I just do not understand how people cannot be in a "mental state to walk 18 holes." What does that even mean? You do not have to run. You do not have to endure forced physical pain. It is a walk in the park for three hours, if you play the game correctly. If not, then why do real golf clubs want them there? I just do not see cart golf as real golf, like some people on this site.
JNC: If you came over and saw America, you would understand. Most of our population now is so out of shape from eating poorly and working odd hours and never exercising, that a lot of them are in no shape to walk 18 holes. They make an exception for Bandon Dunes, but after walking 36 holes in one day for the first time in years (or maybe their lives), the lounge area in front of the fireplace in the main bar looks like a triage unit at the hospital!
And if only our golf course architects can convince you English losers that cart paths are necessary, in twenty years you lot could be just as out of shape as we are!
That's why I am trying to tell Adrian not to take the bait. I have seen it myself in Scotland -- golf helps keep older people in good health, as long as golf carts are out of the picture. Once they become the norm, your country will deteriorate as quickly as ours did.