Does anyone walk anymore?

[ChuckZ]

I play in a senior men's group that ranges in ages from 60-92.  Me, I am 76 and do have, unfortunately, pulmonary issues and just cannot walk the 3.5-4.25 miles it takes to walk 18 holes or even half that distance.  Am currently doing PT for my lower back and the most they will let me walk is 1/3 of a mile.   My Pomologist said in order to play golf and enjoy it, to put my butt on a cart and have fun.  He did because of age and medical issues, and he is a scratch golfer.  I found an interesting article that I would like to share because it does show that we riders do get in some steps, burn some calories and exercise, just like those who walk. 

QUOTE:  "The World Golf Foundation estimates that golfers who walk an 18-hole course clock about 5 miles and burn up to 2,000 calories. But here's the rub: About two-thirds of golf in the U.S. is played in motorized carts. Some resorts and private courses even restrict walking and require carts.  Why is the cart culture so dominant? There are lots of reasons, according to Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation. For example, carts are a source of revenue for golf clubs. They enable golf facilities "to get more people on the course and get them around the course faster," Mona says.  Another reason: Carts can help older people and others unable to walk long distances keep playing the game.

"I started playing when I was 9 years old," golfer Gary Metzger told me. And over his lifetime, he says, he's played a lot of sports. But after two hip replacement surgeries and operations on his knees, "it's one of the few things I can still do." What Metzger loves about the game, he says, is that "it's the one sport you can plan to play the rest of your life."

Rob Rigg, of the Walking Golfers Society, says the game originated as a walking game, and "even today, in Great Britain and Ireland, along with Australia, golf is almost always played on foot."

He says walking during the game is "a vital part of the journey." The society bases its course rankings on votes submitted by members and the public. There's a lot of variety at the top. "They range from walking-only resorts like Bandon Dunes," Rigg says, "to walking-focused clubs like Ballyneal in eastern Colorado, to CommonGround near Denver, which has a wonderful youth caddie program." The list also includes municipal courses, like San Diego's Torrey Pines, Rigg says, "where walking is encouraged, and push- or pull carts are always welcome."

I clipped a pedometer on Gary's golf partner, his wife, Karen, to see how many steps she'd get during a round of golf using a cart. She surprised me, clocking 2,880 steps — more than a mile — during nine holes. "Wow, that's great," Karen said, when she saw the number.

Mona says that the distance she covered is pretty typical. The distance can vary — better golfers, with more accurate shots, may walk less than golfers who have to chase after more shots in the rough — but the foundation's research finds that even golfers using a motorized cart can burn about 1,300 calories during an 18-hole round."

I am limited at times regarding courses I can play.  Could not make our annual TT Invitational when the group went to Bandon Dunes due to their WALKING ONLY - NO CARTS policy, even though I had a doctor's medical excuse in writing.  When our event went to Pinehurst and we played #2, they allowed me to have a cart, but required a caddy drive, with the letter. 

I used to an avid walker, first carried bag, then used a Bag Boy push cart , then moved up to Clicgear push cart.  Guess I have been riding for about ten years.  Believe me wish I could walk.    

 

[Bang60]

4 hours ago, MacTourney said:

You actually get to ride a bike like this, interesting.  I saw for the first time last year someone on what appeared to be a motor driven cycle type thing and didn't get a full look at it but his acceleration seemed smooth and even so I assumed it was motor driven.

So on your set up you ride while bag is on your back?  I'm a little surprised a course would allow it, but I don't know anything about the practice.  Is this the wave of the future sort of thing?  Changing gears uphill?  Interesting stuff for sure.

Yeah the bike allows me to play 18 holes otherwise I’m puffing at 13/14 and I’ve just made 16 then staggered back to the clubhouse lol, I saw a Mrshortgame utube video on him using a bike on his golf course in the USA which is common there and you can hire bikes at lot’s of golf courses..

 

I will take a photo next time I play with my bag on the bike…

[cnosil]

19 minutes ago, Bang60 said:

 I saw a Mrshortgame utube video on him using a bike on his golf course in the USA which is common there

 

I have never heard of or seen anyone riding a bike on a golf course.  

[Rickp]

10 minutes ago, cnosil said:

I have never heard of or seen anyone riding a bike on a golf course.  

