Walk the Golf Course or Take a Cart?

At most golf courses like the Eagle Point Golf Club in Eagle Point, Oregon, golfers can walk the course or rent a golf cart.  Whether you’re golfing nine holes or a full eighteen, the trip around the course is considerable.  Before your next game, you may be wondering if you should walk the golf course or take a cart.  Here are a few factors to consider.

Walking the Course:

If you are in good health, deciding to walk the golf course will have considerable benefits for you.  During an 18-hole round, a walking golfer often exceeds 10,000 steps–that’s 2.5 to 4.0 miles!  Routinely completing a full round of golf on foot goes a long way in helping maintain a healthy weight and may alleviate symptoms from other health conditions like high blood pressure.  Walking golfers also find they strengthen muscles, improve balance and coordination, and experience a more positive mood.

Another benefit of walking the course is that it allows golfers more time to socialize.  One reason many people enjoy hitting the course is to have time to talk with friends and colleagues.  Golfing buddies will also have more time to assess the course and discuss new strategies for tackling challenging holes.

Finally, some golf clubs do not allow carts, and your only option is to walk the course.  If you are unfamiliar with the course, make sure you check out your options before getting a tee time.  If your health condition doesn’t allow you to walk the distance, you may want to choose a different course.

Taking a Cart:

In 1951, Merle Williams’ Marketeer Company released its electric golf cart, spawning a new popular trend for golfers on the course. Renting a cart comes with costs, but you may find that your favorite golf course offers monthly rentals or membership packages that include carts. 

A golf cart allows players to get around the course easily and quickly, resulting in a more leisurely experience.  It also provides protection from the elements when the weather is unpredictable or the sun is extreme.  Yet, this is only the beginning of the benefits these golfers experience.

For players with mobility issues, using a golf cart may open up new opportunities to enjoy a sport that would otherwise be physically impossible.  Not only does a cart reduce the distance a golfer must walk, but it also limits the amount of stress on the body.  Walking can be painful or harmful to some individuals because of the stress on the legs and spine.  Carrying a bag and walking amplifies those issues more.  For these players, a golf cart can be a gamechanger.

Golfers using a cart still get their exercise.  Regardless of how a player gets from one hole to the next, they will still get about 2500 steps in walking around the greens on an 18-hole course.

If you’re seeking a truly relaxing golfing getaway, try one of our Stay-N-Play packages.

In collaboration with the Resort at Eagle Point, the Eagle Point Golf Club has a variety of Stay-N-Play packages available to help our guests enjoy the perfect golfing vacation.  Let our staff enhance your stay with reservations and travel to some of your favorite Southern Oregon attractions–from visits to local wineries to an afternoon in the snow of Mt. Ashland.  Relax your mind and body with a good night’s rest in The Chalets, and allow our world-class chefs to prepare delicious meals for you and your family at the Talon Grill.  Just call us at 541-879-3700 to learn more and book your stay with us.