Should I Walk or Should I Ride?

For the longest time, many daily golfers didn’t have to answer this question.  Walking was the preferred, and in fact, the only method to get around the golf course.  Not until the 1950s were golfers forced to make the tough decision to walk or ride during their next ride.  Even though aspect and technology of the game have changed quite a bit since the 50s, this simple question has remained the same. 

Should I Walk or Ride? 

Coming from the fitness side of operations, my suggestion would be to walk your next 18-holes. Walking is the most fundamental form of exercise, so walking the course would provide multiple positive benefits for you. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits. 

What Are the Benefits?

According to studies from the Golf Science International, their research calculated that four hours of playing golf while walking is equal to a 45-minute fitness class.  Most of the courses that we all play are around 6,000 to 7,000 in total yardage, which would be like walking 3-6 miles, depending on the course and its landscape.  

Walking the course also allows for you to stay loose through the lower back and hips during the round. These are two of the usual suspects that may begin to tighten up the longer you are in the cart. No matter how quickly you intend to play, we have all been partnered with the “slow golfer” or the group in front of you that is “enjoying” themselves just a bit more than you would have hoped. 

Walking also allows for the ability to stretch yourself out a bit more frequently before or after shots.  Finally, walking forces you to slow down, breathe, get away from your daily grind, and appreciate your round.

What Do We Recommend?

Based on the physical and mental benefits of walking, we recommend you ditch the cart. If you have the time, the physical capability, and want to take in the course just a bit more intimately, consider walking your next 18-holes. 

Walking the course is not a punishment, walking a course is a reward. 

About the Author

Dan Zyma, has been a strength, conditioning, and CrossFit coach or involved in coaching for almost 10+ years. Before starting as a  trainer and coach in Crossfit, Dan has had multiple years of sport specific training and coaching in football, both on the High School and College levels. Dan played football at Division III, Washington and Jefferson College as a Defensive End/Outside Backer. He earned his college degree in Fine Arts, with a minor in Art History.

After his completion of his graduate level degree at University of Dayton (Ohio) for Art Education, Dan moved back to Pittsburgh where he worked as a Full-time High School Art teacher, and Assistant Football Coach. Dan moved to Chicago in 2011 days before the massive snow storm crippled Lake Shore Drive. Dan discovered a new type of fitness training in Crossfit from a co-worker and friend. Crossfit and Strength training has been a huge part of his life in the Chicago area, Dan has enjoyed the connections and friendships that he has made in the 10 years of being a part of the Crossfit and Fitness Communities.

Click here to learn more about Dan.