Who really walks all of the time?

[Joe Bausch]

I recall playing in a GCA event one time, and there was a guy a group or two ahead of me who always held himself out as a walker 100% of the time. He spent about 2/3 of his time that day standing on the back of his fellow competitors' cart

Darn.  I didn't think you would notice Sarge!

[George Pazin]

My two guidelines are:

1) I do whatever my playing partner prefers - I'm easy that way

and

2) If I'm not playing with someone, I walk

Don't care what others do. Do believe every course should be designed for the walker.

What I find most interesting is what people consider unwalkable or very difficult walks. But that's a thread for another day.

[Joe Stansell]

Answers to the first 9 questions:

I begin with the presumption that I'll walk, but I will ride on occasion. Riding detracts from the round. When I walk, I generally carry, although I do like using the large-wheeled trolleys offerred at Chambers Bay.

On the occasions that I ride, I choose to do so because I'm playing a course where its required or its the expected norm (like Circling Raven, for example), even though walking might be theoretically possible. Weather doesn't play much of an influence, except perhaps for desert heat. Playing partners don't influence me either, although I've been known to mix riding and walking with my clubs attached to the back of a cart.

I'm not a fan of cart paths, even when riding. If there are to be cart paths, I'd prefer that they have a more natural look, like gravel instead of pavement. And I'd prefer that they be hidden as much as possible.

I do not despise others who use carts on walkable courses, except when they dawdle. I do pity them, though. It seems to me that they miss out on a really important part of the game.  

[JC Jones]

I recently did a 5 day golf bender in northern Michigan where we started Monday and played 18, 36, 36, 36 and 18 on consecutive days.  We walked the two 9 hole municipal courses on Monday and we walked 18 at Crystal Downs.  The latter round I walked only because our host called me a certain part of a woman's anatomy for wanting to ride in a cart.  My only regret is that I don't own an iPod radio to put in the back of the cart.  I played a round recently where my buddy had one and it was fantastic.  I'm hoping to get one for my birthday next month.

In case you're wondering, my Mackenzie walking bag rides perfectly on a cart.

[Mike Cirba]

1. Who walks 100% of the time? 90%
2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it? Carry, or when available try to support caddy programs
3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision? only when over 100 degrees
4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision? if elderly or infirm, or otherwise as a guest of a "rider"
5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths? no
6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none? not a super...prefer dirt or wood chip paths near tees and greens
7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?  even more so because they hide the view of the golf course when riding them.
8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts? no, but don't understand young and healthy people who take carts and think they are missing a LOT
9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect? not despise, but think they are missing a LOT
10. Make up another question and answer it.  Nothing to add, thanks.

[Ken Moum]

1. Who walks 100% of the time? At home, almost 100%, I occasionally ride in our men's league because it tees off at 5:30 and the heat index has been well over 100 several times this year. On the road, at courses where the cart is included, I'm rarely enough of a walking snob to ignore the cart completely, but I do usually walk a lot anyway.
2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it? Can't carry these days, usually use my Powkaddy, push with rentals if available.
3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision? See #1, 100* with high humidity and a late tee time can tilt the scales.
4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision? Almost none. I've been walking with groups of riders for 35 years. FWIW, I developed a defense against being left on the tee by the cartballers. I putt out, head to the tee, and then hit my ball as soon as their last ball is holed. That way I can be walking before they get their driver back in the bag.
5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths? I detest cart paths, partly because they're an indicator of how many people want to ride.
6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none? Not a super. Wish it was possible to get by without them everywhere.
7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?  I agree with the comment about hiding the view of the golf course when riding them.
8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts? No, but it makes me crazy when people I know who work out on regular basis go to the golf course and jump in a cart.  And I am saddened when I see high school-age players tooling around in a cart.
9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect? Despise is a pretty strong word. I just think they're dumbasses.
10. Make up another question and answer it. Boy do I EVER have a question I want answered:

I'd like to know if anyone has ever added up all the real costs of having a carts-only-sized fleet and compared it to the revenue they produce.  

I do not believe that operators consider the capital invesment AND maintenance costs of the carts themselves, cart storage facilities, cart paths, fuel/electricity, cart mechanics, cart signs, cart control equipment and it's maintenance, turf repair, additional turf maintenance required (like aerification), etc., etc.

I know they produce a lot of cash flow, but I simply do not believe that they are a big a net revenue producer as some operators think. When you bury a lot of the costs into other areas of the course's budget, it's like the numbnuts board members who think food and beverage is subsidizing teh golf course because the clubhouse mortgage and fixed costs don't show up in the F&B budget--and that's how most country club budgets are organized.

