Should I walk or use a cart? This is the question on every golfer's mind. While some wouldn't dare walking 18 holes with a push cart, others swear by it. Interestingly, some stand in the middle. Is it better to walk or use a cart? There’s no one answer to this question.
So should you keep taking the cart or try walking 18 holes while playing? Well, a lot will depend on your goals, health, skill level, and the course.
The Golf Debate: Walking Vs. Riding
When golf was invented a couple of centuries ago, people's only option was to walk the entire course. However, since courses have become longer, using carts makes things a bit easier. Even then, not everyone's body is suited to the task of walking 18 holes. Here's why.
How Far Is Walking 18 Holes?
So, how many miles is 7000 yards? A regulation size course between six and seven thousand yards is between three to six miles. This range accounts for the terrain. Walking up and down a hilly course is much harder than an open layout. If you're walking, you could be carrying the bag on your back or pushing a cart. Carrying is an option if you have no health or back issues. However, you're better off with a push cart for the entire 18 holes if you're not exercising frequently or if you have issues with your back.
How Long Does It Take To Walk 18 Holes of Golf?
If you're interested in finding out how long to play 18 holes of golf walking, you might be surprised to know that walking 18 holes shouldn't take much longer than using a cart. In fact, winter golf with a cart will take you longer than walking because of cart path only rules. So, how long does 18 holes take? The honest answer is it depends on many things including how many players in your group, the course terrain, whether or not the course is crowded, your rate of play, etc.
Use A Push Cart
If you want to reap the benefits of walking without the burden of the bag on your back for the entire 18 holes, use a push cart. If you choose to go in this direction, keep in mind that there are many styles of push carts and you should take the time to find the one that suits you best.
7 Reasons To Walk Instead Of Ride During Your Next Round Of Golf
Here are some benefits of walking 18 holes rather than riding the cart:
1. Great Exercise
Consider this question: how many miles is a golf course? It's about 3-6 miles. While walking the whole 18 holes of a golf course isn't easy, it makes for great exercise slopes. Swinging your club will also be burning calories, and all that walking will help you keep the weight off.
2. It's Cheaper Than Riding
Clubs charge $15-30 for a cart for the round. Golf can get expensive if you're riding between two and four times each week. You might even be able to afford a new launch monitor or rangefinder with the money you’ll save if you choose to walk. Don’t forget, you can always mix it up. You can walk the front 9 and ride the back 9 and vice versa.
3. You'll Always Have The Right Clubs
Most of the courses won't let you drive on the course when you're playing in rainy weather or during the winter. You'll therefore have to go back and forth from the cart to the ball to each hole. If this happens, you might take the wrong clubs or get the wrong distance. Walking ensures you always have the right clubs with you.
4. You Stay Loose While Walking
We've already covered how long to play 18 holes of golf with a cart, especially in different kinds of weather. Riding with a cart means you'll get to your destination faster, but you'll always have to wait for the group. If you always have to wait for a few minutes, it's harder to stay loose because your back tightens up in the cart. Walking the entire 18 holes ensures you can stretch more in between shots and that you can stay loose.
5. You Can Stay In Rhythm Between Shots
Walking allows you to maintain your tempo as you walk the 18 holes. You don't have to wait when you want to hit a shot. You can remain focused. A steady rhythm throughout the round helps to make you a more consistent golfer.
6. You Interact More With Others
It isn't easy maintaining interaction with your group when you take the cart. Additionally, it's much more fun to walk together and engage in banter as you socialize and interact with each other between shots. If you're playing with your significant other or your spouse, walking the 18 holes with them adds to the entire experience.
7. Enjoy The Experience
Even though there are benefits of using carts, the game of golf was designed to walk the course. In any case, you miss out on the entire experience when you're constantly riding in carts. You can thoroughly soak in the views and take in the background when you walk.
Walking Benefits
Walking offers more benefits than using a cart. Therefore, do try to walk and leave the cart for their place and time. Besides, walking the 18 holes will help you burn 1,000 calories while thoroughly enjoying the course.
So get yourself a good push cart, or a light stand bag that’s easy to carry, and some excellent golf shoes, and get walking. Start small; 9 holes is enough for a beginner. Swinging a club and pushing a cart or carrying a bag can take its toll on the body. Make sure to stretch in between holes and try to keep loose. The most important thing, of course, is to enjoy the game.