walkinggolf.com

A serious campaign to increase the number of golfers who walk is now underway by the United States Golf Association. The Golf Journal, official publication of the sport’s ruling body, launched a dramatic appeal headlined “Declare Yourself a Walker.”

Taking aim squarely against “the myths of golf cars,” David Fay, USGA’s Executive Director boldly states “We strongly believe that walking is the most enjoyable way to play golf and that the use of carts is detrimental to the game. This negative trend needs to be stopped now before it becomes accepted that riding in a cart is the way to play golf.”

The pronouncement is strong and specific, castigating those courses that have jumped on the riding bandwagon. While pointing out that the majority of U.S. courses have no policy requiring mandatory use of carts, USGA targets the more than 1000 places that do.

Returning golf back to its original nature is the century old organization’s justification for its new campaign. Putting its money where its mouth is, USGA is publishing its “Call to Arms” –an informative booklet, distributed free to the public. Titled A Call to Feet: Golf is a Walking Game, the detailed free booklet is available simply by calling USGA headquarters in Far Hills, N.J. at (908) 234-2300.

For years, individuals have been invited to become USGA members. Now, such golfers are asked to make a more serious commitment. The announcement requests that members sign and mail in the USGA Walking Member Declaration. Its text reads:

“. . .By signing this, I hereby give my oath that I will never ride in a golf cart for a round of golf unless it is forced upon me or I develop a physical condition which necessitates the use of a cart. Whenever given a choice, I will always walk.”

Members then receive a bright yellow bag tag, emblazoned with USGA’s logo, identifying the person as a Walking Member and bearing the full text of the Declaration oath.

By tradition, the USGA’s leadership has stood above commercial interests, resisting pressures to pervert the spirit and heritage of the sport. Doubtless there are people who, despite logic and evidence to the contrary, still will argue that riding is inherently faster than walking–or that rental revenue is essential to golf clubs and courses. Numerous examples kibosh these assertions, according to the USGA which has conducted many studies and thorough investigations.

For example, Pinehurst Resort and Country Club is cited, where walking and carrying your own bag is optional now on four of the property’s seven courses–1,3,4, and 5. (Walking’s still allowed on the famed Number 2 course but only with a caddie.) “It’s not slowing down play at all, and the courses are still packed. Granted, the policy hasn’t been in effect all that long, but I haven’t heard one negative comment yet.”

This trend toward providing players the opportunity to walk is expected to accelerate, as a result of USGA’s walking campaign. We encourage advocates of walking golf to pledge your oath and promote the USGA’s Walking Members Declaration!