Being outside and walking a course is just as important to me as playing well

[RoyalMustang]

Recently, I paid for a twilight membership at a semi-public course 5 minutes from my house. It's a great public course, and since I work remotely, I am done by 4:30 each day. This means I can walk 9 holes after work most evenings and still be home in time for dinner.

 

My epiphany is that I enjoy the walk (there a few houses on the front 9) and being outside as much as I enjoy golf. I don't get mad if I don't play well. It is still enjoyable; I am still getting a nice walk of 3.5 miles in, exercising, and releasing stress. I always see a heron, and occasionally see a bobcat. It's nature, or at least as close to it as we get in central north Texas. 

 

I must be in the minority as the only people I have seen walk are the HS team players out there. Multiple times a week, somebody stops me and says "wow, you can walk this?". Yeah, I can handle 3.5 miles...geez. I used to do 6 mile hikes as an 8-year old with my grandparents; pretty sure I can manage 3.5 miles (or 7 on the weekends) as an adult. People look at me like I am about to run the Western States 100 when they see me with my pushcart. Maybe they should try walking: it helps salvage an otherwise poor round and is a great release at the end of the day. 

 

Anyways, just wanted to share this. 

[ANimz]

I started walking towards the end of fall, and I love it.  It gives you time to reset between shots, helps to keep my body loose, and keeps me focused.  I had always used carts before to get my rounds in quicker, but I don't mind the extra time on the course.  I probably just can't play 18 as much during the work week.  

[jordan2240]

I'm 62 and walk exclusively, regardless of terrain.  I always found walking to be a key component of the game and find it makes the game far more enjoyable even when you stink.  Late last year I went to minimalist golf and now carry only 7 clubs in a light stand bag (maxfli air).  Most enjoyable golf I've ever played.  Obviously some cannot walk for various reasons, but if you can, I think you are really missing out if you don't.

[jordan2240]

3 minutes ago, ANimz said:

I started walking towards the end of fall, and I love it.  It gives you time to reset between shots, helps to keep my body loose, and keeps me focused.  I had always used carts before to get my rounds in quicker, but I don't mind the extra time on the course.  I probably just can't play 18 as much during the work week.  

If you are riding in a cart alone, you will definitely go faster, but when I've played with guys paired up in a cart, I've never held them up, and am often the first one to the next tee.

[kmay__]

It's all good. The Thursday league I play in we are the very very small minority that walks, and we usually get 18 in teeing off at 5 when the days are long. I could care less what I shoot, just great being out there.

 

We got paired with a random father and son last season who rode, and they ended up being our partners all year, and they got themselves a couple push carts and now we all walk, its great. I friggin love twilight after work rounds, finishing up and walking in as the sun goes away, having the place to yourself, it really is very enjoyable. 

[MattM97]

Last year I said I was going to play more, didn't happen work was too busy and getting solo tee times was impossible or double the price. This year working in more rural areas instead of suburban, less work stress and also traveling more for work. Going to have my clubs and push cart in my truck and going to be playing rounds after work or before work depending where I'm at and just going to walk and enjoy my time outside.

 

Last year was stressful for me and the days I was on the course I was my happiest, but since then things have gotten better. 

[RoyalMustang]

1 hour ago, jordan2240 said:

If you are riding in a cart alone, you will definitely go faster, but when I've played with guys paired up in a cart, I've never held them up, and am often the first one to the next tee.

 

There is nothing slower than 2 hacks in a cart, or someone playing from a cart on a cart-path only day. Even when I play in a cart when catching up with a friend, it is slow, and if I can't park at my ball, I have to grab multiple clubs and my rangefinder. It's definitely a hassle and just seems silly when I could have walked to my ball. 

The other thing I like about walking on a hilly course is that it keeps my legs strong. It's no coincidence that I won the long-drive hole in a tournament last weekend with 140 players; it is great for core and leg strength. 

 

Mostly though, I just enjoy walking more than sitting in a cart

[islesmb]

I used to walk and carry my bag almost exclusively before I moved south in 2000. Most of the courses around here require carts and/or have long walks between holes so you wouldn't want to walk them anyway. Whenever I am able to walk a round of golf these days I really enjoy it and miss being able to walk regularly. I would love to be able to get a push cart and walk again every round. ☹️

[GHIN n Juice]

I was 100% with the OP when I was growing up in Utah.  At the time most of the mountain courses were not lined with houses and it was awesome to be outside feeling like there was nothing around…except the occasional deer or moose.

 

Unfortunately, I live in the plains states now and every course I play, with a few notable exceptions, are lined with houses.  It is just not the same now that I have to compete with lawnmowers, traffic and all the other sounds that civilization bring.

[dfeldss]

I just got a push cart and I can't wait to start walking more. Always thought it was a more enjoyable way to spend the day and you're more "in" the round or in the moment when you walk, but carrying your bag can get tedious. 

 

Summers here I'll probably still use the cart, but the rest of the year i'm hoping to walk more. Hopefully get my buddies to start walking too

[Robert72]

Kudos to Tiger Woods for continuing to walk and not cheat like Casey Martin.

[Phreddy]

Playing well is still primary to me, but that said, I walk 99% of my rounds and try to take the time to enjoy my surroundings.  The most gratifying rounds I play are generally early evening 9 holers, by myself and on an empty course.  Hit it.  Find it.  Hit it again.  Peaceful, pleasant, alone with your thoughts, great pace and no sene of grinding.

