
When the 90-degree rule is in effect at a golf course, it means:
- Riding in golf carts is allowed, and
- Those carts can be driven onto the fairway, but
- They must remain on cart parts as much as possible, turning off the path only at right angles (90 degrees) to reach the players' golf balls.
What are the rules for using a golf cart?
Rangers are on hand to make sure players follow the rules. Read the warnings posted in many golf carts about keeping safe when you use a cart., such as limiting use to two passengers, and keeping arms and legs inside of the cart. Some courses post additional cart rules.
What is the 90-degree rule on a golf course?
The " 90-degree rule " means that the golf course is allowing carts onto the grass -- but only at 90-degree angles from the cart path. In other words, don't drive the golf cart up the middle of the fairway from the tee box to your golf ball.
How far should you not drive a golf cart on Greens?
Never drive the cart within hazard boundary lines, or within about 10 yards of water hazards or bunkers, or within about 50 yards of greens (unless you're on a designated cart path, of course). These areas are especially susceptible to damage by the wheels of golf carts.
Can you drive a golf cart through water on a course?
Never drive through casual water on any part of the golf course (unless it's a little bit of water over a paved cart path). The wheels of the cart can do serious damage to the turf, including leaving ruts, in wet areas. Never go joyriding in the golf cart.

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 proper golf etiquette?
Golfers should avoid distracting fellow golfers. Golfers should not run during play, but instead walk quickly but lightly during play and remain stationary while others play their shots. Players should be still and remain silent during a fellow player's pre-shot routine and subsequent shot.
What is golf scatter?
Scatter – Carts can leave path at the beginning of the fairway and exit to the cart path near the exit pole. · Handicap Flags must park in the designated parking spot. If there is not a designated spot then you may park 25 yards in front of the green.
What should you never do when driving the golf cart?
Never drive any vehicle under the influence. Golf Carts can tip quite easily, so take turns, inclines and declines slowly. Avoid distractions, such as using your phone while driving. Don't allow anyone to stand in/on the vehicle while in motion.
Can you stand behind a golfer when he is putting?
When it comes to reading a putt's break, members of a four-ball team may stand nearly anywhere on the green to watch a partner putt, with one exception: They're not allowed to stand on or close to an extension of the player's line of putt behind the ball (Rule 14-2b).
How do you deal with a rude golfer?
How to Deal with Rude PlayersHeckle Other Players When They're Swinging. The polite thing to do is to be quiet when someone is about to hit their ball. ... Don't Bother to Repair Divots. ... Interrupt Players Who Give You Unsolicited Advice. ... Throw Another Player's Ball into the Rough. ... Club the Man to Death.
What number is par in golf?
In golf, "par" is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete an individual hole, or to complete all the holes on a golf course. Par is the standard to which golfers aspire.
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.
How many people can be in a golf cart?
Therefore, thanks to an add-on kit, you may see golf carts carrying up to six passengers around the golf course. In most cases, the cart's rear seat has the option to turn your two-passenger cart into a four-passenger cart.
Do golf carts tip easy?
Golf carts are lighter weight and top-heavy; therefore, they can easily tip over when even a seemingly normal turn is taken too fast or sharp. Distracted drivers.
Are golf carts safe?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports over 130 work-related incidents resulting in citations, injuries, and death associated with golf cart use. The increased power and lack of safety regulations on golf carts are likely adding to rising rates of accidents.
What are the 5 rules of golf etiquette?
5 Golf Etiquette RulesSilence is golden. As a courtesy, do not move or make any noise when a fellow player is up to putt. ... Take your time, but not too much. ... Losing the game can be frustrating, but losing your cool is significantly worse. ... Watch where you stand. ... Respect the green.
What are the 3 categories of golf etiquette?
Let's look at some golf etiquette rules. We will break it down into three categories: before the game, during the game, and after the game.
What are three examples of golf etiquette?
10 Rules for Good Golf EtiquetteI. Don't be the slowest player.II. Keep your temper under control.III. Respect other people's time.IV. Repair the ground you play on.V. Be a silent partner.VI. Make your golf cart 'invisible'VII. Always look your best.VIII. Turn off the cell phone.More items...•
What are 5 rules of golf?
REVEALED: 10 basic golf rules the beginner needs to know in 2021Clubs in your bag. You're allowed to carry up to 14 (that's FOURTEEN!) ... Play within the parameters of the tee. ... Avoid playing the wrong ball. ... Green rulings. ... Play your ball as it lies. ... Unplayable lies. ... No way back from Out of Bounds (OB) ... Seeking advice.More items...•
Cart Damage on Putting Greens
Ideally a golfer keeps their cart 30 feet away from the golfing green at all times. The turf grass is important to allow the game to work, and skidmarks from a cart can greatly affect the mechanisms.
Cart Damage to Fairway
When the ground is too soft, usually from rain. The golf cart will indeed damage those soft areas. Leaving deep tire tracks when driving through the soft ground on the fairway grass or wet and muddy areas.
USGA Golf Cart Etiquette
The USGA has provided some golf cart etiquette rules we can all follow to help keep our courses looking pristine. Now that you understand what the 90 degree rule for golf is, these USGA rules can help you understand further how to use your golf cart and maintain a good looking course.
How to drive a golf cart 90 degrees?
