Have you ever been driving your golf cart down the fairway and you see a sign that says "90-degree rule in effect?" If you're a golf enthusiast, then you probably know exactly what that means. But If you're new to golf, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to the so-called 90-degree rule.
Well, wonder no more, my friends. we're here to tell you all about the 90-degree rule in golf and why it is so important.
What is the 90 Degree Rule in Golf?
The "90-degree rule" in golf states that when driving a golf cart to your ball on the fairway, you should enter at a 90-degree angle from the cart path. This ensures that you do not damage the grass with the golf cart.
You will often hear this rule referred to as "cart path only" or cart path golf. Simply stated you are not allowed to take the golf cart off of the cart path.
Now, you may be thinking, "So what? I can just drive straight to my ball and save myself some time." But trust us, if you want to avoid dirty looks from your fellow golfers (not to mention the potential for getting kicked off the course), it's best to adhere to this rule. After all, golf is a gentleman's game and you want to help out your fellow golfers.
Why Should You Care?
As a golfer, it's important to be respectful of the course and its property. By adhering to the 90-degree rule, you can help keep the fairways looking pristine and prevent any potential damage to the turf.
When carts are driven carelessly over the turf, it can cause considerable damage. By following the 90 degree rule, golfers can help to ensure that the course remains in good condition for everyone to enjoy.
The 90-degree rule varies from course to course. For some golf courses, it is always in effect. This can sometimes be more common at resort courses or country clubs where there's a premium on maintaining perfect fairways along with the premium price of the round. Other courses will institute cart path only when the fairways are under maintenance or too soggy or wet.
Sometimes the 90-degree rule may be in effect only on certain holes - the ones that are under repair or not in good shape. When you are playing a hole with the 90-degree rule in effect remember, you must walk from the cart path to your golf ball.
What to Consider When Playing Cart Path Only
When you arrive at the course you will be notified by the pro shop or starter whether the 90-degree rule is in effect. And whether it's for a designated hole or two or for the entire round.
One unfortunate aspect of cart path-only golf is it can significantly increase the time it takes to play 18 holes of golf. So, plan accordingly and be prepared for some delays on the tee box.
If you're playing a course that's flat and not too long you may want to ditch the golf cart and put on your best pair of golf shoes made for walking.
Pro Tip
When you have to leave the golf cart on the cart path use the time it takes to walk to your golf ball to your advantage. See where your golf ball is relative to the green. Dial in your yardage and see what obstacles are in front of you. This early focus and assessment of what lies ahead will help you feel calm and confident when you get to your golf ball.
So, there you have it! The next time you're out on the course, be sure to follow the cart paths only rule (if it's in effect) and help keep the turf in pristine condition. Your fellow golfers will certainly appreciate it!
The "90-degree rule" in golf is a simple but important rule that all golfers should follow. By adhering to this rule, you can help to preserve the condition of the fairways and ensure that everyone can enjoy a round of golf on a well-maintained course. So next time you're teeing off, remember to drive at a 90-degree angle from the cart path!
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