Pros and cons to walking the golf course

Golf requires both mental acuity and physical fitness. That's because the average golfer travels a significant distance over the course of a typical round.

According to the PGA of America, the average PGA Tour pro will walk roughly 319 miles every season. Non-pros alike tend to accumulate the miles when playing golf. The average course length measures between 3.5 to four miles directly from tee to green. But the actual distance a player walks is closer to four to six miles after accounting for navigating to and from shots, traversing holes and walking around hazards.

Golfers may wonder if they should keep their feet on the turf or turn to golf carts as they approach a new season on the links. There are some pros and cons to each option.

Pros of walking the course

There are many advantages to walking the golf course while playing a round.

· Stay in the game: Walking helps connect you mentally to the game, rather than checking your phone or chatting with others in the cart. By being on the ground, you can continually assess the terrain and feel the wind, helping you to gauge what you need to do to keep your score low.

· Reap health benefits: Waking 18 holes of golf burns around 1,400 to 1,500 calories, says Golf.com. This constant low-impact aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health and can lower blood pressure over time.

· Get a different perspective: Waking toward the ball at each hole lets you see the course in a unique way, which may allow for more deliberate shot planning. This perspective may not be visible from the cart, where the way the ground slopes or obstacles like hidden bunkers are less apparent.

· Save money: Walking helps save you money. Many courses offer a reduced rate if you walk because they remove the cart fee. Rates vary by course and area, but golf cart fees can range from $15 to $30 per person for 18 holes.

Cons to walking the course

While walking can be advantageous, sometimes it isn't always practical. Here are reasons why you might want to choose a cart.

· Fulfill a physical need: Fatigue can set in on the back nine, especially on particularly hilly courses. Feeling tired may compromise swing mechanics, which can slump your scoring in the latter half of the game. You also may tire more easily if you have preexisting mobility issues.

· Lack of speed: Walking can slow down a game when you're playing with a group. On busy days, the pressure from others behind you can make you feel rushed and stressed. In these instances, you may be compelled to take to the cart to speed things up.

· Avoid inclement weather: Walking the course may be a great option on a day with welcoming weather. However, in extreme heat or high humidity, the weather can quickly sap your energy and become a safety hazard.

· Course designs: Courses with large gaps between greens and the next tee boxes are designed for motorized carts, making walking impractical.

· Bag weight can increase injury risk: If your bag must be carried instead of pushed or pulled, the repetitive motion of lifting and setting down the bag, as well as carrying it, can put strain on your back and shoulders.

Walking the golf course or riding is often a personal choice, but sometimes it is dictated by the weather, a golfer's overall health and the terrain of the course.