Golf isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. Yet, many golfers unknowingly rob themselves of the full benefits by opting for a cart. At Fantl Sport, we believe in movement as a core value. Walking the course isn’t just tradition—it enhances your performance, fitness, and overall enjoyment of the game. Here’s why science backs walking as the smarter choice.
1. Walking Improves Your Golf Performance
Research shows that walking golfers have better shot consistency and mental focus than those who ride. A study by Neil Wolkodoff, PhD, from the Colorado Center for Health & Sport Science found that:
- Golfers who walked burned up to 400 more calories per round than those using a cart.
- Walkers had lower heart rates and better endurance by the back nine, leading to more controlled swings and improved accuracy.
- Riding in a cart disrupted shot rhythm and strategic decision-making compared to those who walked.
Key Benefit: Walking keeps your body engaged, leading to better control, rhythm, and consistency in your shots.
2. Walking a Round is a Legitimate Workout
Walking 18 holes means covering 6-8 kilometers (4-5 miles), depending on the course layout. According to a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, an average golfer walking 18 holes burns:
- 600-1,500 calories if carrying their bag
- 500-1,200 calories with a pushcart
- Only 250-800 calories if using a cart
That’s the equivalent of an hour-long gym session—without even thinking about it. Walking also strengthens your core, legs, and cardiovascular system, making it one of the best low-impact workouts.
Key Benefit: Walking turns golf into an effortless way to stay fit while improving endurance.
3. Walking Reduces Injury and Extends Your Playing Years
Golf carts seem convenient, but they contribute to poor mobility, stiffness, and even injuries over time. The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that:
- Riding in a cart increases lower back stiffness due to frequent stops and starts.
- Walking lubricates joints and improves flexibility, reducing the risk of common golf injuries.
- Golfers who walk regularly experience fewer knee and hip problems than cart riders.
Even PGA Tour players know this—walking keeps your body mobile and golf-ready for decades.
Key Benefit: Walking promotes longevity in golf by keeping your joints and muscles active.
4. Walking Enhances Your Mental Game
Golf is as much mental as it is physical. Walking helps regulate heart rate, breathing, and focus, keeping stress levels low. According to Harvard Medical School, walking:
- Increases oxygen flow to the brain, sharpening decision-making and problem-solving.
- Boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, reducing frustration and improving mood.
- Encourages a more strategic, thoughtful approach to the game versus rushing from shot to shot in a cart.
Many golfers who walk report a greater sense of calm and control, making it easier to handle pressure shots.
Key Benefit: Walking keeps your mind sharp, leading to smarter shot choices and better scores.
5. Walking Makes Golf More Enjoyable
A study by The University of Edinburgh surveyed golfers and found that those who walked the course:
- Rated their golf experience as 20% more enjoyable than cart users.
- Reported feeling more connected to the game, their surroundings, and playing partners.
- Experienced lower stress levels and greater satisfaction post-round.
Walking allows you to absorb the course design, nature, and strategy, making the round feel more immersive.
Key Benefit: Walking enhances the experience, making every round more meaningful.
The Fantl Sport Way: Designed for the Pursuit
At Fantl Sport, we design for movement. Our apparel is built for comfort, performance, and versatility, so walking the course feels natural and effortless. Whether you’re competing at the highest level or just enjoying the game, walking makes you a better golfer and a better athlete.
So next time you tee it up, ask yourself: Are you truly playing the game—or just riding through it?