Operating Golf Carts on Turf Areas

Golf carts are a lucrative and sometimes helpful addition to the game. However, carts are damaging to golf course turf and their improper operation may result in injury to golfers. Golf carts may be electric or gasoline powered three to four wheeled, and of various sizes and descriptions.

Golfers using a cart should be familiar with its operation before leaving the parking area. General rules of safety must be followed and common sense exercised to protect both the golfer and the turf. Some key guidelines designed to protect turfs during golf cart operations are as follows:

• Follow the rules as prescribed by the club, including observing signs, directional markers, and barriers.

• Whenever possible, vary the route of travel across the turf to distribute the detrimental effects of traffic and thus minimize soil compaction and turf grass wear.

• Avoid operating carts in areas where they are not intended to be driven. For example, operation on steep slopes can cause serious side slippage, turf damage, and rutting as well as potential injuries to passengers should the cart overturn.

• Vary the traffic pattern where thin, partially bare areas start to develop. This may require adhering to roped areas or the use of directional signs.

• It is never acceptable to bring hand or powered golf carts onto the greens, collars, or tees. Keep such vehicles as far away as practical and at least 6-10 paces away from the perimeter of the green or the tee surface.

• Guide carts away from water saturated areas. Avoid cart traffic on turfgrass areas that are wilting or have frost covering the leaves. In the former situation, serious rutting and soil compaction can result, while in the latter, the turfgrass leaves can be killed.

• Operate golf carts in a manner that will minimize damage to the turf. Avoid skidding or spinning the wheels by quick braking or by rapid acceleration. Also, avoid short, quick turns, which can seriously bruise the turf and cause thinning.