Part of proper golf etiquette is to be considerate of groups playing behind you on the course, and to keep a steady pace to avoid any waiting at tee boxes. Many golf courses offer golf carts that can help speed up the game, but you should be aware that golf carts can also slow things down, depending on driving guidelines. Many golfers prefer walking due to its health benefits.
Golf Etiquette
Players should always play at a good pace, whether walking or driving a cart. According to the United States Golf Association, it is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group of players in front of them. If your group lags behind, losing an entire hole, and it delays the group behind you, you should invite that group to play through to speed up the pace of play, no matter how many players are in that group.
Golf Carts
Golf carts make getting around on a course easy, particularly for individuals who have difficulty walking long distances or those who can't carry a golf bag. USGA rules govern how to use a cart on a course. When playing on or near a green, a cart should always be positioned at a spot that will enable you to quickly leave that area and move on. Some courses insist on 90-degree driving, meaning you should keep your cart on the cart path until you are level with your ball, at which point you can make a 90-degree turn onto the fairway and drive toward your ball in a straight line. This form of driving may slow down play, however, particularly if you have lost your ball.
Walking
Walking in golf can help keep up the pace of play, because there are no guidelines as to where you can and can't walk. This is not always the case with carts, particularly when 90-degree driving is enforced. A vast majority of golf courses offer golf push carts if you can't carry your bag for nine or 18 holes. Golf carts should always be available to the elderly and disabled at courses that may encourage walking.
Health Benefit of Walking
Many traditionalists are adamant about playing golf the way it was intended to be played --- namely, by walking. Many golfers are choosing to walk because of the health benefits associated with it. A golfer who walks and carries his clubs for one hour will burn 322 calories, the "Washington Post" reports. Though renting out golf carts make a lot of money for golf courses, many are taking a health-conscious approach to the game and are promoting walking golf courses, which also puts players more in touch with the course's natural surroundings and beauty.
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