AJGA use of 'pull carts'

[bulls9999]

AJGA has allowed use of pull/push carts this year

I noticed that the AJGA has allowed use of pull/push carts this year for all age groups (I think they introduced that last year for the junior series). How many of you would use a push cart of allowed? I have seen numerous tournies that my son has played in where youngsters have either vomited, fainted, or withdrawn because of the heat, etc. I noticed AJGA is mandating use of push/pull carts in at least one tournament to 'break the ice' and remove the stigma of embarassment (if that's the right word). (I think I read this somewhere...please correct me if I'm wrong).

I often made joke/fun of the PGA Pro's, who unlike NFL, NHL, NBA whereby the 'pro' games are played pretty much as the younger collegiate, high school, and even younger groups (body contact, etc), golf is the only sport that makes 10 yr olds carry a bag in 100-degree heat (as well as high schooler and collegiate), but once you turn pro, you don't have to 'carry your bag'. No other professional sport gets that much physically 'easier' when you become a 'pro'.

Don't start me on my wish to see a 'silly season' golf tournament where the pro's carry their own bags, lol :clapping: .... oh, come on, just one tourney ....that would be more entertaining than any 'skins game', for sure. If a 10-yr old can do it, the pro's surely can....heck, they make fewer shots, already using less energy there.

[tjewell1994]

i don't know about you, but i find it a little dorky to use a push-cart. it's also not as fun using one.

[Cameron Carter]

I am thinking carrying your clubs in 100 degrees should be part of the game, giving an advantage to the fit.

[mattsmithpga]

I am thinking carrying your clubs in 100 degrees should be part of the game, giving an advantage to the fit.

 

 

Agree, I also say you should obviously use a pull cart if you have some disability.

[Cameron Carter]

Agree, I also say you should obviously use a pull cart if you have some disability.

I will give you that.

Kind of crazy in my opinion the AJGA is allowing this as it is the most respected and elite junior organization.

[littleprov1x]

This is really a great idea, IMO. If you've ever been to Patterson, CA in August for the AJGA, you'd know why. As a former AJGA player, I definitely would have used a pull cart at some events if it had been allowed. Like the original poster wrote, the heat at some of the AJGA events is really extreme, and even if you stay well hydrated the heat can have some terribly adverse effects on your game and physical condition. I remember one time drinking a bottle of water on every hole one day, plus at least 4 gatorades. I was 17, and I can't imagine what that would have been like for a 12 year old.

 

Some of you might think this is dorky or wimpy, but it is definitely a good idea at some tournaments.

[tigerphan]

I don't know where to find this info but, someone told me they did a test over 20 years and found that the kids who used pull carts had better backs in the long run. I sometimes pull cart because I have a bad shoulder/neck area and don't want to flare it. but this is the great thing about golf you have options.

 

BTW- sickiest pulls carts are the ones you can ride downhill lol(does that count at transportation in a tourament???)

[golf001]

I think this is a great idea

Many kids call other guys who use pull carts "g**" or wimps but over the long run

studies have shown severe back problems from carrying a golf bag in extreme heat for so many rounds.

Kids should be taking advantage of this rule big time.

[frozen_rope]

On European and Asian professional tours it is common for the players to use pull carts and, or, push carts.

 

 

I noticed that the AJGA has allowed use of pull/push carts this year for all age groups (I think they introduced that last year for the junior series). How many of you would use a push cart of allowed? I have seen numerous tournies that my son has played in where youngsters have either vomited, fainted, or withdrawn because of the heat, etc. I noticed AJGA is mandating use of push/pull carts in at least one tournament to 'break the ice' and remove the stigma of embarassment (if that's the right word). (I think I read this somewhere...please correct me if I'm wrong).

 

I often made joke/fun of the PGA Pro's, who unlike NFL, NHL, NBA whereby the 'pro' games are played pretty much as the younger collegiate, high school, and even younger groups (body contact, etc), golf is the only sport that makes 10 yr olds carry a bag in 100-degree heat (as well as high schooler and collegiate), but once you turn pro, you don't have to 'carry your bag'. No other professional sport gets that much physically 'easier' when you become a 'pro'.

