Golf carts exist to make the game easier and more enjoyable for players. While electric carts abound, players can also choose hand carts. Golf carts will take weight off players' backs and allow them to save time on a round of golf. The physical benefits can help players post better scores and prevent injuries that would hamper future golf outings.
Electric Carts
Electric carts are the most luxurious way to enjoy golf, as players get to sit down on padded seats and ride from shot to shot. Many golf courses build concrete or gravel cart paths for carts to drive on and leave parking spots near tee boxes and greens. Players can strap their bags to the back of the cart and can keep spare equipment in some of the storage areas as well. Electric carts are very quiet and do not disturb other players, although etiquette dictates that players should not drive in another player's line of sight during a shot.
Hand Carts
Hand carts give players the experience of walking throughout their round, while also providing some perks that electric carts give. A hand cart allows the player to put his clubs securely on the device and pull or push the cart through his round, thus taking strain off the back. Some carts also come with electric motors that propel them, meaning the player does not have to push or pull. Walking the course provides numerous health benefits and players can burn 50 percent more calories when using a hand cart compared to an electric cart, according to the Bat-Caddy website.
Physical Benefits
Walking the length of a golf course and carrying clubs puts players at risk of fatigue and injuries. Bags are heavy and put strain on the same muscles players use to strike the ball with. Using carts saves wear and tear on golfers' bodies, allowing them to focus their energy on making the best golf shots possible. Fatigue can have a negative effect on players' scores.
Time Benefits
A round of golf can take around five hours to complete when walking. Using an electric cart cuts copious minutes off that estimation and a hand cart can also make a round of golf go quicker. Electric carts zip from spot to spot and leave little down time in between shots, cutting out walking time and enabling players to finish their round in less time than if they would have walked. Hand carts also can contribute to quicker rounds even though the player walks. A player who does not have to carry clubs on his back will walk much quicker than if he had to.
Cost
The convenience of electric carts will cost players, while hand carts are cheaper but still require extra cash on top of greens fees. According to the website for the Bidwell Park Golf Club in Chico, Calif., players must pay $13 to rent an electric cart on the public course as of July 2010. At courses run by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, golfers must pay $18 each to share an electric cart while a hand cart costs $4.75 each.
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