When I was younger I used the 85 degree rule: Under 85, I walked and carried, above it and I rode. I've gotten back to walking in the past 18 months as my daughters take up the game but I can't carry anymore. My back gives out after just a few holes with all the elevation change we have here in Western Pennsylvania. It's a lot for my daughters to carry so I have been shopping for used Bag Boy carts for all of us. However in many instances the pace of play is so slow I prefer to take a cart when I am playing with my friends. Being out there for 5 hrs, I like having the comfortable seat and shade in all conditions. I'd be more inclined to walk if people didn't play so slow.