Going to start walking courses instead of riding - Any advice?

[brogies]

I've kinda embarrassed to admit it, but I've never walked a golf course before. Carts are just too damn fun and convenient. However, I'm continuing to focus on eating better and exercising more, so naturally, it feels like another area I can improve is not being lazy when golfing. Being that I've never walked a course before, what advice would you have for me? I have a pretty light bag but too much stuff in it currently, so I know I'll need to take a lot of the unnecessary things out of it. What else should I keep in mind? What lessons have you learned?

[Swood1994]

Id say I only have 3 tips but they pretty much sum it up. 

1. Get good comfortable golf shoes. If you don’t the round becomes more about your feet than the golf

2. Make sure you have a good carry bag (if you aren’t using a push cart).

3. Pack lite. No matter how bad we are most of us can get by with 2 sleeves of balls and a handful of tees. No need to have 3 dozen golf balls just in case. That weight adds up by hole 14-16. 
 

I’ve played some of my best golf walking and it makes the round that much more enjoyable. Have fun!

[russtopherb]

Comfy shoes, have more water than you think you'll need, and invest in a push cart if you can.

I walk more than I ride and I love it. I don't find that it takes me any longer to play, walking gives me more time to consider my next shot, and I love getting the steps in. 

[Hacker60521]

@brogies congrats on switching to walking as a way of getting healthier, well done!  I did the same a couple of years ago. In addition to the comments from others just a few thoughts.

• Don’t be surprised if you’re a bit sore the next day. Walking 18 is probably around 4+ miles which sounds easy, but you’ll be going up and down hills while pushing or carrying a bag. So it’s a bit more of an effort than you might think
• I always bring a few small, healthy snacks like Kind bars, banana, etc and take a couple of bites every few holes. Same with water. Otherwise, by 16 or so, I start to see my concentration and form go.
• Make the time you’re walking to your ball worthwhile. I like to think about my next shot, but also just enjoy the scenery.

 

[StrokerAce]

take your time, enjoy the walk, close your eyes and take a deep breath, listen to the sounds of the trees and birds... a lot of things you don't get to experience when you're in a cart.

[RickyBobby_PR]

Ensure that as part of your eating better you are getting in enough water and electrolytes everyday. Hydrations starts long before you show up to the course.

Proper eating on the course is important along with water and electrolytes.

Stay away from sugary carbs to avoid energy spike and crash. So things like peanuts, granola, a pb&j sandwich or one with deli meat, banana. Baked potato chips are good to for the sodium.

drink a bottle of water every 3 holes.

When it’s warmer out a cooling towel around the neck will help with keeping you cool.

[brogies]

This is all great, thanks guys! Keep it coming.

[Curtis Atkinson]

Echoing what everyone else said. Biggest key is comfortable shoes. Push cart is absolutely worth it. You can probably keep an eye on FB marketplace and snag one on the cheap. 

[brogies]

How young is too young for a push cart?

[BallsLeon]

3 minutes ago, brogies said:

How young is too young for a push cart?

No age limit, most the junior/high school golfers I see are pushing 

[GolfSpy MPR]

24 minutes ago, brogies said:

How young is too young for a push cart?

I imagine it's different in different places/at different courses, but I simply couldn't care less about the "stigma" of being a push cart guy. I'm 45, in fine shape, and I just like using a push cart. It's convenient. I like that my cart matches my bag, I can carry whatever I want, I have a place for a couple of water bottles on a hot day.

[BreakfastBall15]

Hydrate, push cart, snacks, comfy shoes and even better socks.
If not going with a push cart, pack light. If you only use a 5 wood every 5 rounds or so don’t bother bringing it, clear out all the junk in your bag, and you don’t need a Costco pack of balls

[Coulter]

I bought a push cart over the winter and haven’t tried it out yet. For some reason I don’t want to try it being the only one walking but really ready to start getting steps in. I lost 50 lbs last year (then broke my ankle) so I’m wanting to find way to keep the weight off and possibly lose a little bit more!

[BallsLeon]

@Coulter go for it! As long as there’s not big hikes between holes I’ve not felt like I’m slowing down my cart partners.

[jbern]

28 minutes ago, BallsLeon said:

No age limit, most the junior/high school golfers I see are pushing 

I don’t know if rules have changed, but I wasn’t allowed to push a push/pull cart when I was on my high school golf team. I would’ve loved a push cart back then. Getting a pushcart for me was a huge game changer! Saves the cart fees and I can walk or even jog the course if I’m in a hurry. 
I reviewed the Clicgear 4.0 last year and it’s a tank and is great! The BagBoy Nitron also received rave reviews on the forum. 
My other piece of advice is to find a playing partner that’s willing to be part of the pushcart mafia with you. Makes the transition way easier with a mate who joins you. I know I felt a little strange the first couple of times. 