 

Don't start me on my wish to see a 'silly season' golf tournament where the pro's carry their own bags, lol :clapping: .... oh, come on, just one tourney ....that would be more entertaining than any 'skins game', for sure. If a 10-yr old can do it, the pro's surely can....heck, they make fewer shots, already using less energy there.

[claytonstoker21]

conisidering golf isnt a contact sport or rough at all they should make them carry the bag. its half the battle. people play other sports in that kind of weather and dont have anything that takes stress off them. i agree it looks kinda corny when someone is using a pullcart. instead of allowing pull carts allow caddies. much more professional

[bulls9999]

Here's the AJGA memo regarding allowing the use of push carts:

 

http://www.ajga.org/Media_Center/CoverStor...es/12-11-08.asp

 

<H1 class="style80 style90">Push Carts Allowed in 2009</H1>

.

Non-motorized push carts will be allowed for all players in all AJGA competition beginning in 2009. After studying the issue in depth, the AJGA found that carrying heavy golf bags on the back, especially among younger players, could potentially to contribute to back injuries and fatigue.

 

During the 2008 season, the AJGA permitted the use of push carts in Junior All-Star events, or at any event where a player obtained a doctor's note indicating a medical need. After the policy went smoothly in 2008, the AJGA Board of Directors approved the use of push carts at all tournaments beginning in 2009. Medical need will no longer be required.

Exceptions to the push cart policy may occur at host facilities that do not allow push carts on the golf course. The AJGA will inform participants when this situation arises.

 

The shift in policy occurred after consulting with doctors about the health issues involved in regularly carrying heavily weighted bags, especially when the bag's weight comprises more than 20 percent of one's body weight. For lightweight golfers who play multiple rounds per week, the possibility of injury to the lower back, shoulders and neck increases. Also, during those developmental years, reducing the stress on the back may help develop a healthier spine. Push carts have also been found to reduce fatigue.

 

For many years, NCAA rules have permitted push carts in women's competition, which came about in response to a petition from women's coaches. The petition was passed because the committee believed push carts offered no competitive advantage.

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know where to find this info but, someone told me they did a test over 20 years and found that the kids who used pull carts had better backs in the long run. I sometimes pull cart because I have a bad shoulder/neck area and don't want to flare it. but this is the great thing about golf you have options.

 

BTW- sickiest pulls carts are the ones you can ride downhill lol(does that count at transportation in a tourament???)

[obsessedgolfer]

instead of allowing pull carts allow caddies. much more professional

I dont think that would be fair because having a caddy on a course that you usually don't play is a huge advantage.

[Lefty4par2]

IMO, the use of push carts makes total sense. Carrying is just unnecessary strain and wear on your back. If PGA guys carried, then that would be one thing, but they don't... why should others be required to?

[T-Gates]

I applaud the AJGA for this. I used to play junior tournaments 10-11 years ago, and I have bouts with bad Athsma. We had no choice but to carry, and there were days where I would start off strong, but if my Athsma kicked in, I was done for.

 

I really enjoyed walking the course and didn't even mind the back strain of carrying (I was pretty strong) but the strain of carrying in the hot humid conditions really put a hurt on my lungs.

[tpariff]

IMO, the use of push carts makes total sense. Carrying is just unnecessary strain and wear on your back. If PGA guys carried, then that would be one thing, but they don't... why should others be required to?

 

BINGO!!

 

Players at the top level of golf don't carry their own bags, so I don't see the argument that players in the junior ranks should. If carrying your owns clubs is an integral part of the game, then PGA Tour professionals should do it and set the example.

 

Kevin

[obsessedgolfer]

Dont you guys carry on casual rounds? I only ride in a cart when I play with my dad, which accounts for like one fourth of the golf I play. If you carry on a regular basis it is nothing. the kids playing these tournaments are pretty athletic.