I walked a 9 hole round yesterday. It was the most enjoyable day of golf I have played in years. The last time I walked was in July of 2011 on the Ocean Course, with a caddie. Even in the rain it was fun, very wet but fun and on one of the worlds finest golf courses.
Yesterday I carried my own bag, a Sunday golf bag (a Sunday bag is a very light golf bag that is easy to carry). I took a 3-wood, and 5 irons, and my putter. I ran off 3 straight pars.....on tough holes, and I finished with a 41 score. I was in focus. I was looking around at the beauty of the course. I took my time and enjoyed the experience. And I hit the golf ball way better.
Golf is a walking sport. It took me 90 minutes to walk 9 holes, I was walking at a leisurely pace, a stroll. That was the same time it would take to ride in a golf cart. My tempo in my golf swing matched my walking tempo. My swing was more relaxed and I felt great.
Riding in a Golf Cart: The Bad and the Ugly
- cost more money to play
- does not reflect your swing tempo
- if you are not driving you could be with a hacker, and that sux
- promotes tight hip flexors and lower back, which put the brakes on golf swing speed
- is just plain lazy
Walking: The Good
- less expensive, the majority of the greens fee is the riding cart
- better pace of play, you set the tempo
- it's healthy, walking is good for you (you know that)
- you will enjoy the course more, see the sights, smell the roses
- it is faster, test it versus riding
- you will play better golf because you are relaxed and loose
- The Pro's walk, that should tell you something right there
Ok, there are some courses where walking is just prohibited or stupid because of the lay out. I refuse to play those courses.
I am starting a movement, WALK WHEN YOU PLAY GOLF!
