Avoid Loud Noises
Golf is a sport which requires a high level of
concentration. Even the slightest distractions
can throw off one’s ability to accurately hit
their ball. As a sign of respect to other golfers
on the course, keep the noise down while
you’re operating a golf cart. Some golfers
may goof off, yell, or crank the radio during
their trip to the next hole. Even though you’re
in your golf cart, others may still be on the
course and you may distract them from their
game. It’s respectable to be courteous to oth-
er players by keeping your noise down.
Avoid Wet Turf
Whether it’s a deep puddle or simply a patch
of moisture, avoid driving your golf cart over
wet turf. Your golf cart may drive right over
it without any problems, but there’s always
a chance of getting stuck and/or damaging
the turf. When a golf course becomes moist
and soggy, the ground weakens to the point
where it’s easy to damage. The weight of a
heavy golf cart can easily tear through a patch
of wet turf.
Don’t go “Joy Riding”
As fun as it may sound, this is not the place
to take a golf cart joyriding. It is disrespectful
to the course, other players, and golf carts
can actually cause injuries. Use your cart to
advance from shot to shot and have fun, but
remember you’re not on a race track or an
off-road course. Be respectful of the carts
which are the property of the golf course and
you could be held liable for any damages.
Pay Attention to Notices and
Attendants
Golf courses may post signs or notices
that mention specific rules for their golf
course that you need to pay attention to.
If you are unsure about the rules of the
course you should ask the golf course
staff before heading out to your first tee.
They will give you everything you need to
know about the course and what is not
allowed.
The 90-Degree Rule
When you see signs or hear from an
attendant to use the 90-degree rule,
this means that the course allows you
to carefully drive out to your ball on the
grass, however only at a 90-degree angle.
In other words, do not drive up the mid-
dle of the fairway from the tee. They are
asking you to stay on the cart path until
you are near your ball, then drive straight
out to your ball and straight back. This
allows golfers to get close to their ball
while reducing the chances of damaging
the golf course.
Use Common Sense
It may just be a golf cart, but it should
be treated as if you’re driving your vehi-
cle. Stop signs, yield warnings, and other
signs should not be ignored. There may
be intersections and bottlenecks through-
out the golf course that you should be
cautious of for your safety and the safety
of other golfers.
FEBRUARY 2019
51