[Josh Parker]

I would say, pack light, comfy shoes and enjoy!  

[BallsLeon]

@jbern not sure tbh! I didn’t play HS golf or live in this area growing up. Might just be their practice I’m seeing, there is always a big group out at my local 9 hole after work.

[Samuel09152]

2 hours ago, brogies said:

I've kinda embarrassed to admit it, but I've never walked a golf course before. Carts are just too damn fun and convenient. However, I'm continuing to focus on eating better and exercising more, so naturally, it feels like another area I can improve is not being lazy when golfing. Being that I've never walked a course before, what advice would you have for me? I have a pretty light bag but too much stuff in it currently, so I know I'll need to take a lot of the unnecessary things out of it. What else should I keep in mind? What lessons have you learned?

Man I was there until November last year. I started walking and it was the best decision ever! I love it! I started with 9 holes because was trying to figure out pace and how this would affect me (I was pretty out of shape and loved my beer/bourbon to much), now I walk 18 atleast once a week with 9 holes in there as many times as I can. I will say there are some courses I won’t walk though around my area because they have elevation changes that are way to steep and like 250 feet up and down. 

[Erin B]

2 hours ago, brogies said:

I've kinda embarrassed to admit it, but I've never walked a golf course before. Carts are just too damn fun and convenient. However, I'm continuing to focus on eating better and exercising more, so naturally, it feels like another area I can improve is not being lazy when golfing. Being that I've never walked a course before, what advice would you have for me? I have a pretty light bag but too much stuff in it currently, so I know I'll need to take a lot of the unnecessary things out of it. What else should I keep in mind? What lessons have you learned?

THE #1 thing for walking is SHOES! Cannot emphasize it enough. Get the most comfortable shoes you can find.

I used to carry a bag, then I went to pushing a cart, now I have a remote controlled motorized cart. I would start off with the first two before making an investment on a motorized cart.

I have absolutely had some great rounds walking. To me it gives me a little more time to reflect and plan shots.

Good luck with your endeavor!

[BobBC78]

2 hours ago, brogies said:

I've kinda embarrassed to admit it, but I've never walked a golf course before. Carts are just too damn fun and convenient. However, I'm continuing to focus on eating better and exercising more, so naturally, it feels like another area I can improve is not being lazy when golfing. Being that I've never walked a course before, what advice would you have for me? I have a pretty light bag but too much stuff in it currently, so I know I'll need to take a lot of the unnecessary things out of it. What else should I keep in mind? What lessons have you learned?

There is a great quote, for which I cannot find the reference right now, which goes "the game is meant for walking". Not only will you get health benefits from walking, but I strongly believe that you will get more out of the game itself. What I'm getting at is that you'll find that you are more observant of the lie, slope of the green, wind, etc.  I always walk 9-holes and sometimes longer and plan to do more walking this year, including 18-hole rounds in cooler weather.

I'll be 68 in May and while I love walking, I don't like carrying too, so I use a Clicgear pushcart which is fantastic. Bring water to keep hydrated in the hotter weather.

[BreakfastBall15]

14 minutes ago, Coulter said:

I bought a push cart over the winter and haven’t tried it out yet. For some reason I don’t want to try it being the only one walking but really ready to start getting steps in. I lost 50 lbs last year (then broke my ankle) so I’m wanting to find way to keep the weight off and possibly lose a little bit more!

I’ve found that using a push cart really doesn’t slow down the group if that’s what’s holding you back. You’re able to walk right to your ball where if you’re using a cart you typically have to go to 2 different balls, you don’t have to worry about cart path only days, and you can typically cut through parts of the course easier. Yeah par 5s and long walks between holes will be slower but if you know where to put your bag/push cart so you’re not back tracking there’s really no big hindrance to pace of play. 

[Nick_D]

50 minutes ago, brogies said:

How young is too young for a push cart?

 

46 minutes ago, BallsLeon said:

No age limit, most the junior/high school golfers I see are pushing 

I'm 27 and use a push cart! lol If people think that's lame I don't really care

[Samuel09152]

50 minutes ago, brogies said:

How young is too young for a push cart?

I'm 33 and I use one. I didnt realize there was a stigma to this lol 

[Michael.Sandoval33]

One thing I do is quickly glance back to the tee box when I get to my ball, just to make sure the next group isn't teeing off into the back of my head. Had a very close call and I'm a bit more more worried about it now than I was before.

