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Golf originated as a walking game. The sport emerged in the 15th century on the rugged linksland along the Scottish coastline. These early links courses were designed to be traversed on foot, with players teeing off anywhere within two club lengths of the previous green.
Walking the course was integral to the initial golf experience, with the traditional “out-and-back” routing being commonplace. The linksland terrain was well-suited for walking, allowing golfers to fully immerse themselves in the game’s natural landscape and strategic challenges. The walking culture persisted as golf grew in popularity across the UK and became a pastime for the upper classes.
Walking the course was also the standard in the early days of golf in America. However, as courses grew, with more undulating inland topography and longer layouts, walking became less practical for certain demographics. The post-World War II economic boom and population growth, particularly the rise of the Baby Boomer generation, led to a major expansion of golf course construction in the 1950s and 1960s, which brought on the advent of the motorized cart.
In this post, we’ll look at the evolution of walking and the rise of golf carts in the game and make a case for walking the course as the best way to experience golf in its natural state. We’ll look at some of the benefits of walking, review some considerations when deciding to walk or ride, and explore some walking-only policies.
Legendary Links is sponsored by The Greenside Gallery, and their amazing course maps and artwork will be featured throughout the series. If you enjoy our course writeups, consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter to receive updates on new posts, partners, and discount codes. The articles in this series are the foundation of my upcoming book, “Links Around the World,” coming Summer 2024!
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The Greenside Gallery
The Greenside Gallery specializes in crafting exquisite Golf Course Maps for your home or office, offering high-quality prints that capture the beauty and essence of any golf course in the world.
Each piece features a meticulously mapped aerial view of your chosen golf course, allowing you to relive cherished golfing memories while adding a touch of sophistication to your decor.
Explore their collection of over 1,000 courses or order a custom map of any course in the world and celebrate your golfing passion with a truly unique piece of art.
The Rise of Golf Carts
The introduction of the golf cart began in the mid-20th century, with JK Wadley of Texarkana’s first actual use of a motorized cart on a golf course. After seeing a three-wheeled electric cart used to transport senior citizens in Los Angeles, he found it could prove useful on the course. This initial use did not immediately lead to widespread adoption, as early golf carts were primarily used by people with disabilities who could not walk long distances.
In 1951, Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, produced the first electric golf carts specifically designed for golf courses. His company, Marketeer, began producing these carts as a response to gasoline rationing during World War II, which had increased interest in electric vehicles. This marked the beginning of the golf cart’s evolution from a novelty to an essential piece of golf course equipment, facilitating the game for those who would otherwise find the walk challenging.
Widespread acceptance of golf carts began in the 1950s. President Dwight Eisenhower was a significant figure in this acceptance, who was often photographed riding in a cart after a serious heart attack in 1954 helping to popularize their use. By the mid-1950s, golf carts had gained wide acceptance among U.S. golfers.
Additionally, many new courses were designed with residential developments in mind, featuring a “sausage link” routing that made walking more difficult. To accommodate these changing course designs and demographics, golf carts became increasingly necessary to keep players engaged and moving efficiently through the rounds.
In contrast, the rise of golf carts has been much less prevalent in the UK, where renowned links layouts have actively discouraged or prohibited using motorized carts. The tight, compact routing of links courses and the relatively mild climate make walking a practical and preferred mode of transportation, viewed as an integral part of the experience, one that should be preserved.
Evolution
By the 1960s, cart paths had become a standard component of golf course infrastructure, connecting the clubhouse to all holes and other key areas. Carts allowed golfers to cover more ground in less time, which was attractive to courses looking to maximize the number of rounds played per day. The convenience and accessibility of carts also helped drive golf’s transition from an elite pastime to a more mainstream recreational activity for the middle class.
However, the rise of carts has also been linked to the slower pace of play, more environmental impact, and a diminished walking culture in the sport. Many of the game’s most renowned championship venues, such as Bandon Dunes, Chambers Bay, and Whistling Straits, have embraced a walking-only policy to preserve the traditional experience.
Carts have made it possible to build golf courses in areas that would be impossible to accommodate one without. They also can extend golf’s accessibility by providing golfers with an option when physical limitations might limit their ability to get around the course effectively.
In the late 90s, the debate reached the professional ranks. Casey Martin, a former college teammate of Tiger Woods, suffered from a degenerative circulatory disorder that affected his right leg and ability to walk long distances. After earning his Tour Card, he sued the PGA Tour under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), claiming he should be allowed to use a cart during tournaments. The courts ruled in Martin’s favor, finding that allowing him to use a cart was a reasonable accommodation that would not fundamentally alter the nature of PGA Tour competitions. Since its inception, this concession has been made for “Senior” or “Champions” Tour players.
