Proper Driving Etiquette For Golf Carts
Driving a golf cart is easy; most of us can pick up the skill without putting in much effort. There are some rules that you need to be mindful of, however. Most of these are unspoken rules that become second nature for avid golfers and golf cart drivers. If you’re a beginner, you may be surprised about how many courtesies are considered common sense when driving these vehicles.
At Dever Golf Car Sales we want you to use your golf cart as often as you want without running into any problems. So we’ve put together a list of some important tips for golf cart driving etiquette. For more information visit our dealerships in Lexington and Louisville, KY. We’re here for all your golf cart needs!
90-Degree Rule
When you’re out on the course, you might see signs or hear an attendant refer to the “90-degree rule”. This means that you can drive out to your ball on the grass at an angle of 90 degrees. To reach your ball, you’ll have to follow the cart path to a spot that aligns with your ball, then you’ll have to make a right angle turn and drive straight towards your ball. This rule has been put in place to minimize the amount of time the golf cart remains on the grass. Keep in mind that your golf cart should never drive on the green.
Cart Path
There are some days when the golf course requires cart path only. This means you must remain on the path and keep your cart off the grass at all times. When this happens, you’ll have to drive to the point where you are in line with the ball and then walk out to it. You can make it a habit to ask about the rules for the course each day to go there; this way you’ll always know which rules to follow.
Don’t Ignore Signs
All signs posted on golf greens are as important as the road signs you see on roads. You should always pay attention to these signs as there are special notices posted about the rules you need to follow. If you’re visiting a golf course for the first time and are unsure about the rules, ask an attendant. If there’s a sign that reads “No Carts Beyond This Point” then don't drive on the turf.
Avoid ‘Joy Riding’
A golf cart can be a great vehicle for a joy ride but you don’t want to indulge in this behavior on the course. Not only is it considered disrespectful, it can also lead to injuries. Use your cart only to advance from one shot to the next, travel between holes, and when you’re entering the turf. Keep in mind that the golf cart is property of the course and you can be held liable for all damages to it.
Use Common Sense
There are some simple practices that you should observe when driving a cart. Ignoring them may mean you end up in an altercation with veteran golfers who consider them to be common sense. Here are a few of the basics you should keep in mind when driving on golf courses:
As a general rule of thumb, you should always stay behind other golfers when you’re driving. Regardless of how far away they might be, a solidly-hit ball could easily land on you or your passenger and cause an injury. The chance of being hit by a ball may seem nonexistent, but you still want to take necessary precautions and stay behind other golfers to avoid it.
If you’re new to the sport, it’s important to remember that golf requires extreme concentration. The smallest distraction can throw off a player’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.
Now that you know more about golf cart driving etiquette, why not get your own golf cart? At Dever Golf Car Sales we have a wide selection for you to choose from. Come down to our locations in Lexington and Louisville, KY and we’ll give you a full tour!