The CSGA Links Volume 2 Issue 2 April, 2014 | Page 30

Fore the Golfer: Golf Cart Etiquette

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Article by Bud White,
USGA Green Section

here is no doubt golf carts have been a major component of the golf industry in the U.S. for many years
and probably always will be. In fact, many golf facilities could not survive without revenue generated
from golf cart rentals. However, we know there is a detrimental side to golf cart traffic, predominantly increased
turf wear and soil compaction. And it is not just routine traffic patterns that are the problem, because players
seem to be so much more liberal in where they drive carts. I have observed instances where golfers will drive
a golf cart where they typically would not venture with a four-wheel drive vehicle.

In the last four or five years, there seems to have been a significant increase in golfers using carts as
singles. During Turf Advisory Service visits to golf facilities, I frequently see a foursome of players using four
carts or fivesomes with five carts. I have even observed married couples playing together using four private
golf carts.

Golf facilities that allow rampant single-cart usage from the cart fleet would be wise to put restrictions
on this type of usage right away to eliminate additional turfgrass wear and soil compaction. Such restrictions
should be managed through the golf shop and closely monitored to prevent threesomes with three carts and
foursomes with four carts. To be successful, this effort must be supported by course officials.

Golfers rarely realize or understand the amount of wear and damage that can be caused by golf cart
traffic. This is especially true in the spring when the grass greens up and golfers immediately expect the
density and quality of the surface to improve. This cannot happen until weather warms to the point that active
growth fully resumes. Reducing cart rounds in the spring would improve fairway conditions significantly and
often produces quality turf three to four weeks earlier.

For this reason, drivers should be encouraged to keep all four tires on the path at all times near greens
and tees. In my experience, golfers are very good about supporting cart usage guidelines when explained the
details of what the programs are and how they enhance the golf course. Another helpful exercise is to restrict
cart usage on a particular hole or two and then monitor the improvement to the rough and fairway on these
holes as compared to others. This quickly shows the visual impact cart traffic can have on turf and playing
quality in these areas.

It is the responsibility of golfers to take care of golf courses and leave the turf in as good condition
as they find it. Ballmark repair, divot replacement, and judicious golf cart usage are all examples of golfer
etiquette that go a long way in producing and sustaining quality turf and playing conditions throughout the
golfing season. Let’s all be sure to do our part!

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Connecticut State Golf Association