Should you walk the course or ride in a golf cart? For some golfers, walking is the only proper way to play: the exercise, the rhythm and the feel of the course under your feet. For others, a cart is essential, because of the heat, a hilly course, a busy schedule or physical limits. Both have their place. Here is how they compare on health, scoring, speed, cost and enjoyment.
Exercise and health
| Walking with a trolley | Walking and carrying | Riding in a cart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (18 holes) | About 4 to 6 miles | About 4 to 6 miles | About 1 to 2 miles on foot |
| Steps | Often 10,000 to 15,000 or more | Similar | Much fewer |
| Calories | High | Highest | Lower |
| Cardiovascular benefit | Good | Good | Limited |
Figures depend on the course layout, your body weight and how much you walk around. Even riding involves some walking and swinging, so it is still activity. Read is golf good exercise?.
Walking also brings mental health benefits from time in nature and gentle, rhythmic exercise. Read golf and mental health.
Effect on your score
Many golfers find they play better when walking:
- Rhythm. Walking keeps your body warm and loose and gives you a steady rhythm between shots.
- Time to think. As you walk to your ball, you can see the lie, feel the wind, look at the green and plan the next shot.
- Better feel for the course. You notice slopes and conditions you miss in a cart.
On the other hand, riding can help:
- In extreme heat, where walking leads to fatigue late in the round.
- On very hilly courses, where climbing saps energy.
- For golfers with injuries or limited mobility, who might not be able to play at all otherwise.
Fatigue is the enemy of a good swing. If walking leaves you exhausted on the back nine, a cart or a lighter set-up may improve your score.
Pace of play
Carts are not always faster. In a cart:
- Cart-path-only rules can mean long walks between the path and the ball.
- Sharing a cart can mean waiting while your partner plays a shot on the other side of the fairway.
Walking golfers who go directly to their own ball and are ready to play often keep up easily. Pace depends most on readiness and etiquette. Read pace of play.
Cost
| Option | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Carrying | Free, once you have a light bag |
| Push trolley | A one-off purchase |
| Electric trolley | A larger one-off purchase, plus battery replacement over time |
| Cart hire | A fee per round, often included in resort green fees |
| Owning a cart | Significant purchase and running costs; mostly for golf communities |
Read golf bags, carts and trolleys and buying a golf cart.
Course rules and culture
- In many parts of the USA and at resorts, carts are standard, and sometimes required, especially at busy times.
- In the UK, Ireland and much of Europe, walking is the norm, and buggies may be limited, especially in winter.
- Links courses are traditionally walking courses. Read links vs parkland courses.
- Wet weather often leads to cart restrictions or cart-path-only rules.
Always check the course's policy when you book.
Walking options
- Carrying: a light stand bag with a double strap spreads the weight. Keep the bag light by removing unnecessary items.
- Push trolley (push cart): takes the weight off your shoulders and back.
- Electric trolley: a motor does the pushing; some follow you or can be controlled remotely.
- A caddie: on some courses, a caddie carries your bag and helps with yardages and reads. Read our golf caddie guide.
If you have back problems, a trolley is much kinder than carrying. Read golf and lower back pain.
Riding: tips
- Follow the cart rules, such as the 90-degree rule (drive on the path, turn into the fairway at right angles to your ball) or cart-path-only.
- Keep carts away from greens and tees.
- Take several clubs to your ball when you have to walk from the path.
- Drop your partner at their ball, then drive to yours, so you are both ready.
- Drive safely, especially on slopes and wet ground. Read golf cart accessories.
Which should you choose?
| If you... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want maximum exercise | Walking and carrying, or a push trolley |
| Have back or joint problems | An electric trolley or a cart |
| Are playing in extreme heat or on a hilly resort course | A cart |
| Want to play better | Walking, if you have the fitness |
| Are short of time | Either, with ready golf |
| Are a senior golfer | An electric trolley or cart if needed. Read golf for seniors |
Frequently asked questions
How many calories do you burn walking 18 holes?
It varies with your weight and the course, but walking 18 holes typically burns significantly more calories than riding, often well over a thousand when carrying a bag.
Is it faster to ride or walk?
Not necessarily. Cart-path rules and sharing a cart can slow riders down. Ready golf matters more.
Do professional golfers walk?
In most professional tournaments, players walk, with caddies carrying their bags.
Is walking with a trolley as good as carrying?
It provides most of the exercise benefits, with much less strain on the back and shoulders.
The bottom line
Walking gives you more exercise, a better feel for the course and often a better rhythm; riding helps in heat, on hilly courses and for golfers with physical limits. Choose what lets you enjoy the game and play your best, and remember that a trolley can give you the best of both. For more on staying fit for golf, read golf fitness exercises.