Golf Cart Driving Etiquette: Respect the Course, Players, and Safety

Golf cart driving etiquette is essential for preserving course quality, ensuring player safety, and enhancing everyone’s experience on the green. Follow these tips to drive smart and respectfully.

What Is Golf Cart Driving Etiquette?

Driving a golf cart on the course is a convenience many golfers enjoy, but it also comes with responsibilities. Golf cart driving etiquette refers to the set of best practices and unspoken rules that players follow to respect the course, fellow golfers, and ensure safety for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, knowing how to properly handle your golf cart can significantly improve the pace and pleasure of play.

1. Respect the Course

The golf course is a carefully maintained environment, and how you drive your cart has a direct impact on its condition. Here are key ways to protect it:

• Stay on Cart Paths: Most courses designate paths for carts. Stick to them—especially near greens and tees—to prevent turf damage.
• Avoid Wet Areas: Don’t drive through puddles or saturated ground, even if the rest of the turf looks dry.
• Follow 90-Degree Rule: When permitted on the fairway, drive to your ball at a right angle from the path and return the same way—this minimizes turf wear.
• Obey Course Signage: Signs that say "No Carts Beyond This Point" or “Cart Path Only” are there for a reason. Ignoring them could lead to penalties or course damage.
• Park Strategically: Avoid parking too close to the green or bunkers. A good rule is to leave your cart 30 feet away from those sensitive areas.

2. Respect Other Golfers

Golf is a game of focus, timing, and respect. When using a golf cart, how you interact with others on the course matters:

• Drive Quietly: Keep noise to a minimum near tee boxes or putting greens. If your cart has a music system, use it at low volume or wear earbuds.
• Stay Out of the Line of Play: Make sure your cart is not parked where it may obstruct another golfer’s shot or view.
• Don’t Rush or Crowd: Maintain pace, but don’t tailgate slower groups. Allow them space to play without pressure.
• Wait Your Turn: If sharing a cart, let your partner play before rushing to your own ball unless you're well apart and safe to split briefly.

3. Drive Safely

Accidents with golf carts are more common than many think. Practicing safe driving habits helps protect you, your passengers, and others on the course:

• Slow Down on Hills and Turns: Sharp curves and uneven terrain can cause a cart to tip. Use caution and reduce speed.
• One Rider per Seat: Don’t overload the cart. Carts are designed for specific capacities—stick to them.
• Keep Arms and Equipment Inside: Prevent injury or loss of gear by keeping all limbs and equipment safely inside the cart.
• Engage the Brake When Stopped: Always set the brake before exiting the vehicle to avoid unwanted movement.
• Be Weather-Wise: During rain or fog, drive even slower and avoid slopes when possible. Wet brakes and tires can be less reliable.

Other Helpful Golf Cart Etiquette Tips

• Respect Wildlife: Avoid driving too close to birds, turtles, or other wildlife you may encounter on the course.
• Clean Up After Yourself: Don’t leave bottles, wrappers, or scorecards in the cart. Keep it tidy for the next group.
• Charge Responsibly: If using an electric cart, ensure it's charged properly without blocking other vehicles or exits.

When in Doubt, Ask the Course Staff

Each golf course may have unique cart policies—especially during rainy seasons or tournaments. If you’re unsure about rules like where to park or how far carts can go, just ask the staff. It shows respect for the club and prevents misunderstandings or damage.

Conclusion: Drive with Courtesy

Whether you’re driving a club-provided cart or your personal golf cart, etiquette is all about being mindful. By respecting the course layout, showing courtesy to other players, and staying focused on safety, you help keep golf enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Good etiquette isn’t just about rules—it’s about honoring the spirit of the game.