but I have probably walked 20 rounds this year. The key for me is time. I get enough exercise at home with 2 kids and a dog. Even with riding, my Garmin says I am averaging 15000 steps a day. When I play alone, and ride, I can play 18 holes in less than 2 hours, and that is still taking time to hit every shot, and line up every putt. If I was walking, it would be difficult to finish in less than 3 hours.
    In the heat, I will walk every time. My scores are no different whether I walk or ride. What I can't understand is why kids under 30 don't walk, and where do they get the money?
  14. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    I used to be one who hated riding in a cart, but as of late it seems to be the only way I can play pain free. Over the years I have developed degenerative disc disease, arthritis and I am visiting an orthopedic surgeon for my hips. I take two Tylenol (650) every morning hop on the cart and enjoy the morning and dream of the days when I could push my beautiful orange (Tennessee) Clicgear cart with my Titleist bag riding comfortably on it. Those were the days my friend. My doctors tell me to enjoy my senior years, hop on the riding cart, play golf and have fun. You guys will be there one of these days. Turned 75 on September 10. No worries, just having fun and wining a $.$$ every now and then. Still trying to shoot my age. =)
  15. Jim D

    Jim D
    Toronto, ON

    My home course is very walkable, which is great because I prefer to walk. I've ridden twice this year and I'll admit there is a bit of a fun factor to riding because I do it so rarely. I love the walk on the golf course, the exercise and feel I am more engaged in the round when walking. To each their own, walk or ride, just enjoy
  16. LanceB

    LanceB
    Calgary

    I am in my 60's and I continue to walk and carry my clubs. I play at a course that has a few steep hills but I think the exercise is good for me.
    I play around a 100 rounds a year and have carried for years. It just helps me get mentally and physically into the round more when I walk. It also seems to be more social with others who carry or use push carts. It also helps keep me warm when it is a cool day.

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