Are You Following Proper Golf Car Etiquette?
There is a certain freedom that is only felt when cruising around in a golf car. Whether on the golf course or through the streets of your community, some golf car owners get a bit carried away with the freedom at mudtimes. Are you a friendly golf car driver who follows the rules of the road or do you ignore golf car etiquette?
On the Course
All of the rules can get a bit confusing. Keep these tips in mind to maintain proper golf car etiquette:
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Never drive your golf car within hazard boundary lines or within 10 yard of bunkers or water hazards.
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Unless you are on a designated cart path, stay 50 yards or more from the greens.
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Avoid driving through .
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Avoid driving through puddles if possible.
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Resist the urge to go joyriding on the golf course. Golf cars can be dangerous when not operated correctly and within designated areas.
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Follow the 90 degree rule when posted by the golf course. The 90 degree rule means that you are permitted to drive on the grass, but only at 9 degree angles from the cart path. This rule protects the grass, allowing for a better course.
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Respect the “No Carts Beyond this Point” signage. I can’t count the times I have seen golf cars cruising around or even parked past the point of the posted sign.
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If you need to drive the golf car around the course quickly (to use the bathroom, for example), be aware of the golfers you are passing and go slowly.
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Golf courses change the rules from time to time based on weather and grounds conditions. Be mindful of the posted rules, as the rules can be adjusted.
Off the Course
If you are lucky enough to live in a community that permits the use of golf cars, be respectful and follow these guidelines:
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Use common sense. Golf cars are quickly moving and accidents happen. Use the same amount of caution you use in a car or truck.
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Stay off of the sidewalks. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. It is dangerous and annoying when golf cars are on the sidewalk preventing walkers from passing.
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If you aren’t golfing, stay off the cart paths. Cart paths are not meant as short cuts.
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Turn down the volume of your golf car radio. It may sound like a reasonable volume to you, but to those you pass, it is blaring.
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Don’t allow children drive your golf car. Local rules permit teens to drive once they reach a certain age, so pay attention to ordinances in your community.
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Don’t speed. Just because modifications may allow your golf car to travel at 25+ mph, respect community speed limits and drive at safe speeds.
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Don’t drive drunk. DUIs apply to golf cars as well.
Golf cars are convenient and fun, just don’t be a jerk. Enjoy the freedom of the whirring tires and breeze in your face without disrespecting those around you.
Can you think of any other golf car etiquette that I missed or that annoys you in your community? Let us know!
About the Author: The Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, Julie Starr was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf car products. Her eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com, has been serving golf car owners since 2008 and the store remains a popular online shopping experience for golf car owners who want to take their golf cars to the next level.
