When golf courses implement “cart path only” rules, it means that golfers are required to stay on the designated cart paths and walk from the cart path to their ball. The additional steps required can vary based on the following factors:
- Hole Layout: The distance from the cart path to the ball can vary from hole to hole. Some holes may require more walking off the path, especially if the ball lands in the rough, while others may have shorter distances.
- Golfer’s Accuracy: Golfers with better accuracy may have fewer additional steps, as their shots are more likely to land closer to the cart path.
- Terrain: The terrain of the golf course, including slopes and elevation changes, can also impact the number of additional steps required.
As a very rough estimate, during a “cart path only” round, a golfer might take an additional 500 to 1,000 steps or more over the course of 18 holes due to walking from the cart path to their ball. This is just a general approximation, and the actual number can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above.