"Cart path only" is a condition that may be in effect at a golf course, and when it is it means that golfers using motorized (riding) golf carts must keep those carts on the designated cart paths at all times. Drive the cart on the cart paths only, and nowhere else. No taking the cart out into the fairway on cart-path-only days.
Full Answer
When is a golfer entitled to relief from a cart path?
Under the rule of golf 24-2b, a golfer is entitled to free relief from a cart path if the ball comes to rest upon the path or the golfer's swing or stance is inhibited by the path. A golfer's stance is deemed to be inhibited if any part of his foot comes in contact with the path.
What are the rules for cart path only on golf courses?
Golfers should also be told when they pay and/or when they check in with the starter what the cart rules are for the round. If a course has any holes that are always "cart path only" - par-3 holes are usually cart path only - then in addition to any on-course signage such a rule may also be noted on the scorecard.
How many golf clubs should you carry on a cart-path-only day?
One way golfers slow things down on a cart-path-only day is by walking from their cart to the their ball with only one club in hand, discovering it's the wrong club, and walking back to the cart to retrieve another. Don't do that! If you can't tell from the cart location which club you need, then carry two or three or more clubs out to your ball.
Is there a penalty for taking a drop from the cart path?
The good news for you is there's no penalty for taking a drop from the cart path. USGA Rules note that a golfer is entitled to free relief from a cart path if the ball comes to rest upon the path or the golfer's swing or stance is inhibited by the path.
Why are golf courses cart path only?
Most courses, though, impose cart part only in response to turf conditions. The most common reason is when the golf course is wet, particularly after a strong rain. Riding your cart through rough and out into the fairway after a rain can leave ruts or otherwise damage the grass.
What is the 90 degree cart rule?
The 90-Degree Rule Under this rule, carts are allowed on the fairway, but they must maintain a 90-degree angle from the cart path. You must take the cart path to a spot that is even with your ball, make a right angle turn and drive straight toward the ball. This rule may be in effect for all or some holes.
What is cart path golf?
The "cart path" is the designated route around a golf course that golf carts are expected, or in some cases required, to follow. A cart path is usually paved in concrete, but asphalt might be used.
Do you get free relief from a cart path?
USGA Rules note that a golfer is entitled to free relief from a cart path if the ball comes to rest upon the path or the golfer's swing or stance is inhibited by the path.
What is cart rule?
Cart price rules apply discounts to items in the shopping cart, based on a set of conditions. The discount can be applied automatically as soon as the conditions are met, or when the customer enters a valid coupon code. When applied, the discount appears in the cart under the subtotal.
What does carts scatter mean?
Carts are to proceed on the pathways until the point where the golfers ball is reached. If you do notice an area that does have “thin grass” please “scatter” the carts when leaving or returning to the path and limit the traffic in those areas.
Do you have to hit off the cart path in golf?
The golfer has two options when their ball lands and stops on the cart path. A golfer is allowed to take free relief from the cart path, or they can hit the ball off the cart path. Of course, most golfers aren't going to hit the golf ball off the cart path. Cart paths are made of gravel, asphalt or concrete.
Is a cart path an abnormal course condition?
This includes interference from temporary water, ground under repair, animal holes, and immovable artificial objects (such as carts paths and sprinkler heads). All of these things are collectively known as abnormal course conditions.
Can you drop on either side of cart path?
0:242:44How To Drop Off A Cart Path | Approach Shots | Golf DigestYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMy nearest point of relief to get my free drop from this cart path is going to be on this side theMoreMy nearest point of relief to get my free drop from this cart path is going to be on this side the green is there I can obviously see that I can stand and swing over here as a lefty.
When can you take relief from a cart path?
Under Rule 24-2b Immovable Obstruction – If your ball lies on or near the cart path or when the obstruction interferes with your stance or the area of intended swing you may take free relief – you must determine the nearest point of relief no closer to the hole with in one club length and the ball must be dropped.
Do you get relief from man made objects in golf?
Your ball lies next to a sprinkler head, an electric box, a 150-yard post or another man-made object typically found on a golf course. What do you do? These objects are considered obstructions (Rule 24), and you're entitled to relief without penalty if your ball, stance or swing is interfered with by an obstruction.
Can you stand on the cart path after taking relief?
relief. If you're trying to take relief but are still standing on the cart path, you're playing from the wrong place, per Rule 14.7, and you get the general penalty of two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play.
How can golf cart traffic be reduced?
Golfers can help reduce damage from cart traffic by following signage, avoiding stressed areas and taking unique routes when carts are permitted to leave paths. Driving where the grass is greener may seem counterintuitive, but dispersing traffic over a large area will help maintain healthy turf.
How to get carts back on course after rain?
