Golf Cart Etiquette

When driving a golf cart, there are a number of rules you need to be mindful of. Many aspects of golf cart etiquette are unspoken rules that are now second nature for experienced golfers. Beginners might not be aware of just how many courtesies are considered common sense when driving a golf cart. There’s also more advanced etiquette behavior that you learn over time.

At Richmond Equipment, we want you to be fully prepared for your first day on the course so we’ve put together a list of important tips for proper golf cart etiquette. If you follow this guide, you’ll be a pro in no time. Visit our dealership near Houston and Richmond, Texas to learn more!

90-Degree Rule

You might see signs or hear an attendant refer to the “90-degree rule” while you’re golfing. This means that the golf course permits you to drive out to your ball on the grass, but only at a 90-degree angle. You will need to follow the cart path to a spot that aligns with your ball, then make a right angle turn and drive straight toward the ball. The goal with this rule is to minimize the amount of the time the golf cart is on the grass but still helps golfers reach their ball.

Cart Path Only

There may be days when the golf course requires cart path only, which means you must keep the cart on the path and off the grass at all times. In this case, you’ll need to drive to the point where you are in line with the ball and then walk out to it. It’s good to get in the habit of asking about the rules for the course that day when checking in so you can be prepared.

Pay Attention to Signs

Pay attention to any posted signs just as you would when driving a vehicle on the road. There might be special notices posted about the rules of the course that you’ll certainly want to follow. If you’re visiting a course for the first time and unclear on the rules, you should ask an attendant. If you see a sign that says “No Carts Beyond This Point” then you need to be sure not to drive the cart on the turf.

Don’t Go “Joy Riding”

It may seem fun to go joy riding in a golf cart, but you definitely want to refrain from this behavior on a golf course. This is considered disrespectful and can lead to injuries. You should only use your cart to advance from one shot to the next, to travel between holes, and when entering or exiting the turf. Remember that if the golf cart is property of the course, you could be held liable for any damages.

Use Common Sense

There are some simple practices you should observe when driving a golf cart. If you ignore these rules, you could land yourself in a screaming match with veteran golfers who consider them to be common sense. We’ve covered the basics so you won’t be caught off-guard.

As a general rule of thumb, you should always stay behind other golfers when you’re driving a golf cart. Regardless of how far away they might be, a far-shooting ball could easily land on you or your passenger and cause an injury. The chance of being hit by a ball may seem like slim to none, but you still want to take necessary precautions and stay behind other golfers to avoid it.

If you’re new, it’s important to remember that golf is a sport that requires extreme concentration. The smallest distraction can throw off a golfer’s focus and cause them to botch their swing. This can be extremely frustrating so you should do your best to avoid loud noises at all costs. Don’t blast the radio, goof off, or talk loudly on your way to the next hole.

You’re well on your way to impressing all your golfing buddies with your golf cart etiquette knowledge. If you have any questions or you’re interested in browsing our golf cart selection, then stop by our dealership near Houston and Richmond, Texas today!