How to drive the cart when the 90-degree rule is in effect? 1 If in any course the 90-degree rule is in effect, then you would find a cart’s path to drive your cart. 2 After hitting your golf ball from the tee position, suppose; your golf ball is now in the B position. 3 On any other day, you would drive directly through the fairway with your cart to reach in the B position. But, as now the 90-degree rule is in effect, you can’t do this. 4 You need to drive your cart on the golf cart path until the golf ball and your cart position get even. 5 Now, drive directly towards the golf ball by maintaining a 90-degree angle to reach your golf ball.
What is the 90 degree rule?
The 90-degree rule or the cart path only rule is a great revolt against those who vehemently drive their golf cart through the fairway to reach the golf ball. Not in every course, the grass is going to be dry and straight. Driving the cart directly onto the course damages the blade of the grass making it look dull. Make sure you abide by the 90-degree rule for your own betterment.
What is the 90-Degree Rule in Golf
The 90-Degree Rule is a common rule in golf courses and can be implemented when there are concerns about the quality of fairway grass. The idea behind it is to prevent carts from turning too sharply, which would loosen up soil or compact turf along the edge of that turn.
How does it work
The rule is fairly straightforward: carts must travel no more than 90 degrees from the previous line of play in order for that side to be considered “legal.” In other words, if you’re traveling north and your right tire crosses over into east territory (90°), then it’s not legal.
The pros and cons of implementing this rule on your golf course
The pros of this rule are that golfers will be encouraged to walk the course, which is a more healthy choice for them and good for the environment. Golf courses also benefit from not having to spend as much time mowing around carts or redesigning their fairways in order accommodate these vehicles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “90 Degree Rule” is a common rule in golf courses that can be changed to allow or disallow carts. While not every course has this regulation, it is still something you should look out for when booking a tee time at a new location.
What is the 90 degree rule in golf?
The 90-degree rule means that a golfer is supposed to drive their cart along the cart path until the cart has reached a point where a 90-degree turn would cause the cart to drive laterally across the fairway directly to the ball.
How far can you drive an electric golf cart on the fairway?
And never, ever, ever, ever drive an electric cart closer than 20-yards to the edge of a green unless you're on the cart path. KEY:
Can you drive a golf cart down the fairway?
NINETY-DEGREE RULE. Some clubs and resorts permit golfers to drive their motorized carts directly down the fairway. However, this can damage more grass than is necessary. Also, the blades of grass are flattened, resulting in poorer lies where the ball won't sit up.
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.
How far away should you keep your cart from the greens?
Keep your cart away from tee boxes, and about 30 feet away from the greens. Signs near the green might say, “No carts beyond this point,” or arrows might point to the cart path. Do not drive close to water hazards, grassy mounds or bunkers. The water can damage the cart, and the cart can damage the mounds and bunkers.
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.
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.
Where is Sharon Penn?
Sharon Penn is a writer based in South Florida. A professional writer since 1981, she has created numerous materials for a Princeton advertising agency. Her articles have appeared in "Golf Journal" and on industry blogs.
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.
How to be courteous when putting a golf cart in reverse?
Along the same lines, many golf carts beep when they are in reverse. So if you need to put the cart in reverse, be aware of any golfers close to you and whether they are about to begin a stroke.
What is the 90 degree rule for golf carts?
The " 90-degree rule " means that the golf course is allowing carts onto the grass -- but only at 90-degree angles from the cart path.
What are the rules for driving a golf cart?
We'll go over the variations of golf cart rules you might see posted at your local golf courses, but first, here are a couple reminders of things you should never do in a golf cart: 1 Never drive the cart within hazard boundary lines, or within about 10 yards of water hazards or bunkers, or within about 50 yards of greens (unless you're on a designated cart path, of course). These areas are especially susceptible to damage by the wheels of golf carts. Never drive onto or close to tee boxes, either, unless on the cart path. 2 Never drive the cart through mud, on or off the fairway. 3 Never drive through casual water on any part of the golf course (unless it's a little bit of water over a paved cart path). The wheels of the cart can do serious damage to the turf, including leaving ruts, in wet areas. 4 Never go joyriding in the golf cart. In other words, don't act stupid! People do get injured in cart accidents. See golf cart safety for specific suggestions.
What does "don't take the cart beyond this point on the fairway" mean?
The meaning is the same: Don't take the cart beyond this point on the fairway; go back to the cart path. These are the signs golfers are most likely to see on a golf course regarding cart usage. Observe the signs - and don't forget to ask about golf cart rules when you check in.
What is cart path only?
A " cart-path-only rule " is exactly what it sounds like: Keep your golf cart on the designated cart path at all times. Don't drive onto the grass. Over time, golf carts speed up soil compaction, which can lead to less-than-ideal growing conditions for turfgrasses.
How far from greens can you drive a golf cart?
Never drive the cart within hazard boundary lines, or within about 10 yards of water hazards or bunkers, or within about 50 yards of greens (unless you're on a designated cart path, of course). These areas are especially susceptible to damage by the wheels of golf carts. Never drive onto or close to tee boxes, either, unless on the cart path.
When will Brent Kelley update his golf cart rules?
Brent Kelley. Updated December 03, 2019. After paying your greens fee and cart fee, but before you clamber into that golf cart and speed off to the first tee, make sure you know what the course's cart rules are.
