Thursday, April 23, 2009

Walking, Just Say 'no' to a Cart, Next Time...


As cheesy as it may sound. I love walking a golf course, rather than riding in a cart on it. There is an irreplaceable serenity you get when walking a golf course. Other than perhaps the impatient, frustrated business foursome on a lunch break rushing through behind you, there is not a care in the world...

Growing up, my dad told me walking was better. I hated it, but that's how he said he had always played. I may have hated it then, but now I am the one suggesting we walk, and all my friends want to use the carts. While I fully understand the negatives of walking in near 100 degree Texas heat, if you happen to be lucky and are playing on a cool day, with a slight breeze, green grass, clean air, and not many on the course (although, on a day like that… who WOULDN’T be trying to go golf!) you will understand what I mean.

To me, walking a course is like taking a walk through the country, only better. Because you have a purpose, but not a purpose that really matters, other than fun. You get to take in all the sights and sounds of a golf course, all the nature, all the manicured greens to the fullest extent. Also, it’s sure to strike up a conversation with the cute cart girl when she wonders why the heck you’d be walking on a summer day. But I digress.

The peaceful, easy feeling you get when walking is hard to find anywhere else. Also walking allows you to collect your thoughts, both immediate thoughts regarding the proper wedge to use on the approach, and your long-term thoughts, like what is going on in your life. It allows you to sit back, relax, and reflect on your life, the beauty of the course, and the perfection of the game.

Oh and did I mention, walking is good exercise! From the occasional game of golf with buddies pounding cold ones, you could use a little exercise, and let’s be honest, when else are you going to be willing to walk an average 6,000 yards with a bag attached to your back (and unless you enjoy backpacking, I don’t think you’ll have an answer)

So let me get this straight, you can achieve greater concentration on your game, better grasp on whatever happens to be on your mind, enjoy and appreciate the course and nature, get a great exercise burning off that Turkey Bacon Swiss you ate at the clubhouse between 9 and 10, AND get a satisfying man-tan (you know, from doing man things, like golfing) all from switching from a cart to your feet? Seems too good to be true!

Now, if you’re still one of those that swears by cart riding, push in the locking break, unstrap your clubs from the back (I bet you’re wondering what that shoulder sling is for) and take a hike.