[Andy Stamm]

1. Who walks 100% of the time?
I do, and I won't play courses that don't allow walking. I'd take a cart in order not to go "against the grain" in a professional situation, but that has only happened once, maybe 5 years ago.

2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it?
Typically I use a trolley. I carry if I don't have one and or they're very expensive to rent.

3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision?
None.

4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision?
None, other than what I said about a professional situation in 1.

5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths?
N/A

6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none?
N/A

7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?
Yes, but not as much

8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts?
No. On a macro level I think they're ridiculous and bad for the game. But on an individual level, people do what they want. And because where I usually play nearly everyone rides, It'd take a lot of energy to despise everyone.

9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect?
No, but it does seem crazy. At the courses I'm playing a cart makes golf about 2x as expensive, which is unfortunate because I think the cost of golf discourages participation.

10. Do I despise when the cost is the same for walking and riding?
Yes, I won't play if walking isn't allowed. But, I really don't like to pay the same as a cart rider. Even $5 off is enough, but I don't like to subsidize carts and paths, etc.

[Chris_Hufnagel]

1. Who walks 100% of the time? I do, unless forced to due to course rules.
2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it?  Have always carried, but just ordered a SM SpeedCart after I hurt my back during our Club Championship and had to withdraw – I think I am getting a little older now and my back just can't take it like it used to...
3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision?  No influence, we walked 90 holes in three days last year at The Kingsley Club during a pretty hot/humid/oppressive August heat wave...that is a pretty easy walk as far as courses go - but we really looked forward to the coolers and the A/C back at the cottage each night.
4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision?  My usual group walks, but if playing with a new group it does not influence my decision.  On many occasions, my predisposition to walk has encouraged others to walk instead of ride - they are usaully pleasantly surprised by how much fun they had...
5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths? N/A
6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none? N/A
7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?  I generally don't like cart paths, but appreciate them more when hidden or made using some natural crushed stone, versus asphalt.
8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts?  No, not despise.  I usually think of what they're missing...
9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect?  See above...

[Garland Bayley]

A little confused here after people seem to rag on courses like Erin Hills / Rock Creek for the walk being too difficult. Here are a few questions for the crowd.

1. Who walks 100% of the time? Not quite 100%, but well over 90%
2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it? Push it
3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision? Almost nil
4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision? I only ride when a couple of close friends need to
5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths?
6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none?
7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden? Yes
8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts? Only if they are young and fit
9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect? Only if they are young and fit
10. Make up another question and answer it. Have you ever changed peoples behavior at your home course for criticizing them for riding? Yes

[Bill_McBride]

It so much depends on where one lives!   I'm in Santa Barbara and walk every round pushing a Sun Mountain three wheeler.  In Portland I walked all three rounds the end of June.  At home this summer it has been life-threatening for fat old guys to walk.  The Gulf Coast has been afflicted with high heat and humidity, with heat indices from 105-110* all summer.  

When I go to the UK I always walk, it's the culture.  I was sorry to read Adrian's post about the economics of buggies at his club.  Once our clubs here become dependent on that revenue stream, there's no going back.  Little aggravations for walkers start to crop up.  After I left the golf committee chair, the new guys put in a rule that you can't take your three wheeler onto the range because of the "potential damage."  hilarious!   The human foot has a much greater load per square inch!

[Andy Stamm]

I'd like to add that I have not played numerous times because walking was not allowed. This has happened most frequently in places like Hawaii and Arizona. While I'm obviously in the minority, Not allowing walking has some detrimental effect on revenues.

And, I travel to play in the UK and have an overseas membership there. I would not have a membership at a club there that had a lot of buggies on the course, and I wouldn't pay to play other courses like that either.

Also, if there were a course near me that was walking only (or predominately) and the course was a good fit otherwise (cost, etc), I would definitely play pretty much all of my rounds there.

So, while I'm sympathetic to a course's business and others preferences, I like what I like, and I vote with my wallet.

[Jeff Shelman]

1. I don't walk all of the time. Probably 90 percent of the time. I have probably ridden more this summer than at any point as my club has free carts. I will take a cart if is really hot, if there's a chance of rain and I load up rain gear or if it will help me finish an evening round before the sun goes down. This summer I frequently would walk 9 or 13 holes (near clubhouse) and grab a cart for the remaining holes in order to ensure I finish.

2. Carry.

3. Weather is a primary factor in walking vs. riding. Weather and available sunlight are the overwhelming factors.

4. Group is a small influence. I'm all right with being the only walker in a group of people riding. In those cases, however, I might hop in from the tee to the fairway or from green to tee.

