The sport of golf is becoming more and more popular, both as a competitive sport and as a bonding experience for co-workers and fellow country club members. Golf carts make the game less stressful, as they allow players to travel more quickly from hole to hole and also allow players to conserve energy for the game. However, in order to ensure that everyone has a good time, it is important to use proper etiquette when operating the golf cart. The do's and dont's of driving golf carts are not widely known, but they certainly help to make golf a better experience for everyone involved.

With Driving Comes Great Responsibility

Though driving a golf cart might seem fairly self explanatory, there are many responsibilities that go along with it. The way in which the driver operates the golf cart and how closely they follow etiquette rules will not only determine the speed of the game, but also how much damage is done to the golf course. At the end of the game, the driver is responsible for returning the golf cart back to the pro shop in the same condition it was retrieved.

Common Sense Or Courtesy?

Some points of golf cart etiquette are merely common sense, while others are points of courtesy. It is important not to drive the cart on wet areas of the grass and to not make sudden stops or sharp turns. This will help to limit the damage that is done to the golf course.

Many golf courses have rules regarding golf carts and signs that direct drivers. It is very important to follow these signs. Additionally, drivers should make sure to heed any ropes that prohibit golf carts from certain areas of the course. Some courses will have paved pathways for golf carts, and generally; the cart is to be parked on the cart path at a ninety degree angle from where your ball lays. You would then walk straight across to your ball and make your shot, then return to the cart. Etiquette such as this is common sense for most golfers.

Other topics in golf cart etiquette are related to courtesy. It is important not to distract other players while they are golfing. On that note, the driver should never move the cart while a player is preparing to make a stroke. (Not even electric carts, which do not make any noise, should be moved at this time.) Drivers should also keep carts away from greenside bunkers and the greens themselves. A golf cart should never be parked in front of players who are waiting for their turns.

A Better Game

In golf, there are winners and there are losers, but there are also those that play by the rules and those that do not. Obeying the rules of golf and abiding by golf cart etiquette ensures that everyone — winners and losers alike — enjoy the game.