Take Care With Carts If You Love Your Course

Although the first golf cart was invented in the late 1940s as a way for people with disabilities to get around a golf course, they have become a convenience enjoyed by millions of players.

The National Golf Foundation estimates that about two-thirds of all 18-hole rounds are played with the use of a motorised golf cart.

For your golf course maintenance team, golf carts can present a challenge. When they are used improperly, they can cause serious damage to the course. More importantly, unsafe operation can lead to accidents and injuries.

For the sake of your golf course, remember that golf cart traffic can cause damage to the golf course that is both unsightly and expensive to repair. Tyre ruts in soft, wet areas can take weeks to heal. Compaction caused by heavy traffic can ruin the playing surface.

Golf course superintendents only put restrictions such as "Path Only" rules in place when they feel it’s necessary to protect the turf from damage. On the other hand, there are some everyday guidelines that golfers can follow to maximise their golf experience and protect the turf.

Motorised golf carts aren’t the only means for carrying golf bags. The USGA says the popularity of two-wheel and three-wheel pull carts is on the rise, especially as interest in health and fitness grows.

If your club permits pull carts – more than half of all private clubs allow them – are they being adequately controlled to protect the golf course? Pull carts are far lighter than motorised golf carts, but this does not mean pull carts do not damage turf. Because they are more manoeuvrable, golfers are more inclined to take them onto areas they would not normally drive golf carts.

By following some the simple guidelines you are helping your golf course maintenance team to create better and more enjoyable playing surfaces for all members and guests to enjoy. If every golfer had the positive attitude of driving in areas that did not hinder or damage the turf, they would be making a significant contribution to the overall condition of the course and to their next golfing experience.

Good golfing!

Julian Danby will be back next week

CRAIG’S CHIP: TIP OF THE WEEK

• Never drive a golf cart through standing water or on any obviously wet turf.
• Never drive onto a green, collar, tee or any hazard.
• Never drive into any area that has been recently seeded or sodded.
•  Avoid abrupt stops and sharp turns.
• Spread out wear-and-tear by avoiding compacted areas.
• Keep all four tires on the path whenever possible. Do not park off the path.
• Golfers with disabilities may be allowed access to areas not normally open to golf car traffic. Their carts are usually marked with a flag.