Besides that, definitely avoid any diuretics (coffee, tee, energy drinks) before and on the course. The restroom is a lot further away when you're on foot.

[Byrnzee]

1 hour ago, brogies said:

How young is too young for a push cart?

I will say I used to be strongly against push carts. At the end of the day, you want to do what makes the golf experience most enjoyable for you. I don't mind carrying my bag, but ever since I've gotten a push cart, it's a game changer lol (I'm only 30 and will proudly use my push cart)

[funkyjudge]

2 hours ago, brogies said:

I've kinda embarrassed to admit it, but I've never walked a golf course before. Carts are just too damn fun and convenient. However, I'm continuing to focus on eating better and exercising more, so naturally, it feels like another area I can improve is not being lazy when golfing. Being that I've never walked a course before, what advice would you have for me? I have a pretty light bag but too much stuff in it currently, so I know I'll need to take a lot of the unnecessary things out of it. What else should I keep in mind? What lessons have you learned?

Before my three cancer surgeries (2020, 2022 & 2023), I used to walk about 50% of the time and ride in a cart 50% — ALWAYS walking and mostly carrying my bag for 9-hole rounds, walking maybe 30% of the time for 18 holes. Since then, I walk every single round, even if it’s a spread-out course where you walk 10 to 13 miles for 18 holes. The only exception is when riding carts are mandatory, and I try to avoid those courses unless I am in Myrtle Beach or playing in a charity golf outing.

I own both a manual push cart (BagBoy) that is about 8-10 years old and a 2 year old Motocaddy powered “push cart”, but I still carry my clubs at least half of the time.

Here’s my advice regarding walking the course:

Yes, comfortable shoes are important, but those shoes need to be supportive as well. Also, if you have foot issues wear orthotic insoles in your shoes.

A lightweight carry bag (no more than 6-6.5 lbs) is essential, and make sure that the carry straps are adjusted properly for balance and comfort if you are going to carry (remove the straps entirely if you will be using a push cart).

As others have posted, pack lightly (no more than 8 to 10 balls, two gloves, a handful of tees, some snacks, a couple of bandages and a bottle of water, Biolyte is even better), and a rain jacket — only if rain is in the forecast— that’s all.

 

Edited March 29 by funkyjudge

[jbern]

32 minutes ago, BallsLeon said:

@jbern not sure tbh! I didn’t play HS golf or live in this area growing up. Might just be their practice I’m seeing, there is always a big group out at my local 9 hole after work.

That’s awesome! Start them in the pushcart mafia early!

[aguybadatgolf]

2 hours ago, brogies said:

I've kinda embarrassed to admit it, but I've never walked a golf course before. Carts are just too damn fun and convenient. However, I'm continuing to focus on eating better and exercising more, so naturally, it feels like another area I can improve is not being lazy when golfing. Being that I've never walked a course before, what advice would you have for me? I have a pretty light bag but too much stuff in it currently, so I know I'll need to take a lot of the unnecessary things out of it. What else should I keep in mind? What lessons have you learned?

I walked when I first started golfing a few years back to save some money. Then I started riding when I play 18 and using my wife’s push cart for 9 after work. 
In November of 2023 I tore and had ACL surgery. I bought a Ping Hoofer so I could walk more to help get more exercise while I was unable to run or bike. I can run and bike again but have really enjoyed carrying even for 18. 
I feel more locked in to my game as I’m thinking about my last shot and my next one while I’m walking to my ball. I also find that it’s faster if everyone in your group is walking. Rather than having 2 people drive up to one ball everyone can go straight to their shot and there’s less waiting around. 

Good shoes are important. If you carry like I am, make sure to bring a lot of water and only what you need (no extra clothes unless it’s bad weather, limit balls, light bag, a protein bar or something high in energy).

can’t recommend walking enough!

Edited March 29 by aguybadatgolf

[BobBC78]

49 minutes ago, Erin B said:

THE #1 thing for walking is SHOES! Cannot emphasize it enough. Get the most comfortable shoes you can find.

I used to carry a bag, then I went to pushing a cart, now I have a remote controlled motorized cart. I would start off with the first two before making an investment on a motorized cart.

I have absolutely had some great rounds walking. To me it gives me a little more time to reflect and plan shots.

Good luck with your endeavor!

This ^^^^^

As for shoes, I really like True Linkswear, which to me are like walking in slippers.

[FallenSaber]

I just walked Torrey Pines North yesterday. Covered 7 miles and had a total ascent of 476 ft. Definitely get some comfy shoes because there is no sitting when the par 3s are backed up and everyone is standing around. I use a push cart and enjoy it. I might eventually try to walk a round without it but I don't see the need to do that. I got my pushcart from Costco.