During 2019, I made the decision to walk the golf course more. I discovered several benefits from this decision. In this blog, I will explore the benefits of walking the golf course and how to prepare for a round.
Benefits of Walking the Golf Course
Health and Fitness
Improved health and fitness are obvious reasons to walk while playing golf. An 18-hole round could be anywhere from 5-7 miles depending on the course. Walking a couple rounds a week or a month could have good positive impacts on your health and fitness.
Play Better Golf
The time between golf shots can be a critical few moments. When walking, it provides a golfer the time and opportunity to think about the next shot. An extra few minutes can help relax the mind and focus. You might find walking will reduce the stress of the previous shot and deliver perspective on how to play the hole. There is not any correlating data, but playing results may improve if walking the golf course.
Save Money
Playing golf comes at a cost. Equipment, gear, accessories and green fees. In some cases, extra fees are charged for a riding golf cart varying from $20-$30 per 18 holes. A golfer playing 30 rounds of golf a year could pay up to $600 for a golf cart at least. I am only saying – that money would be very useful towards a new set of irons!
Hang with Friends
Golfers split up when riding in carts. We gather at the tee box and green but miss out on the time between. Convince your golf friends to start walking the golf course as well. You may find more in common and continue to build, grow and enjoy those friendships while you play golf.
What You Need to Walk the Golf Course
You have made the decision to walk. Nice! The next step is to assess your golf setup and make adjustments. As a golfer, I traditionally used my golf bag as a catch-all carrying much more than needed. This included several miscellaneous items and equipment collected throughout the season. I never seemed to mind, however, as I would lift my bag out of the trunk, carry it to the bag drop and off we go on a cart. The weight and comfort are not a concern. *None of the below links are affiliated.
Essentials Items for Walking
Bag: Find a bag suited for walking. This can include a stand bag, something smaller like a Sunday bag or a variation between. The golf bag might be the biggest decision for a golfer deciding to walk more often. I have listed four options to consider below.
Clubs: Of course you will need golf clubs, but have you considered reducing your set to less than 14 clubs? Carrying 10-13 clubs will help lighten the weight.
Golf balls: The number to carry will vary based on golfer and golf course. I carry 6 golf balls. If I lose all 6 golf balls, I am ready to walk off the course anyway.
Tees / ball markers: Each season I set up my trunk like a portable golf supply company. I grab a handful of tees before the round and go.
Golf glove: Easy to carry in my back pocket. No problem.
Towel: I have found bringing one towel to be more than enough. Weather dependent.
Sun screen: Keep a spray bottle or stick (which I prefer) in your bag at all times. Walking will likely expose you to the sun more than riding in a cart. Take care of your skin!
Nice to Have Items
Rangefinder: I bring a laser rangefinder with me but could do without it (if I had to). I also wear a GPS watch which is a “belt and suspenders” approach to knowing yardages. I could go more minimalist here, but I choose not to.
Light jacket: Weather can be uncertain or change during a round. I will often pack a light jacket that can be folded.
Water bottle: One of the most useful items I ever received was a Swell water bottle. It is useful and recommended when walking a golf course.
Non-essential Items
Umbrella: Weather can sneak up on anyone. I opt out of packing an umbrella unless rain is a certainty.
6-pack of beer: I love a cold beer but I choose to buy one at a time when the cart attendant arrives. Between beer, I choose water.
1+ dozen golf balls: See above. Find your sweet spot for number golf golf balls.
Rain suit: See feedback on umbrella. If rain is a certainty, I will wear rain pants and pack a jacket. *This rule does not apply to golf in Ireland, Scotland, Bandon, etc. In short, know your climate.
Old scorecards/yardage books: We all have them, but none of us need them in our golf bag.
What “They” Will Say When You Walk the Golf Course
Expect to receive comments from people once you make the decision to walk while playing golf. These comments will either be positive or negative. Regardless, you are out playing golf. A purist on walking or riding are taking away from the enjoyment of the game.
- “We have a walker in front of us. We are going to be waiting all day.” -Group behind
- “Enjoy the day and ride.” – Playing partners
- “Where do you store the beer?” – Friend(s)
- “You HAVE to take a cart on this course.” – Clubhouse/Starter
Conclusion
The main point of this blog is to share what I learned by embracing the walk on a golf course. Everyone has reasons to walk or ride. Either way, feel comfortable pushing back on the “norm”. Golf is a wonderful game – enjoy it however you wish.
