Should I walk or ride to play better?
Well, there’s no one answer, but we will say that you should try walking if you haven’t in a while and see how it goes. With that, let’s dive in.
Walking
Walking the golf course has been the traditional way to play the game. Many avid golfers argue that walking offers several benefits for your golf game:
- Fitness and Health: Walking the golf course can provide an excellent low-impact workout. It helps maintain cardiovascular health, burns calories, and keeps your muscles engaged. Over 18 holes, you can cover a few miles, making it a great way to stay active. Your physician may have an opinion based on your current health but, generally, the medical profession advocates walking as a healthy exercise for most.
- Flexibility: Particularly for us Grey Dogs, maintaining muscular flexibility is critical to keeping a smooth and effective golf swing and to avoiding those tweaks and pulls (or more serious injury). Walking helps our entire body to keep loose and flexible!
- Mental Focus: In addition to the more obvious physical benefits, walking allows you to engage more with the course. We talk frequently about the ability to “feel” the golf course when we walk. You can take your time to analyze the terrain, plan your shots, and focus on your game. This can lead to better decision-making and a deeper connection with the course and your game.
- Consistency: Walking at a steady pace can help maintain a consistent rhythm throughout your round. This may translate into a more predictable swing, leading to better overall performance.
- Time for Reflection (and cool off!!): We find walking can give you time to relax and reflect between shots, which can help you maintain composure and focus.
Riding in a Golf Cart
Golf carts have become ubiquitous; they offer a convenient and (usually) a quicker way to get around the course. Here are some reasons why golfers opt for a cart:
- Efficiency: Riding in a cart “can” be faster than walking, allowing you to complete your round in less time. This can be particularly advantageous when you have time constraints or are playing during busy hours.
- Reduced Fatigue: Walking 18 holes can be physically demanding, especially on hilly courses. A golf cart can help you conserve energy, reducing the risk of fatigue affecting your swing in the later holes.
- Accessibility: Golf carts make it easier for players with mobility issues to enjoy the game. They provide accessibility to golfers who may struggle to walk the entire course.
- Carry More Gear: Golf carts have ample space to carry clubs, extra equipment, and refreshments. This can be a convenience for those who like to carry a lot of gear or have physical limitations.
Which Is Better for Your Golf Game?
Ultimately, whether you should walk or ride in a golf cart depends on your personal preferences and circumstances:
- Fitness Level: If you’re physically fit and enjoy walking, choosing to walk the course can offer health benefits and a deeper connection to the game.
- Time Constraints: If you have limited time to play or prefer a quicker round, riding in a golf cart may be the better choice.
- Course Layout: Consider the layout of the course. Hilly terrain may make walking more physically demanding, while flat courses are generally more walker friendly.
- Weather: Weather conditions play a significant role. In hot and humid weather, a cart may be more comfortable, whereas in mild conditions, walking can be pleasant.
- Group Preference: If you’re playing with a group, it’s essential to consider everyone’s preferences. Some players may enjoy walking, while others prefer the convenience of a golf cart.
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether you play better golf by walking or riding in a cart. Both options have their advantages, and the decision should be based on your individual circumstances and what you believe will enhance your golf experience. Ultimately, the most crucial factor is enjoying the game and striving to improve your skills, regardless of how you navigate the course. So, maybe try a hybrid! Not the club, but the walk/ride. Perhaps alternate every other hole with your cart partner. He walks evens…you walk odds. Maybe he rides and you walk with your bag on the cart. Try it out.
Now, caddie talk. We play our best golf with a caddie. (We’re developing and publishing here a view of the Grey Dog golfer from the perspective of a professional caddie which will offer fruitful learnings to help your game—keep an eye out on this site!)
Utilizing a caddie is a “luxury” feature and it’s a terrific way to get all the advantages of a better player:
- someone to carry the bag
- a person that can help you with yardages and decisions
- a person to help read the greens and rake the traps
- a person to blame!!! (Joke! We would n e v e r blame our caddie!!)
Stay in motion!