[Ghostwedge]

11 minutes ago, Robert72 said:

Kudos to Tiger Woods for continuing to walk and not cheat like Casey Martin.

So being born with a disability and playing golf at a high level is cheating ?

This should be good......

 

[TiScape]

3 hours ago, RoyalMustang said:

My epiphany is that I enjoy the walk (there a few houses on the front 9) and being outside as much as I enjoy golf. I don’t get mad if I don’t play well. It is still enjoyable. I am still getting a nice walk of 3.5 miles in, exercising, and releasing stress. I always see a heron, and occasionally see a bobcat. It's nature, or at least as close to it as we get in central north Texas. 

I can relate. Whenever I’m not playing well and feel myself getting frustrated, I stop, look around and think ‘so what, I’m out here on a beautiful day playing golf. Could be a lot worse.’ Good stuff Royal.

[TiScape]

3 minutes ago, Ghostwedge said:

So being born with a disability and playing golf at a high level is cheating ?

This should be good......

 

🫣

[jordan2240]

1 hour ago, RoyalMustang said:

There is nothing slower than 2 hacks in a cart, or someone playing from a cart on a cart-path only day.

Most people don't use the cart as efficiently as they can.  They'll drive to one ball and wait for the player to hit, then drive over to the other ball.  Often, they could either park somewhere in between or drop one player off then go to the other ball.  Cart-path only is just brutal, and you end up walking as much or more than if you just walked, not to mention what a pain it is to usually have to grab multiple clubs because you aren't sure of distance.  It's one of the best ways to leave clubs out on the course.

[jordan2240]

1 hour ago, islesmb said:

Most of the courses around here require carts and/or have long walks between holes so you wouldn't want to walk them anyway.

I live in PA but my sons are in Orlando, so once in a while I will golf in Florida.  The last time I went to a course there I asked if they had a walking rate, and the guy in the pro-shop said he didn't know because no one had ever asked.  Playing the course, I could see why.  I swear you drove a quarter of a mile to some tee boxes.  There are one or two courses in my area where you either wouldn't want to walk because of the green to tee distance or they just don't let you.  I don't play those often.

[caniac6]

I’m 68, and walk . I got an electric trolley a couple years ago so I can continue walking. We are thinking about moving to a golf community with milder winters, and the first question I always ask is about the walkability of the course.

[Nard_S]

Enjoy walking. Hydration becomes key to having good day. If I had drinks night before and then a big coffee in a.m., it's not a good recipe for round. Lots of fluids, before and during help tremendously down the stretch. 

[LBB]

Being able to walk 9 holes after work would be a dream to me.  Unfortunately my hours and commute to the nearest course don't allow for that.

 

I agree though that if I were able to do it 1-2x per week, I really wouldn't care what I shot.  Just being out there for 90 minutes or so to unwind and really to practice shots your normally wouldn't hit.

[Abh159]

There is not a lot in life more relaxing than walking 9 holes at sunset especially if it's a pleasant weather day

[Pepperturbo]

Walking has its benefits; it just feels good and right for golf.  But I have to agree with others; courses lined with housing tracts don't have the same impact on the walk as courses in the countryside.  As for playing well; I always care about my game, whether walking or using a cart, probably because I don't need to walk for physical exercise.

[kwcsports]

Sometimes I walk, sometimes I ride, it depends on the course. I always want to play my best and shoot the lowest score so if the course is really hilly or very long walks between holes, I'll opt for a cart so I don't tire coming down the stretch. Also a few courses around my area demand carts, no walking allowed. If given the choice and the weather is nice, I love walking.

Edited February 14, 2023 by kwcsports

[jafstar]

In the winter or colder months, walking can definitely help your game by keeping you warm. 

 

Walking also helps your pace of play so you're never waiting too long. And you have second thoughts of hitting that hero shot just in case you have to stray from far from the path to find it. 

[elwhippy]

The exercise, fresh air and company are integral parts of my game. I hate riding in buggies as you don't appreciate the whole course. 

[OnTheBag]

5 hours ago, RoyalMustang said:

My epiphany is that I enjoy the walk (there a few houses on the front 9) and being outside as much as I enjoy golf.

Good for you and I agree with this statement in particular.  Due to health and the damage being a lifelong caddie did to my body, I can no longer walk even 9 holes.  But I have come to enjoy the days in the sun more than the golf itself.  Enjoy those moments while you have them and keep seeing the trees in spite of the forest.

 

 

[RoyalTroon]

5 hours ago, RoyalMustang said:

People look at me like I am about to run the Western States 100 when they see me with my pushcart. Maybe they should try walking: it helps salvage an otherwise poor round and is a great release at the end of the day. 

 

Anyways, just wanted to share this. 

 

Nice share, and walking is the absolute best for health and better scores.    Treat yourself to a 2.5 carry bag, 9 clubs, and put on a little show for those same people looking at you.   I started my heavy walking around the neighborhood a while back getting ready for the upcoming season.

[Skhacker]

I consistently play better walking as you get a true feel for the course and a different vision as well. And it’s just so much more fun to walk. 

[Triple Lindy]

I had never walked until COVID hit. Got a push cart and now only ride if my knee is acting up. Didn’t realize what I was missing. I also get right to my ball, probably because I’m on a direct line towards it and not worrying about my riding partner’s ball. I think I play faster when walking.

[LeoLeo99]

I'm lucky that my guys all walk when we play except for a few and they know that the rest of us will be walking.  So, it all works out.  Being the only one in the foursome walking isn't that sociable.