That makes 2 of us.  But I’ll never say it doesn’t happen somewhere.

[GPS111]

44 minutes ago, Rickp said:

That makes 2 of us.  But I’ll never say it doesn’t happen somewhere.

There is a course near me with 18 holes that has bikes like this to rent in lieu of a cart so they are out there.  Need to reserve one when you make the tee time.

[Rickp]

18 minutes ago, GPS111 said:

There is a course near me with 18 holes that has bikes like this to rent in lieu of a cart so they are out there.  Need to reserve one when you make the tee time.

Thanks, looking forward to @Bang60pics.

[ChuckZ]

1 hour ago, Rickp said:

That makes 2 of us.  But I’ll never say it doesn’t happen somewhere.

A couple of guys at the local Muni where I play ride them.  Both have had hip replacements.  Number 19 rated muni by Golf.com in US.  They are not cheap.  Very quite and lightweight.    

[chisag]

1 hour ago, Rickp said:

That makes 2 of us.  But I’ll never say it doesn’t happen somewhere.

 

... If I had to ride, I mean HAD to, I would go with a Golfboard. One of my courses back home rented them instead of a riding cart for an extra $10 and lots of teens used them. I have seen them a few times here in Phoenix but my home course outlawed them for safety and legal purposes. Dumb as they could just make anyone sign a waiver. A guy that played in front of us was thrown off the course by the GM on #17 said he is gonna file a lawsuit. He looked like he was having a blast. 

 

 

[Rickp]

1 minute ago, chisag said:

 

... If I had to ride, I mean HAD to, I would go with a Golfboard. One of my courses back home rented them instead of a riding cart for an extra $10 and lots of teens used them. I have seen them a few times here in Phoenix but my home course outlawed them for safety and legal purposes. Dumb as they could just make anyone sign a waiver. A guy that played in front of us was thrown off the course by the GM on #17 said he is gonna file a lawsuit. He looked like he was having a blast. 

 

 

I’ve heard about them.  They do look like fun.  I’m not sure my 76 year old knees would like it.

[drrlramsey]

Another Portlander, Nice. Only course in our area I will not walk is Chehalem Glenn. 
 
Where do you normally play? 
 
Which electric cart did purchase? 

I used play Meriweather during the Spring and Summer leagues every Wednesday. This year I’m switching over to the Summerfield location. I like to play all over but, my go to courses are Wildwood, Eastmoreland, Glendoveer, and of course Claremont which is literally 3 minutes from my front door. Chehelam Glenn is a tough walk.

I purchased the Alphard Club Booster V2 from someone right on here.

Where do you play?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DSP210]

I walked >50 rounds last year. Best buy  that I have made was automation for my push cart. It just leaves me walking with my thoughts!

[JFish350]

5 hours ago, drrlramsey said:

I used play Meriweather during the Spring and Summer leagues every Wednesday. This year I’m switching over to the Summerfield location. I like to play all over but, my go to courses are Wildwood, Eastmoreland, Glendoveer, and of course Claremont which is literally 3 minutes from my front door. Chehelam Glenn is a tough walk.

I purchased the Alphard Club Booster V2 from someone right on here.

Where do you play?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Usually play Langdon Farms, My wife likes King City. Summerfield gave her and her a hard time so we don't go there. Charbonneau is more than likely the other course. Easy walk  decent shape inexpensive. 

 

I have a friend that just bought one of those, Was hoping for other opinions/options. 

 

Good luck this summer. 

[drrlramsey]

Usually play Langdon Farms, My wife likes King City. Summerfield gave her and her a hard time so we don't go there. Charbonneau is more than likely the other course. Easy walk  decent shape inexpensive. 
 
I have a friend that just bought one of those, Was hoping for other opinions/options. 
 
Good luck this summer. 

Yeah. I had a lady who was not very nice once. I haven’t seen her since.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tincuptim]

Rider here. Two fake knees and the Arizona heat make it tough when playing 5 days a week. Wish I could walk and try to do a bunch during the round but to be honest I consider that riding. Numerous courses here have a large distance between green and teen that make it difficult as well. 

[Kenny B]

8 hours ago, Tincuptim said:

Rider here. Two fake knees and the Arizona heat make it tough when playing 5 days a week. Wish I could walk and try to do a bunch during the round but to be honest I consider that riding. Numerous courses here have a large distance between green and teen that make it difficult as well. 