Adding drainage to wet areas or removing trees to increase sunlight and air movement may help get carts back on the course sooner after a rain event, but ultimately the duration of cart restrictions is in the hands of Mother Nature. Cloud cover and high humidity will prolong wet conditions while full sun, ample wind and low humidity will help lift cart restrictions sooner. When carts are restricted due to drought and excessive heat, relief in the form of rain and lower temperatures is necessary before cart restrictions are lifted.
Why are golf carts important?
Golf carts have become an integral part of the game; they increase the accessibility of golf courses and provide an additional revenue source for facilities. Given the popularity of golf carts, facilities use a combination of signs, stakes and ropes to control traffic and mitigate any damage. In high-traffic areas, or during periods of extreme moisture, heat or drought, it may also be necessary to restrict carts to paths to avoid widespread turf injury.
What is the USGA?
The USGA promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it.
Can golf carts slide?
Saturated conditions and cart traffic do not go well together. Carts can slide and skid when conditions are wet, causing significant turf damage. Soil compaction is a concern anytime vehicles are driven on turf, but the effects of vehicle traffic are compounded when the ground is saturated. Soft conditions combined with narrow golf cart tires raises an additional concern of tire rutting. Not only does rutting affect the appearance and playability of a golf course, the repair process consumes valuable time and labor that could be devoted to other areas of the golf course.
What happens if you stand on the cart path?
If you’re trying to take relief but are still standing on the cart path, you’re playing from the wrong place, per Rule 14.7, and you get the general penalty of two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play.
What is interference in cart path?
For a cart path, under Rule 16.1 (b) interference includes the lie of the ball, the area of stance and swing. Even if only one of those things creates the original interference, you have to take relief from all of them to create the required complete (!) relief.
What happens if the ball isn't in effect?
If it isn’t in effect, then you indeed get into the question of whether the player could reasonably make a stroke at the ball as it lies. If not, under Rule 16.1a (3) he doesn’t get free relief just because he’s standing on a cart path — either he has to try to play the ball as it lies or take unplayable relief.
Where to send questions about the rules?
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Is a landscaped area encircled by a cart path treated as being part of the cart path?
This question does take us down two different paths. It’s a common local rule that a landscaped area encircled by a cart path is treated as being part of the cart path.
How to keep golf cart off the grass?
On days when the golf course requires cart path only, you must keep the golf cart on the designated path and off the grass. Drive to a point where you are even with the ball, and walk to the ball. You may want to take several golf clubs with you, since you won’t be able to see the conditions near the ball from the cart. Course officials invoke this rule to protect the fairway grass, and may be in effect for all or some of the holes.
What is the 90 degree rule?
The 90-Degree Rule. Players should stay on the cart path whenever possible to protect the fairway turf. On some days, especially when the course is wet, you may be asked to follow the 90-degree rule. Under this rule, carts are allowed on the fairway, but they must maintain a 90-degree angle from the cart path.
What does the sign near the green mean?
Signs near the green might say, “No carts beyond this point,” or arrows might point to the cart path.
Do you drive a golf cart around the green before putting?
As a courtesy to the group behind you, it is customary to drive the golf cart around the back of the green before putting, or at least before entering scores. This speeds play, since the next group will not be forced to wait while you clear the area.
Do you drive a cart in front of other players?
For your safety and for the safety of your passenger, do not drive the cart in front of other players in your group or another group. As a courtesy, do not drive forward or back up when a player is addressing the ball.
Can you damage grass in a cart?
Making sharp turns, or speeding along in the cart and coming to a sudden stop, can damage the turf grass. The same goes for driving through wet or muddy areas, or grass with standing water. Keep the cart away from naturalized areas to protect the grasses and wildlife.
Why do golf carts wear?
This leads to many golf carts driving in the same area which creates wear and damage. When grass is saturated it is prone to ruts, damage and excess compaction, which grass can’t recuperate from. This is especially noticed on the Ridge course which only has a few entrance and exit points on certain holes. A clear example of wear is on 4, and 10 Ridge. Other problem areas are funnels that all traffic will naturally use, an example of this is 13 Ridge, where everyone travels up the middle of the fairway. This leads to poor conditions due to compaction.
What is the rule for Predator Ridge?
The most common rule at Predator Ridge is a 90 degree rule . Carts are to proceed on the pathways until the point where the golfers ball is reached. The cart can then depart from the path to go over to the ball. After the shot is played the cart should proceed back to the pathway and travel on the path to the next point where the ball lies, and proceed to the shot in the same manner. Impact on the turf will be minimized by following this procedure.
Do you have to scatter carts in golf?
This will ensure that the golf course will stay in excellent condition year round, because we are not creating problem areas. If you do notice an area that does have “thin grass” please “scatter” the carts when leaving or returning to the path and limit the traffic in those areas. This will give the grass time to recuperate so that area can be utilized in the future.
