Golf has changed since the Scots first walked from one hole to the next. For example, technologies like electronic rangefinders and graphite shafts have helped lower handicaps while courses have become longer, perhaps to compensate. Some changes are for the better, others not so much. Few golfers play while wearing a kilt, but neither do they walk the course, choosing, (or sometimes they are required,) to ride carts instead.
Walk for health
Most European golfers still walk, and they are skinnier than many of us. Coincidence? Perhaps not. A study by golfing physician Dr. Neil Wolkodoff of Denver's Rose Medical Center, (“Is Playing Golf Really an Exercise?”) concluded that walking burns nearly twice as many calories as riding a cart. Other studies suggest walking helps lower cholesterol numbers and few would argue with the sense of relaxation it brings. So why don't more American golfers walk?
Barriers to walking
Walking is slower, especially up hills and on some of the newer courses where the distance between green and next tee can be considerable. And backtracking to retrieve a bag or trolley after sinking that long putt slows things down even more.
Riding carts speed up a round, which is one reason some courses discourage walkers. (Another is that cart rental can be quite profitable!) For some golfers health considerations require them to ride a cart, but many more would like to walk if only they didn't have to carry their bag or push a trolley.
The answer
Growing numbers of golfers find the solution is to invest in a motorized caddy. Modern caddies, like the popular MGI Quad Navigator, MGI Zip Navigator, FTR Caddytrek CT2000R2, Powakaddy RX1 GPS, Alphard eWheels V2 Club Booster and Bat Caddy X4R are high-tech machines designed to satisfy our craving for the latest gadgets. Made from aircraft grade aluminum, (some are actually titanium,) they're lightweight and easily lifted in and out of a car. Batteries provide ample range for an outing and while some carts still use lead-acid many, like the Stewart X9 Lithium Remote and Motocaddy M7 Remote Lithium, use long-lasting lithium technology.
Like most popular caddies, the Stewart features a remote control, With this the golfer 'drives' the caddy around the green and on to the next hole without touching the handle. Better yet, the latest caddies feature 'Follow-me' capabilities. The FTR Caddytrek CT2000R2 and Stewart Q Lithium Follow both feature a wireless link between remote and caddy. This way the caddy tags along behind the golfer, speeding up, slowing down or stopping as needed with no command or button press needed.
Get traditional!
Carts still aren't allowed at the top Scottish courses, and indeed are frowned upon in most of Europe. Walking is one of golf's traditions, (and good for you,) but lugging the bag or pushing a trolley can get wearing. That's why many golfers are turning to motorized caddies. Leave the cart at the clubhouse and let technology help you enjoy the walk.