5. I'm glad there are cart paths in spots around greens and tees as it helps eliminate some of the wear on the turf. We have two holes were I'd like to see us extend the cart path around the green.

8 and 9. I don't despise people who ride. I would rather have them be members of my club, spending money at the club and riding than not playing. I play better when I walk, I feel better and I get some nice exercise. I'm looking forward to my 18 holes of walking later this afternoon.

[Niall C]

Adam - I think there are clubs that suit the 20-40s and Clubs that dont. Some Clubs cant understand why they are missing out on the 20s-40s, buggies (lack off) would be a reason, strict dress codes another, the banning of mobile phones on the golf course or in the bar is a big factor, if you ban mobiles you will lose customers. The 20s-40s need instant contact.

Adrian

We've kind of had this discussion before but generally I think you go one way or the other, and try and maintain a good level of old fashioned standards which will draw a certain type of golfer, and hopefully in enough numbers, or alternatively let people act how they please which will put off a lot of the crowd I've just mentioned when some hooray type starts shouting loudly over the phone.

Back on topic, I always walk unless my carry out is so big I can't carry it 

Niall

[David Harshbarger]

10. Make up another question and answer it.  What is your favorite Radiohead song?  It changes frequently.

+1

Also, what you said about learning to play with cart golfers didn't keep you from becoming a walker is how I see driving my boysnaround in a cart.if they love to golf, maybe they'll learn to love to walk.  If they don't love to golf, the point is moot.

[Adrian_Stiff]

1. Who walks 100% of the time? 95% buggy 5% walk
2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it? pull it
3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision? essential for me im a near cripple
4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision? it's better if we are all in carts
5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths? i like it when you can drive on the fgairway, if its restricted to cart paths it spoils it
6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none? wall to wall
7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?i dont like them really but they are essential to golf courses that are businesslike
8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts?no i like them they bring in enough revenue to add $1,000,000 on the value of the buisness
9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect? No each to their own, its great to have choice
10. Make up another question and answer it. Do I think Melvyn should dressed up as Gadaffi and placed in the centre of Tripoli? No

[Dub_ONeill]

1. Who walks 100% of the time?  I walk almost all the time.  If I am a guest and everyone else is riding I will join them because to do otherwise seems rude. 

2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it? Normally I carry.  At Bandon and abroad I often use a caddy.

3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision?  If severe weather is threatening I have been coerced into riding so the staff does not have to come rescue me.

4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision? See above.

5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths?  Don't really care.  I prefer the look of older courses with no defined paths.

6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none? n/a

7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden? Hate is such an ugly word.

8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts?  No, but I really, really dislike golfers who sit on their rearends in carts and watch their companion play before being driven to their ball so they can play.

9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect?  No.  I just don't understand it.

10. Why do Americans think that the presence of trolleys demeans their course when most of the world's great courses are filled with them?  I do not know the answer.

[John Foley]

1. Who walks 100% of the time? Not me - I walk more than I ever have - best case probably 2/3 of the time.
2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it? Carry - used a push cart for 4 holes in my life and did not like it
3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision? Not much
4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision? Almost always - I think it's rude to not ride if the group rides
5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths? Not much thought given to it - but short cut paths are a must
6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none? n/a
7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden? as above I can live withe seeing them just don't let me hit them
8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts? No - to each his own - I would hate to think this golfer is a pussy for not walking to find out they have a health concern which precludes it
9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect? No - see above
10. Make up another question and answer it. Would you not play a course because it's either walking only or cart only? No - Only issue is making the wrong choice and missing out in the experiance - ie. -  never take a cart at Pinehurst !!

[Dónal Ó Ceallaigh]

10. Make up another question and answer it. Do I think Melvyn should dressed up as Gadaffi and placed in the centre of Tripoli? No

I guess Gadaffi has no choice now but to answer "Walks 100% of the time" 

http://www.rte.ie/news/av/2011/0824/media-3033356.html#

[Howard Riefs]

1. Who walks 100% of the time?
About 90%

2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it?
Carry or take a caddie.

3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision?
Rarely.

4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision?
Typically, only when playing with my dad, who can't walk a course at his age.

5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths?
No.

7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?
No, as they serve a need.

8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts?
No, to each their own. More important to love the game and play -- even if they decide not to walk.

9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect?
No. See above.  

10. What's the most difficult walking course you played?  
Whistling Straits. I'll see how Arcadia Bluffs rivals it next week.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Walking is over rated:

 
The  Importance of walking

Walking can add minutes to your life.
This enables you at 85 years old
To spend an  additional 5 months in a nursing
Home at $4,000 per  month.


