12/11/23

One of the most famous adages about golf, erroneously attributed to Mark Twain, is that it is a “good walk spoiled.” Well, I am here to testify to the contrary. In fact, I would say that golf gives me the perfect opportunity to have a “good walk enhanced.”

In truth, I like walking a golf course more than riding. However, I probably ride more than I walk for several reasons. First, since for the most part I play in the United States, riding “comes with the territory.”  At most public courses, a cart is included in the greens fee. At a lot of those courses, there is no lesser greens fee for not using a cart. At some smaller number of those courses, taking a cart is mandatory (especially at busy and prime times).  There are understandable reasons why taking a cart is the preferred way to play golf at a lot of US courses. First, the cart fee is a great source of revenue for the course. Second, there is a perception (that I, among others, believe not to be true) that carts speed up the pace of play. Third, there is a pleasant social aspect to sharing a ride in a cart with a fellow golfer (probably coupled with sharing some adult beverages in the cart as well). Lastly, if you are riding in a cart, whatever physical arduousness that comes from walking a golf course is eliminated. To accommodate less active golfers and the modern day golf business model, construction of courses over the last few decades has trended to being less “walker friendly” with the ultimate intent of being rider-only courses.  Long distances between greens and tees, combined with hillier terrains, have made the walking experience at those courses less desirable or maybe even not reasonably or physically doable. With carts, golf does truly become more of a pleasant pastime, albeit with the usual challenges that come with playing good golf, but with little of the physical challenge that could make a hard game to play well even harder and maybe less enjoyable.

So, why do I like to walk? There are several reasons. First, especially at this time of year, walking on a chilly day is much more comfortable than riding. I don’t carry my bag (a bit tough on my shoulders nowadays), but I keep my push cart in my car with my clubs at all times, ready to go. Beyond just being comfortable on a cool day, as long as I am physically able, I like the challenge of walking a golf course. In general, walking eighteen holes is usually about a five to six mile walk. A year ago, I had to have my left knee replaced. One of the main reasons that I decided that that was the best health decision for me was that I wanted to continue to walk golf courses. I have gotten to the age where physically participating in athletic activities is no longer a part of my general existence.  Golf offers me one last opportunity to challenge myself appropriately and physically in an athletic activity that I really enjoy. Finding an appropriate challenge is key as we age. Playing the sports that I used to play or jogging the distances that I used to jog are no longer the best healthy choices for me.  I can no longer tolerate the wear and tear on my body. I could swim, but I don’t enjoy just swimming (nor do I enjoy just walking).  However, since I really enjoy playing golf, walking and playing give me a two for one gift. A good walk over the course of three or four hours, at this stage of my life, gets me most of the physical rigor I need to maintain decent health through exercise. Finally, as a social outlet, I find that walking and talking on the golf course is just as enjoyable as riding and talking. I don’t mind walking by myself, but walking with others is a real treat. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love golf in any form and am always happy to ride. In fact, there are many days when I’m feeling lazy, tired, or sore and prefer to ride. However, the feeling of accomplishment and endorphin rush that I get putting out on 18 after a good walk reminds me I am still viable physically, and unlike we mere humans, that feeling never gets old!!