Golf Beginner's Guide to Using a Golf Cart

If you've ever played golf behind beginner golfers in a golf cart, you will not be surprised to immediately think of yelling "chicken legs" as if you were watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

People that don't drive a golf cart often end up running back and forth to the golf cart because they forgot to move the cart, forgot to take the right club, lost their ball or are just plain unorganized.

Luckily for me, I played golf with my mother-in-law who is in her eighties, played golf for over forty years, and taught me all there is to know about golf cart coordination. And though I've played golf twice a week for close to ten years, me and my husband still run into situations where we forget to pay attention to golf cart teamwork.

Understand Weather Conditions

One of the primary reasons to drive a golf cart is weather. If it is over 80F, chances are you should likely take a golf cart. Bring plenty of water and a drink cup or bottle to refill. If it is not your turn to hit, always find a shady location that is nearest to your ball. If there is no shade, park the cart at an angle so your partner has shade.

If it has rained, be careful how you drive a golf cart. Wet grass is slippery and a hill side can become dangerous. Avoid places where water makes the area muddy. Some courses ask that you not drive on the rough or use the 90 degree rule. The 90 degree rule means that you drive on the cart path until near your ball, then turn at 90 degrees to get to it. This minimizes the impact on the golf course.

If your partner is sitting in the driver's seat, assume they are driving. Most golf courses have a minimum age requirement to drive the cart.

You are a Team

You need to remember that you are a team responsible for keeping track of both balls locations. The golfer furthest from the green always hits first. Know if your partner is right or left handed.

Discuss who will move the cart. If your partner duffs his hit, he may walk ten feet ahead and hit again. It is your job to move the cart forward.