USGA Declares War on Riding

A serious campaign to increase the number of golfers who walk is now underway by the United States Golf Association. The May issue of Golf Journal, official publication of the sport's ruling body, launches 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.

Kangaroo Owners are endorsing USGA's courageous stand. By tradition, its 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 & 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."

Quite some time ago, the USGA technical staff evaluated two sample Kangaroo motorcaddies--and gave the models an official "blessing." Even those equipped with distance timers were judged to conform to the Rules of Golf (since the timers actually measure elapsed time and aren't calibrated to measure specific distance). Further, the ruling body's letter specifically stated that Kangaroo's models can be used during USGA-sanctioned competitions, provided the host club has no objections.

Now that host clubs are being pushed to implement USGA's walking-first policy, more private clubs and prestigious resorts are recognizing the merits of motorcaddies. For many years, individuals have been allowed to use their Kangaroos at a surprising number of top courses, such as Spyglass Hill, Prairie Dunes . . . even St. Andrews in Scotland. Also, fleets of Kangaroo motorcaddies are available, for rent to players by-the-round, at well-known Tournament Players Clubs in Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Michigan, as well as at a number of other private courses around the USA.

This trend toward providing players the opportunity to use motorcaddies is expected to accelerate, as a result of USGA's walking campaign, especially at courses that are long or hilly. Or where speed of play is a concern--since motorcaddies help walking golfers maintain a brisk pace of play during their entire round of golf.