Just for fun, do you prefer to walk the course or would you rather ride a cart? Me, I prefer to walk, it allows me to get more exercise which I need, and I can walk straight to the ball no matter where it lands. Can't always do that when you are riding a cart, especially if you are sharing the cart. This time of year, it also helps to stay warm if you walk.

Definitely walk. Besides the exercise, which I desperately need, it gives you time to plan the next shot. You can get a much better feel for the land than you can in a cart. And try this - as you approach the green (say 30 - 40 yds out) start reading it. You'll be surprised how much you can see from that distance that you can't see standing on the putting surface.

Also, it has been my experience that for normal weekend play a walking foursome will almost always outdistance a riding foursome. Maybe it's because the walkers are a usually a little more serious about the game.

Finally, just think of all the Pro-V1s you can find walking that you'd miss in a cart.

JW

Half the time here in MN, after a good rain, the old 90º rule is in effect with the carts anyway. Seems like a total waste of money when that happens. I like the exercise. After sitting behind a desk all day and in a car to and from work and to the course, the last thing I want to do is sit again! I always have and always will walk barring any injuries that would prevent it. On a somewhat related note, what do you guys think about the senior tour getting rid of carts. I think its too bad. Some of those guys can still really play but have bad backs that keep them from being able to walk.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if carts are allowed back on the Championship tour. They are kind of like long putters, they help some of the guys continue to play good golf longer. And some of the older guys still remember how to smile and get excited on the course. Helps keep me awake when I'm watching. If I want to be bored, I can watch the NBA.

I started playing back in 1974 when I was 12 years old and I almost never rode a cart until 1994. Now almost nobody at the course I play walks so you are kinda bound to riding. There is a par 3 course that I love to walk.

Nothing says you can't break the routine and walk? You might start a trend and improve the health of all your playing partners at the same time. I say "go for it" and have some fun.

Hi,

I like to walk, since it seems to keep me much more "in the game".

Having said that, I walked 18 last Saturday, and carried my cart bag the whole way. I have the blisters to prove it

I learned a couple of things:
1-I need to get a pull cart
2-My shoes are terrible
3-Drink lots of water to stay hydrated

Cheers,
Todd

Good shoes are a must if you walk. I got a pair of FootJoy shoes and I really like them. Try the ones that look and feel like athletic shoes, they work well for walking about 4 miles on the course. And I second the pull cart purchase, only way to go, either pull or push, saves a lot of work and you play better for it.

I seem to remember that I played my best golf back in the old days when I walked. Something about walking along with your bag on your shoulder gives you time to think about the upcoming shot while you get to it. Riding in a cart all you do is speed around the course and drink beer.

What's wrong with speeding around the course and drinking beer? Although I have to admit it doesn't sound like the safest thing to be doing.

For me, the best way to play golf is walking with a good caddie. Especially if it's a course I have never played before. Playing in a foursome with four caddies is a lot of fun. Too bad walking with a caddie has become a memory in most places.
Bill H.

Bill,

I couldn't agree more about caddies. Back in the '70s my brother and I played Seaview Country Club in New Jersey for 2 weeks each June. They had no carts and you had to take a caddie. We had the same guy four years in a row (7 to 10 rounds a year) and it was great. His name was George and after a couple of rounds he new our games so well that he could tell us to hit a hard seven or an easy six and be right every time.

I've played Oakmont and Canterbury with caddies as well, but it wasn't the same. The caddies there were part time kids while George was a real pro.

I just got an email from a good friend saying he got Man of the Year in his company. He was a 2-time Small College All-American, so part of his award is a weekend with some customers at Pine Valley. Now that would be a fantastic time with a caddy!

JW