The Lost Art: Walking a Round

Featured Image Courtesy of Hunter Lent

In my quest to understand the current trends and attitudes among golfers regarding walking versus riding with a caddie, pushing a cart, or carrying their own bag, I turned to ChatGPT for research. Over the past few years, I've observed a notable divergence in preferences among groups of golfers, prompting me to wonder if these choices reflect broader societal patterns. While there seems to be a general trend, significant variables come into play. 

A recent study by The New York Times highlighted a shift in golfing habits, noting that more players today opt to walk their rounds, and some courses have even abandoned motorized carts altogether. Interestingly, it appears that golf courses themselves play a pivotal role in shaping these choices, influencing many golfers' decisions on where to play based on course rules. 

Private club policies stand out as a key determinant. In most southern tier private facilities, cart-riding is mandatory, driven by factors such as revenue, consistent pace of play, and course design considerations. The decision often leans towards riding, especially on courses with older members who find it more physically accommodating. Those allowing or mandating walking are in the minority, typically driven by a membership with traditional values, often identifying as "golf clubs" rather than country clubs. 

The second group comprises resort or high-end public courses. While these venues traditionally required carts for revenue and pace consistency, the landscape is changing, especially post-Covid. More golfers express a desire to walk, albeit at specific times. The prohibition of walking is often attributed to maintaining a consistent experience, as resort travelers may bring a vacation mindset, complete with music and beverages, impacting competitiveness on the course. 

Municipal and lower-cost public facilities tend to be more walking-friendly, with a mix of serious competitors, casual riders, and those who enjoy music and beverages during their rounds. 

Two opposing truths emerge regarding golfers who walk public and resort courses in America: Walking is on the rise, yet only a small fraction of American golfers walk regularly. Research on this topic reveals diverse perspectives, including insights from Golf Pass on the top 100 walking golf courses and the 25 best public and resort courses, along with a study in the World Journal of Advanced Research. 

Golf Pass findings indicate that some of the most expensive resort courses mandate walking, though few golfers take advantage. The perception that expensive rounds necessitate riding is prevalent, contributing to increased sales of carry bags and power caddies in recent years. 

The World Journal of Advanced Research delves into the financial aspects of golf course operation, revealing that, regardless of design considerations, golfers play at the same pace whether walking or riding. Additionally, walkers burn more calories, have better focus, and incur at least one fewer stroke per round compared to riders. 

In conclusion, Golf Pass suggests that walking remains an afterthought for the majority of American golfers, with many casual players associating carts with transporting themselves, beverages, and buddies around the course. The reliance on cart revenue by many clubs, coupled with players' habits, presents a challenge to changing the status quo.  

Moreover, the USGA has conducted extensive studies on the costs to turf where riding is mandated, revealing that the financial benefits may not be as substantial as perceived. In essence, golf emerges as a highly personalized experience influenced by social perceptions at all levels. 

All that to say, I’m a purist - I prefer to walk and carry if the course allows and I’m feeling up for it. Some days I’ll load up a push cart and still enjoy the course on my own two feet, however, as mentioned above, sometimes riding is the only or last resort. To each their own. Enjoy the game!