My  grandfather started walking
Five miles a day when he was 60.
Now he's 97 years old
And we have no idea where the hell he is.

I like long  walks,
Especially when they are taken
By people who annoy me.

The  only reason I would take up walking
Is so that I could hear heavy breathing  again.

I have to walk early in the morning,
Before my brain figures out what  I'm doing...


I joined a health club last year,
Spent about 250 bucks.
Haven't lost a  pound.
Apparently you have to go there!

Every time I hear the dirty  word 'exercise',
I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

I do have flabby thighs,
But fortunately my stomach covers them.

The  advantage of exercising every day
Is so when you die, they'll  say,
'Well, he looks good doesn't  he.'

If you are going to try cross-country skiing,
Start with a small  country.

I know I got a lot of exercise
The last few  years,......
Just getting over the hill. 


We  all get heavier as we get older,
Because there's a lot more information in our heads.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

AND

Every  time I start thinking too much
About how I look,
I just find a pub with  a Happy Hour
And by the time I  leave,
I look just fine.

[Mark Saltzman]

A little confused here after people seem to rag on courses like Erin Hills / Rock Creek for the walk being too difficult. Here are a few questions for the crowd.

1. Who walks 100% of the time?

Not me. Probably about 50%.


2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it?

Carry 100% except two rounds ever where caddie drove cart with clubs on it and I walked.

3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision?

Yes, definitely. Chance of rain = more likely to ride


4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision?

Big factor. I dont like being the only walker in the group. Always feel like I am rushingto catch up.

5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths?

No. Why would I be?

6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none?

N/A

7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?

I dont hate them, but do dislike them when they are ugly or poorly placed so they impact play. I guess hidden = better.

8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts?

No, to each their own.

9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect?

Again, no.
10. Make up another question and answer it.

[Jay Flemma]

1. Who walks 100% of the time?

Absolutely unless forced to by the course, and even then I try to talk them out of it.  And then I make a note of that when I write the article.  Sometimes they force you in a tournament and you have no choice.  But then I tell my partner to take the cart, and I'll at least walk to my ball.

2. When you walk, do you carry your bag or pull it?

I'll pull it if they have a trolley.  If not, I carry.

3. How much of a factor does weather influence your decision?

It can.  If it's pouring rain, what's the point in walking.  Like the day I played National for the first time it was 42 degrees and raining sideways.  That would have made it impossible to walk.  Also, if it's over 95 degrees, that's dangerous to try to walk in.  I had a bad heat stroke episode walking PGA West stadium in June in 100 degrees.  I was sick for 3 weeks.

4. How much of a factor does your playing group influence your decision?

Not much.  I usually play with at least one other walker

5. When you decide not to walk, are you glad there are cart paths?

I don't really notice them.  Some course need walking paths, like Lakota Canyon Ranch

6. Supers, would you rather have wall to wall? paths only around greens/tees? none? n/a

7. Do you still hate cart paths, even if they are really well hidden?

I'll hate it if it's in the middle of the fairway. Otherwise, I don't notice them.

8. In general, do you despise golfers who ride in carts? No.  It's their business, but like you, I do not think that they should be allowed for competition golf - even the pros aren't allowed to use them.  And that Casey martin decision was bull shite.

9. Do you despise golfers who ride when the course is easily walk-able and the weather is perfect? I don't despise them but I do think that they are missing out on a lot. I think that it is just plain lazy unless there are medical, physical or age reasons.

[Mike Benham]

This thread is a bigger "mine is bigger than yours" thread than the one titled "whip it out; Top 25 courses played."

There is only one thread that could beat either of those two "Top 25 courses you have walked"

[Melvyn Morrow]

It’s so bloody simple, you ride - you are not playing golf. It might be cart ball or riding golf or lazy golf, but is is not GOLF. Think you are conning yourself into believing you are, by getting your friends to say you are playing Golf but in the end there is only one way to play golf and that is walking..

Bastardise it as much as you like but it is not Golf, weak lazy variation perhaps but it is not that Royal & Ancient Game of Golf.

Just be men and admit your weakness or inability to play the game, nothing wrong if for medical or age reasons, but if you are healthy, just be a man and admit you are just bloody lazy.

Have a nice Walking Day 

Melvyn

[JC Jones]

Truth be told, Melvyn, I don't really care what you call it or what you call me.  If I'm not a "golfer" and what I'm playing isn't "golf," I don't really give a damn.  You aren't going to shame me into doing something different.

The good news is the next time I head out to play "Jones-ball," I'll be doing so whilst riding on a cart, drinking an ice cold beer and listening to country music before during and after my shot.  I'll make sure to toast you when I crack open the first can.