Is it safe to use a golf cart in wet weather?
Safety is also a concern during wet times. Golf carts are not made for traction and are prone to slippage which could lead to sliding down a hill and an accident. We want golfers to enjoy their round, and play at pace, but not at the cost of safety.
What is the rule of golf that a golfer is entitled to free relief from a cart path?
Under the rule of golf 24-2b, a golfer is entitled to free relief from a cart path if the ball comes to rest upon the path or the golfer's swing or stance is inhibited by the path. A golfer's stance is deemed to be inhibited if any part of his foot comes in contact with the path.
What is a cart path?
By Kevin D. Boehler. Cart paths are common on golf courses. While helpful in keeping carts off the grass, they are less helpful if your errant shot comes to rest on or against one of these paths -- unless you know the rules of golf and what options are available.
What is free drop golf?
Free Drop. After deciding that relief from the cart path is desired or necessary, the golfer must find the nearest point of relief that moves the ball no closer to the hole and mark that point with a tee. The golfer is entitled to one club length of relief from that spot, which is usually marked with another tee.
Do you have to take a free drop when golfing?
A golfer does not have to take a free drop when the ball comes to rest on the cart path, although it would be a good idea to avoid injury and damage to the club. If a golfer decides the nearest point of relief would put him in a bad spot to play his next shot, he can play the ball from the cart path. Playing from the cart path is usually done only ...
Can you drop a golf ball from shoulder height?
The golfer must drop the ball from shoulder height at any point in between those two tees as long as the ball is not being dropped in a hazard or onto the green. A golfer may take this relief with no penalty.
What is a cart path?
Generally they are “walking’ courses; cart paths cost money to build and maintain and “regular” golf courses that allow them (carts) usually have storage facilities for members to leave them. This means more land, more buildings and higher insurance costs.
What is the role of the caddy master in golf?
The caddy-master has an a flat in the clubhouse and he is responsible for closing off the golfcourse and the driving range.
How do golf courses make money?
Let’s start with golf first. One of the areas where money comes in is through greens fees and cart rental. The average green fee is $36 for public courses. Where I live it is $60–75. Carts are $18 per person. The next area courses make a small profit in is food and beverage. While a meal price in the dining area is under $10, on the course a single beer is $3. That adds up to $18 for a six pack I can buy at the store for $4.50. There are also private golf lessons, clinics, and tournaments. Other areas include catering, weddings and receptions, special dining events, and business office space rental.
How long does it take to play a par 3?
It doesn’t take long to play Par 3’s -which are generally only 9 holes. 18-hole courses can take several hours to play and if even one member in a group is ummm…struggling shall we say this can make things way worse. Usually there’s only so much trouble you can get yourself in on Par 3’s. If you’ve ever watched Uncle Joe shank a half dozen Maxflis in the woods on one par 5 you know what I mean.
Why are 4 irons sold through wedge?
One reason most sets are now sold 4 iron through to Wedge is that now days many manufactures' 4 Irons are what once was a 3 Iron loft. When you get on a lie board a club fitter will quickly see if the lie is making you hit more in the toe or heal of the club.
Is it possible to own a golf course?
Individual golf courses often have a hard time making it from year to year. It is more feasible to own several golf courses so that costs can be spread out over all locations. They can also share staff and equipment if necessary.
Is there a law governing golf courses?
I don’t believe there are particular state laws governing golf courses specifically. If by “public golf course” you mean publicly owned golf course like a municipal golf course, it might be governed much like a public park. Most publicly owned facilities have clear rules about when they are open and when they are closed.
When Is 'Cart Path Only' in Effect?
How Do You Know When 'Cart Path Only' Is in Effect?
- The golf course needs to let golfers know. This may be done by the posting of signs in the pro shop and around the first tee; or the posting of signs on designated holes if "cart path only" doesn't apply to the entire course. Golfers should also be told when they pay and/or when they check in with the starter what the cart rules are for the round. If a course has any holes that are …
The 'Cart Path Only' Rule Shouldn't Slow You Down
- Some of you may be thinking, "Wait, if I can't drive the cart directly to my golf ball, isn't that going to slow things down?" No, it shouldn't, and it's the golfer's responsibility not to let it. Be ready to play when it's your turn to hit. It's as simple as that. One way golfers slow things down on a cart-path-only day is by walking from their cartto the their ball with only one club in hand, discovering …
Does 'Cart Path Only' Apply to Push Carts?
- At some golf courses yes, at some no. Whether push carts are allowed on fairways when the course is designated "cart path only" is something that differs from course to course. If you're using a push cart, you'll need to ask about this if the course doesn't make it clear either through signage or with verbal instructions.