Today, many golf courses encourage or mandate players to use carts, and the reasons extend beyond mere convenience. One of the primary motivators is revenue generation. Renting a golf cart can be a significant additional income stream for golf facilities, sometimes rivaling the green fees. The lure of more revenue due to quicker turnover, leading to more daily rounds, is a lucrative carrot.
Walkability and Considerations
GolfPass notes in their informative article on the Top 100 public walking courses that just because a course allows walking doesn’t mean it is a good walking course. As noted above, some courses are routed and designed with carts in mind, which would be implausible otherwise. There is a difference between a course that embraces walking and one that “allows” it. Here are some things to consider:
- What is the walking culture at the course? Would you be a lone walker while the other groups are in carts? Some courses even charge the same greens fee to walkers and riders, serving to discourage walking.
- Is the course routed with walking in mind? Is the walk between holes reasonable or is it long or arduous enough to detract from the experience.
- Playing partners – are they all on the same page with walking? A mixed group can work, where two take a cart and two walk, but it’s unusual. I’ve played a round like this and it was a bit awkward.
Benefits of Walking the Golf Course
- 💰 Cost-Effective: Many courses charge extra for cart usage. Walking makes your round more economical.
- ⛳ Course Conditions: Walking significantly reduces the impact on the turf, avoiding the compaction and damage that carts cause, especially in wet conditions.
- 🧠 Enhanced Focus: Walking a full 18 holes allows players to immerse themselves in the game, fostering a deeper connection with the course. According to one study highlighted by Golf Digest, walking can also lead to better scores.
- 🏞️ Eco-Friendly: Walking is a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to play golf, as it reduces the carbon footprint and resource consumption associated with golf carts.
- 🫀 Health Benefits: Walking promotes cardiovascular health, burns calories, and improves overall fitness. According to a study conducted by the World Golf Foundation, an average golfer who walks 18 holes burns approximately 1,500 calories, equivalent to a 3.5-4 mile run.
- 🤝 Social: Walking enhances social interactions among players, as it naturally encourages conversation and camaraderie during the walk between shots, fostering a more engaging and communal experience.
Walking Only Policies
Mike Keiser, the visionary behind Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, has been a staunch advocate for the walking-only policy at his golf courses. This policy is deeply rooted in his philosophy that golf is fundamentally a walking sport meant to be enjoyed without the interference of golf carts. Keiser’s commitment to this approach is evident in his insistence that all courses at Bandon Dunes maintain a walking-only policy to preserve the traditional spirit of the game. He believes that walking the course allows players to fully engage with the sport and the natural beauty of the course, enhancing the experience.
Keiser’s decision to implement a walking-only policy was initially seen as a risky move, especially considering the remote location of Bandon Dunes and the potential resistance from golfers accustomed to riding carts. However, he viewed this as an essential part of creating an authentic links golf experience, akin to the famous courses in Scotland where the game originated.
In his own words, Keiser has described golf as “a walking sport” and emphasized that carts have only been around for the last 60 years. He credits Bandon Dunes’ success to adhering to this traditional mode of play, which he believes is the purest form of golf.
Furthermore, Keiser’s philosophy extends beyond the players’ experience; it also encompasses environmental considerations. Bandon Dunes’ walking-only policy helps minimize the resort’s ecological footprint. By eliminating golf carts, the courses reduce soil compaction and fuel consumption, which helps maintain the health of the turf and the surrounding ecosystems.
Other courses and resorts have followed suit. At Streamsong, all courses are walking only, but they allow carts in the summer heat. Coore and Crenshaw are responsible for Sheep Ranch and Streamsong Red, as well as Sand Hills in Nebraska, which is so minimalist that not only are carts prohibited, but there are no ball washers or bunker rakes! New York’s most famous public course, Bethpage Black has a walking only policy, as does Wisconsin’s Sand Valley.
Featured Partners 2024
Pinned Golf
Pinned Golf is the maker of quality rangefinders that don’t break the bank. They aspire to bring products to market that Elevate the game of EVERY Golfer with Style that Turns Heads, Pushes the Envelope, and Stands the Test of Time.
Pinned Golf believes that life should be fun, and golf should be no different. Their mission is simple: to make golf more enjoyable by helping you play better. When you’re having fun out on the course, it’s not just your game that gets a boost – it’s your whole life! When you’re buying Pinned, you’re choosing to make every swing, every round, and every moment on the course an absolute blast!
True Linkswear
TRUE Linkswear is a golf footwear and apparel brand that focuses on creating products for the walking golfer. Their offerings include men’s and women’s footwear, apparel, and accessories that are comfortable, durable, and versatile on and off the golf course.
Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, TRUE Linkswear emphasizes natural comfort and protection from the elements, aiming to help golfers enjoy their walk around the course. The brand is also known for its commitment to sustainability and offers free domestic ground shipping on orders over $100, along with a 30-day return policy for new pairs of shoes. I was drawn to this brand due to my own love of walking the course and the traditions of the game.
Walking Essentials from Our Partners
Journal18
Journal18 is a premium golf journal designed to help serious golfers meticulously record and analyze their rounds and shots to identify areas for improvement and lower their handicaps. The journal features high-quality materials, including acid-free cream Tomoe River paper and a texturized hardcover inspired by a golf ball, ensuring durability and a luxurious writing experience.
Additionally, Journal18 supports environmental efforts by planting a tree for every journal sold in partnership with TreeEra, contributing to reforestation.
Stitch Golf
Stitch Golf, founded in 2012 and based in Cary, North Carolina, is a company that blends the worlds of golf and vintage motorsports to create unique and stylish golf products. They are known for their high-quality leather headcovers, durable and lightweight golf bags made from proprietary Stitch Touring Fabric™, and a full line of golf apparel. Their first large order was placed by THAT large club in Augusta, Georgia, serving as a springboard.
Stitch Golf’s mission is to help golfers “DRESS THEIR GAME™” with a range of products that are functional, durable, and stylish, designed to transition seamlessly “FROM WORK TO PLAY™.” Their products are available in over 500+ country clubs across the U.S., reflecting their commitment to innovation and style in the golf industry.
Sunday Golf
Sunday Golf specializes in lightweight, minimalist golf bags designed for ease of use and convenience on the course. Their bags, such as the Loma series, are ideal for golfers who prefer to carry fewer clubs and enjoy a quick round.
These bags often feature comfortable straps, insulated cooler pockets, and enough storage for essential gear. Sunday Golf’s products are appreciated for their portability and functionality, making them a popular choice for golfers looking for a simplified golf experience.
Further Reading
The Nature of the Game
by Mike Keiser
Summary: The Nature of the Game chronicles how businessman and avid golfer Mike Keiser discovered his passion for authentic links golf in Scotland and Ireland and embarked on a mission to bring that pure golf experience to America through Bandon Dunes. Keiser details his philosophy of “dream golf” – walking-only courses routed naturally through windswept landscapes that embrace the origins of the game. The book provides an inside look at how Keiser partnered with architects like Tom Doak to make the dream golf vision a reality at Bandon and other sites, pioneering a back-to-basics movement in course design.
Rough Meditations
by Bradley S. Klein
Summary: Rough Meditations is a unique collection of fascinating essays that bring the world’s greatest golf courses to life with brilliantly colorful prose. These charming and often hilarious essays take golf enthusiasts on an intimate tour of the game’s most distinguished courses. Along the way, readers gain a privileged look at the differences between good and bad golf course design.
Long considered one of golf’s most talented writers, Bradley Klein offers more than fifty essays, ranging from instructive to inspirational, that cover the architecture of courses, how to read greens, the ins and outs of green committees, the relationships that grow from the game, and much more. With a style all his own, Klein takes readers to where he was for years as a caddie on the PGA and LPGA tours–onto the grass and into the game.
Anatomy of a Golf Course
by Tom Doak
Summary: The book explains the thought process and strategies used by golf course architects in designing courses, including factors like hole length, placement of hazards, and routing. It aims to help golfers understand why certain design choices are made so they can better approach playing the course. Written by acclaimed golf architect Tom Doak, it appeals to both knowledgeable golfers and beginners interested in course design and architecture. The book also includes an appendix with examples of noteworthy golf courses that are worth studying.
Wide Open Fairways
by Bradley S. Klein
Summary: As golf courses move away from the “big business, pristine lawn” approach of recent times, Bradley S. Klein finds much to contemplate, and much to report, in the way these wide-open spaces function as landscapes that inspire us, stimulate our senses, and reveal the special nature of particular places. A meditation on what makes golf courses compelling landscapes, this is also a personal memoir that follows Klein’s own unique journey across the golfing terrain, from the Bronx and Long Island suburbia to the American prairie and the Pacific Northwest.
Sand and Golf
by George Waters
Summary: “Sand and Golf” explores how sandy terrain uniquely suits golf, studying similarities and differences between courses worldwide with sandy features. It examines all aspects of the relationship between sand and golf, from the sport’s origins in Scottish coastal dunes to its global spread onto sandy sites. Written by golf architect George Waters with a preface by renowned designer Tom Doak, it details through examples and illustrations why firm, rugged, windy sandy terrain makes creative shot-making integral to the game. The book appeals to knowledgeable golfers interested in course design and architecture, analyzing the art and science behind why golf belongs on sand.
