There are many advantages to using a golf cart rather than walking between holes on the course. But, properly using one without bothering other golfers can be a challenge. Let’s examine some of the many benefits of using a cart, and how to be considerate when using one.

The most obvious advantage of using a cart is that you won’t have to walk. Courses can be very large, and walkers who have to carry their golf bags will soon become tired, even if they’re in good shape. A golf cart prevents this. In addition, you can carry more with you if you choose to use a cart.

You’ll also stay sheltered from poor weather. If you walk when it’s more than 80 degrees or so outside, you’ll find that you quickly become tired and overheated in the sweltering weather. But if you take a cart along with plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated, you’ll avoid sapping your energy from excessive heat. Driving a golf cart will help you avoid heat exhaustion on the summer, and will keep you dry in the pouring spring and fall rains.

It’s important to remember that if you don’t drive a cart very often, you’re likely to have difficulties remembering when to move it, and you may not know how to drive it properly. If you end up running back and forth multiple times, other golfers may be annoyed to have you underfoot. If you don’t know how to use the cart politely, it may be more trouble than it’s worth.

Make sure you’re careful when using a cart on wet grass or when the ground is damp. If the area is muddy, you should avoid it. Many courses will ask you not to drive on the rough to minimize the impact. Remember that if your partner is in the driver’s seat and is old enough to drive the cart, you should assume he or she will be doing the driving.

Talk to your partner about who will move the cart. That keeps you from leaving it behind and having to walk back for it. Remember that you should return to the cart path when approaching the green, and bring all appropriate clubs with you when walking to it. Be willing to bring your partner a club if needed. Remember to ask him or her if a rest stop is needed when facilities are nearby.

Decide ahead of time where you are going to put the cart, and park it where it can provide shade if there is no other source available. If you are driving and your partner’s ball is next up, pull up along the right side of the ball. Make sure the ball is located midway down the length of the cart so that your partner will have less distance to walk.

Never drive your cart while other players are hitting, and make sure not to move in front of them. When parking near the green, park the cart on the side where you’ll walk off the green. When the ball is on the side or top of a hill, park nearby, but don’t drive on the hill, as this can be dangerous.

Know how close you are to the green by reading the distance or paying attention to shrubs and other landmarks, and estimate how far your stroke is likely to send the ball. If you don’t know what club you need, bring whichever ones you think may be necessary. This way you’ll avoid walking back and forth to and from the cart several times.

Popularity: 16% [?]