I understand completely!  I used to walk 18 once a week at my course with a few buddies, but they quit playing when the reach 80 years old.  I'm almost 76 with one fake knee and they tell me I will need another one soon.  My wife and I ride most of the time and walk 9 holes occasionally; she also has a fake knee and back fusion.  

I have made a decision this year to walk as much as I can, but I need to get in better physical shape.  I'm not sure how much I will be walking in the summer as it can be almost as hot here as in AZ.

[RDel90]

I live in South Florida. Summers get almost unbearably hot and humid and rates are cheap so I ride then for the extra shade. Winter months rates get ridiculous. For example my home course fee triples from $30 summer riding to $90 in the winter. (Some of the other courses I like to play hits $130 ish). Walking my home track knocks it down to a more tolerable $65. Can’t beat that for a winter rate. With the better weather walking is nice in winter. I will ride though when my work expense budget pays for the round 

[Bang60]

5 hours ago, RDel90 said:

I live in South Florida. Summers get almost unbearably hot and humid and rates are cheap so I ride then for the extra shade. Winter months rates get ridiculous. For example my home course fee triples from $30 summer riding to $90 in the winter. (Some of the other courses I like to play hits $130 ish). Walking my home track knocks it down to a more tolerable $65. Can’t beat that for a winter rate. With the better weather walking is nice in winter. I will ride though when my work expense budget pays for the round 

WOW that's expensive...

[Manny]

I play all over, mostly at Three Rivers in Kelso built on the ash from St Helens Mint Valley TriMountain Camas Meadows

The Reserve, Forest Hills, Eastmoreland, Stone Creek, you get the point 

I also recommend Elk Ridge in Carson, extremly dry, beautiful course with some views of the Columbia River and not  crowded, also Backwoods Brewery is just around the corner for that after round beer and good food

May see you out sometime.

 

[hohjoe]

I have a BatCaddy and there are two courses I play and I walk 2-3 times a week. The BatCaddy makes it a lot easier.

[Rodney Russell]

Yes, I walk push cart whenever I can, depending on the weather, great exercise.

[DrRob1963]

I am a confirmed walker. I have a good set-up, with a battery-powered, remote controlled MGI ZIP Navigator that gets me around easily - even 36 holes between charges. I find walking helps keep me fit, and also gives me good "thinking time" as I walk to my next shot. Cheaper than a cart, but I'd walk rather than ride any day!

[sporter]

I walk most of the rounds I play unless they are tournaments, and I can't. I enjoy walking more than riding on most courses. I have a tricked out Clicgear pushcart with the Alphard V2 power unit that makes walking even more enjoyable, if you're a walker, I highly recommend it. 

[Gopokes14]

I have a 1 year old Cart tek electric remote walking cart. Before that I had the original Alphard add on wheels (ewheels) to my clicgear model 8 four wheel cart. My wife took the clicgear over and I use the Cart tek. We walk about once a week, usually on Saturday because its already slow and most of our group walks as well. I will tell you 2 things, 1.) We are not slower than any riding group that has to go to each players' ball and get yardages etc.. 2.) Walking with a remote cart is much easier than pushing a cart. By 13-14, most of the people that are pushing carts are showing signs of fatigue. We have everything you typically see on a riding cart. Garmin yardage watches for distances and keeping score makes it easy. Music on a bluetooth speaker (UE-Boom) mounted (bushwacker strap) to the neck of the cart. Phone is on a mount in the center of my cart handle. Cooler underneath for drinks etc... Cart folds up and fits on a trunk or in our case back of my truck. 5 miles of walking is good for my health since I had bypass surgery a few years ago. If it's too cold or windy (Oklahoma) or even if it's 100 degrees (Oklahoma), we won't walk. I am responsible for our club now having at least 10 walkers that have gotten remote carts for themselves. Friggin' copy cats! 

