Golf Carts: An Essential Golf Item
The golf cart has evolved greatly over the last decade. Once, just an electric motor vehicle that transported golfers around an 18-hole course, the golf cart has changed to meet players’ modern needs.
From players needing a helping hand getting around the golf course to golfers trying to beat the heat, a golf cart can be an essential part of a round of golf.
Why use a golf cart?
A lot of golf purists believe golf carts to be an evil that golf courses should do without. However, there are numerous reasons players should use a golf cart or an alternative.
Older players who have difficulty lugging around their golf bags and clubs can take the physical strain off of their bodies by using a golf cart. In addition, these older players may not have the physical ability to walk 18-holes of golf. Whether through a disability or fatigue, the golf cart can come in handy.
It has been estimated that a golfer using a cart on paths only can still walk up to three miles during an 18-hole round. This distance isn’t exact as the amount of walking does depend on where the ball is hit. Despite using a golf cart, players can still get plenty of calorie burning exercise. It is also estimated that riding in a golf cart during an 18-hole round can burn around 800 calories.
What if you are physically fit and have no injuries or ailments that will keep you from walking all 18-holes? Well, a golf cart can be beneficial on extremely hot days. If you plan to play a full round and the mercury reaches the 90s or triple digits, a golf cart can give you a reprieve from the heat and a chance to cool down. Perhaps you have brought a cooler of ice water or cold towels with you. It is much easier to put those in a golf cart rather than carry them with your golf bag. When the temperatures soar, it is a great time to rent a golf cart.
What makes a great golf cart?
Golf carts come with a variety of great features today. They aren’t just used to transport you to the next hole. In the past, golf carts were simple little buggies for two to four people.
Now, golf carts must be able to live with the demands of a player’s life. Some of the more tricked out buggies may be lumped into a growing category of golf carts called luxury carts.
One item that has become extremely popular in newer golf carts is a USB port. With golfers needing to stay in touch with the rest of the world and wanting to have a fully charged smartphone, a USB port is essential.
Some golfers want features such as speakers in their golf carts. This will allow them to play music from a mobile device via Bluetooth or to plug in with a USB cable. In addition, you may find your next golf carts to have a GPS system. Now, you can see just how far away your ball is from the green.
Are there golf cart alternatives?
If a golf cart isn’t your thing and you want an alternative, golfers do have options. Pushcarts are the most popular option for golfers who want to walk the course, but want to save their bodies. Lugging around bags can inflict injury to backs, knees and shoulders, especially if you walk the entire course with your heavy bag.
A golfer can walk an estimated 6.5 miles when completing 18-holes. Your body can take a pounding while carrying a golf bag, so why not use a pushcart?
A pushcart takes up very little space, so transporting one to the golf course is easy. Once you arrive, just take it out and click its parts into place. The pushcart runs on an electric motor and moves easily as you push it from behind. It carries your golf bag and other items depending on the accessories or model you purchase. Newer pushcart models come with accessories like drink holders, cigar holders, a cooler tube and more.
It is said pushcarts are gaining in popularity with younger golfers. It makes sense as it takes the physical toll of off their bodies. Moreover, if you golf regularly, a pushcart will cost less in the long run than renting or buying a golf cart. As pushcarts become more popular, golf carts could become a thing of the past.
Golf carts and pushcarts have come a long way since first being used in the 1930s. No matter how you choose to get around the golf course, both a golf cart and pushcart can make the 18-holes much more enjoyable.
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