Good Golf Cart Etiquette for Beginners

Many golfers prefer to walk the golf course rather than take a golf cart. But if your course is hilly, the weather is too hot to handle, or you’re in a tournament that requires you to drive a golf cart, you better know the “dos and don’ts” of good golf cart etiquette. Guest author, Jack Payton sent us this article with some good advice, especially for beginners.

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Many courses implement certain rules of golf cart etiquette as a means of preserving the course and ensuring a smooth, continuous pace of play. They are also implemented for your safety and for the safety of others. Driving a golf cart does not require a special permit or license, only common sense and respect for those around you. While different courses tend to have slightly different rules when it comes to carts, the basics are pretty universally followed. Here are the key rules of golf cart etiquette for those who are thinking of renting a cart for the first time. (Photo Credit)

1.     Read the Warnings of Operation and Do a Test Run: Make sure you absolutely understand how to operate the cart you are in and that there is no needed maintenance before taking it out. Most places are pretty good about taking care of their carts but the last thing you want is to take out a cart and have it die on you in the middle of the course and create a traffic jam or halt play. Those who have their own carts would be wise to take any small but useful maintenance equipment like spare golf cart tires, a battery, or anything else you might need to keep your cart going in case something should happen. Take the rented cart for a spin around the lot real quick to make sure all is well before setting out.

2.     Passengers: Never try to pack extra passengers in the cart. Only carry two to four people in the cart at a time depending on the number of seats. Never accelerate until everybody is seated and ready. Only the person in the driver’s seat should be operating the vehicle.

3.     Take Care of the Course: Some courses will have a strict “designated-path only” rule in which case you should never drive onto the course. Some may allow you to drive out on to the course but only in practicing the “90 Degree rule.” In this case, you drive your cart up to the point where it is even with your ball, make a right angle turn, and drive directly to your ball. As soon as you take your shot, you go back up to the path sticking to the same route you came down as much as you can. For courses that allow you to take the cart out onto the course, avoid making sharp turns or sudden stops as this can tear up the course. Never, ever drive the cart onto the green and avoid taking the cart near hazards such as ponds, sand traps, or brush. (Editor’s note: Be especially careful when driving or parking on hills. Golf Carts have been known to roll.)

4.     Parking for the Shot: Most courses will have designated parking areas for carts at the tee-off area and the green. When you’re out on the fairway it is important that if you drive the cart to a safe distance from the player taking the shot. Always park the cart at least ten steps behind the player swinging. As stated above, never take the cart on to the green. Drive up the fairway or designated path and park it alongside the green or in the back of it.

5.     Respect other Players: Never drive the cart in front of a fellow player’s ball path and always keep to the right when oncoming traffic is near. If you are on the fairway with a fellow player about to take their shot, be courteous and turn off the golf cart to help them concentrate on their shot. To ensure smooth continuous play, never leave the cart parked on the fairway or at a designated path/zone on a hole you are not currently playing on.

Golf carts are a lot of fun to drive, I know. Nobody is going to come out on to the course and give you a ticket for driving too fast or sticking your leg out to the side, but as with all vehicles, safety is the highest priority. Respect other players and the course as you would respect pedestrians and the road. Obey the rules, enjoy the ride, enjoy the game.

Jack Payton is a writer with two passions in life, cars and golf. When he’s not driving balls at the range or working on his truck he writes for Tires-Easy, a supplier of quality golf cart tires for your cart.

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Do you prefer to walk or take a golf cart when you play a round of golf? What determines your choice? Ever have a problem with a cart? Add your comments below.