walkinggolf.com

by Rober Schiffman (originally published in Golf Digest)

The other day I endured a course that epitomizes everything bad about American golf.

First, a simple but fun nine-hole public facility in New York’s Westchester County had been totally redesigned by a big-name architect and turned into an upscale, conference center/resort layout. Now the course has more phony shots than Jurassic Park.

Second, golf carts were restricted to paths, the kind that have curbs in case the wild thought of flirting with a 90-degree rule even grazed your mind.

Third, using one of that aforementioned golf carts was-you got it, pal—mandatory. No ride, no play.

So the members of my group spent the entire nine holes cursing cartpaths and trudging sideways across the over-watered, gang-mowed fairways, usually with three or four clubs in hand (but rarely the correct one). We had such a rotten time, no one played a second nine despite perfect weather.

Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common these days, but the editors of GOLF DIGEST are trying to do something about it. When it comes to getting around a golf course, we’re decidedly pro-choice. We have nothing against golf carts, mind you, just don’t force them down our throats.

We are committed to promoting caddie programs, but even more so to walking. We feel strongly that walking enhances the experience of playing golf, whether it is with a caddie, a “motorcaddie,” or bag over the shoulder.

To underscore our commitment, we are hereby announcing a change in the way we judge our course rankings, starting with the upcoming edition of America’s 100 Greatest Courses in November. In addition to our normal ranking system that allots points for such qualities as esthetics, shot values, design balance and conditioning, we will now be adding bonus points for those courses that allow you to walk. Bonus points also will be factored in for our other course-ranking projects.

We’re not alone in this endeavor. We’re glad to note that after we embarked on our Caddie Crusade, the U.S. Golf Association formed a committee on caddieing and walking, with ample funding to promote the cause.

So if you are one of the many frustrated walkers who has been told either to ride or good riddance, take heart. Help is on the way.

Editors note: As a result of Golf Digest’s new ranking system with factoring in courses, many “high-ranking” courses now offer walking to inflate their rankings. Some newer courses “allow” you to walk, but try walking some of them and you’ll finish about six hours later! Unfortunately, many new courses are designed for riding carts, which is not specifically reflected in the new ranking system.