Whether you prefer to walk, use a push cart, or ride, the goal is the same: enjoy the sport in the way that feels right for you.
Golf is a game of challenge, rhythm, and simple enjoyment, and every golfer experiences it differently. Each option suits different goals, playing styles, and even the type of game you’re playing.
For many players, choosing whether to take a golf cart or walk is part of the fun. It shapes the pace of the day and the way you experience each hole.
Walking Helps You Connect With Every Shot
Most golfers notice the difference right away. Walking lets the round unfold at a natural pace. It helps you settle into a steady rhythm between shots, keep your mind calm, and see the course from angles you might miss from a cart.
Walking works especially well for:
- Practice rounds where you want to study the course
- Solo rounds focused on rhythm and routine
- Early morning tee times when everything is quiet
- Short-game improvement days, since you see every lie and contour
Many golfers say walking keeps them “in the round” because it offers time to reset after each shot.
Brookside’s gentle transitions from green to tee make walking a comfortable option over 18 holes.
Walking Offers Real Health Benefits
A recent study highlighted in Golf Digest found that walking burns significantly more calories than riding, even for golfers who use push carts. The study also noted that heart rates are higher and more consistent during walking rounds, which can improve endurance over time.
Interestingly, players did not score worse when walking. Some actually performed a bit better because the steady pace helped them stay focused.
If you enjoy light exercise without leaving the course, walking is a strong choice.
Riding Makes Social or Competitive Rounds Flow Smoothly
A cart adds ease and speed. It’s the natural choice when you want a relaxed, social round or when you’re playing a format with more movement between shots.
Riding is ideal for:
- Foursomes and social groups
- Match play, where players split directions off the tee
- Scrambles, where you’re moving quickly to the best ball
- Hot or humid afternoons
- Tournament days when pace of play matters
Many golfers enjoy having a cool, shaded spot between shots, especially during summer play in Pottstown.
What Kind of Game Are You Playing?
Different formats call for different experiences. Here’s how walking or riding can match the style of round:
Best Games for Walking
- Stroke play with steady pacing that helps with focus
- Practice rounds for more time to strategize
- Casual 9-hole evenings for light exercise and easy flow
- Walking matches for one-on-one competition
Best Games for Riding
- Scrambles with constant movement to the next best shot
- Team formats where communication is easier
- Long 18-hole tournaments to save energy for the final stretch
- Weekend foursomes to keep everyone on pace
Both options work beautifully at Brookside, depending on the feel you want for the day.
Health & Endurance: Know Your Comfort Level
Walking 18 holes can be 4 to 6 miles depending on your routing.
Riding cuts movement but still lets you stay engaged without fatigue.
Choose walking when you want light exercise.
Choose a cart when you want to keep energy for scoring or for time with your group.
Many Brookside golfers mix both, walking the front nine and riding the back.
When Should You Walk?
You’ll probably enjoy walking more when:
- The weather is cool or mild
- You’re playing alone or in a twosome
- You want more course awareness
- You’re working on strategy
- You prefer a quieter round
Walking can also help steady nerves, especially after a mistake.
When Should You Ride?
A cart makes sense when:
- You’re playing in the heat
- You’re in a group of three or four
- You want a faster pace
- You’re in a competitive match and moving in different directions
- You want more time for conversation between shots
Carts add convenience without taking away from focus, especially on longer holes or on days when you want to conserve energy.
Personal Preference Matters Most
Some golfers always walk because they love the rhythm. Others always ride because it helps them stay comfortable and loose.
Consider:
Your pace: Do you like to move slowly or quickly?
Your focus: Do you reset better while walking or prefer the comfort of a cart?
Your company: Are you with friends, family, or playing alone?
Your goal: Are you practicing, scoring, or simply enjoying the outdoors?
There’s no right choice, only what makes your round feel enjoyable and relaxed.
Seasonal Considerations at Brookside
Pottstown weather plays a role:
- Spring is ideal for walkers
- Summer makes carts helpful for staying cool
- Fall is our most scenic walking season
- Winter days, when open, favor carts to navigate softer areas
Each season offers a unique way to appreciate the course.
Enjoy the Course Your Way
Whether you walk for rhythm or ride for comfort, Brookside offers a smooth, scenic experience for every type of round.
Schedule a tour and explore golf at Brookside Country Club in Pottstown.