[Bang60]

3 hours ago, Gopokes14 said:

I have a 1 year old Cart tek electric remote walking cart. Before that I had the original Alphard add on wheels (ewheels) to my clicgear model 8 four wheel cart. My wife took the clicgear over and I use the Cart tek. We walk about once a week, usually on Saturday because its already slow and most of our group walks as well. I will tell you 2 things, 1.) We are not slower than any riding group that has to go to each players' ball and get yardages etc.. 2.) Walking with a remote cart is much easier than pushing a cart. By 13-14, most of the people that are pushing carts are showing signs of fatigue. We have everything you typically see on a riding cart. Garmin yardage watches for distances and keeping score makes it easy. Music on a bluetooth speaker (UE-Boom) mounted (bushwacker strap) to the neck of the cart. Phone is on a mount in the center of my cart handle. Cooler underneath for drinks etc... Cart folds up and fits on a trunk or in our case back of my truck. 5 miles of walking is good for my health since I had bypass surgery a few years ago. If it's too cold or windy (Oklahoma) or even if it's 100 degrees (Oklahoma), we won't walk. I am responsible for our club now having at least 10 walkers that have gotten remote carts for themselves. Friggin' copy cats! 

Nice setup, what worries me is if the battery dies it’s hard to push and I tried to push one but quit after 2 holes..  

[Manny]

I have a Clicgear 3.5 all loaded with the goodies and was thinking of putting the V2 wheels on it also the movable front wheels, can I get some feed back on what people think of this?

Thanks

[Tom the Golf Nut]

1 hour ago, Bang60 said:

Nice setup, what worries me is if the battery dies it’s hard to push and I tried to push one but quit after 2 holes..  

Usually there is a release switch located on each drive wheel where you can disengage the rear wheel from the drive sprocket. Pull the lever slide the wheel out a little bit and push the lever back down. At least my Motocaddy works this way. They actually say not to try to push it while engaged. 

[Bang60]

3 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Usually there is a release switch located on each drive wheel where you can disengage the rear wheel from the drive sprocket. Pull the lever slide the wheel out a little bit and push the lever back down. At least my Motocaddy works this way. They actually say not to try to push it while engaged. 

That makes it easier but the one I borrowed was old but never again lol, that’s why I like the bike I can pedal.

[sporter]

20 hours ago, Manny said:

I have a Clicgear 3.5 all loaded with the goodies and was thinking of putting the V2 wheels on it also the movable front wheels, can I get some feed back on what people think of this?

Thanks

I recommend both. I have both on my Clicgear and could not imagine the V2 without the front wheel conversion. Is maneuvers so well. Besides the cart, the V2 wheel conversion was the best money I have spent. If you have not seen it put on, I can send you pictures of mine.

[sporter]

On 2/27/2023 at 11:59 AM, Gopokes14 said:

I have a 1 year old Cart tek electric remote walking cart. Before that I had the original Alphard add on wheels (ewheels) to my clicgear model 8 four wheel cart. My wife took the clicgear over and I use the Cart tek. We walk about once a week, usually on Saturday because its already slow and most of our group walks as well. I will tell you 2 things, 1.) We are not slower than any riding group that has to go to each players' ball and get yardages etc.. 2.) Walking with a remote cart is much easier than pushing a cart. By 13-14, most of the people that are pushing carts are showing signs of fatigue. We have everything you typically see on a riding cart. Garmin yardage watches for distances and keeping score makes it easy. Music on a bluetooth speaker (UE-Boom) mounted (bushwacker strap) to the neck of the cart. Phone is on a mount in the center of my cart handle. Cooler underneath for drinks etc... Cart folds up and fits on a trunk or in our case back of my truck. 5 miles of walking is good for my health since I had bypass surgery a few years ago. If it's too cold or windy (Oklahoma) or even if it's 100 degrees (Oklahoma), we won't walk. I am responsible for our club now having at least 10 walkers that have gotten remote carts for themselves. Friggin' copy cats! 

Nice units, both of them.

You can purchase the conversion kit to upgrade your V1 to the V2 for about $250.

[cksurfdude]

Really encouraging to see the large number of walkers!! I've posted previously on this thread and obviously also much prefer to walk the course .. for all the great reasons mentioned by many others...

But, like others, when riding carts are required such as when traveling to a resort course or playing in a charity tourney then yeah I'll ride. Do find it divides my attention, though .. like to focus on my own game and have the thinking time in-between shots...

@cnosil mentioned earlier about some underlying conflict between walkers vs riders...

..imho one of the main things is the unending pace of play discussion; that is .. in general .. riders think that walkers slow up the course while walkers think that riders slow up the course ...