Benefits of Walking the Golf Course

You’ve just arrived at your favorite local golf course. After unloading your clubs, you approach the clubhouse and you get ready to pay for your round. But, as you speak with the cashier, you are suddenly faced with a dilemma. Should you walk or rent a cart?

Golf carts have become the most common mode of transportation for many golfers, but there are several reasons you should walk the course instead.

1. Exercise. Walking has been said to be one of the best cardio exercises that a person can do. The average golfer is said to burn around 1,500 calories per 18 holes of golf. I can say from experience that walking for five hours on the course while carrying a 50 LB bag on my shoulders definitely got me into shape.
2. Social Interaction. If you’re planning to play a round of golf with a bunch of friends, social interaction is a must. Two golfers to a cart limits who you can talk to during the round. Walk the fairways from tee to green and you’ll be able to socialize with everyone you’re with. Everybody has a good golf story, so why not share it with three friends and not just one.
3. Preserve Course Conditions. While golf carts often provide the quickest and easiest path around 18 holes, it is not always the best way. The one main benefit of walking the course versus riding a golf cart would be the fact that it better preserves the golf course conditions as well as its environment.
4. Save Money. Instead of paying $50 for a round of golf plus a cart, you can save an additional $10-$20 by ditching the cart. It may not seem like a lot of money at first, but if you plan on playing regularly this season, it might be worth your while. Your wallet will thank you for it.
5. Time to Think. If you watch the PGA and LPGA tour players, you might learn a thing or two. These golfers benefit from walking the course in many ways. They say that walkings gives them a better feel for the course. Walking gives them the ability to analyze their surroundings and gives them time to think about their next move.

The game of golf was envisioned from its beginnings as a test of ones endurance and skill. Try to play the game as it was meant to be played in regards to its tradition- walk the course.