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What are the three worst words in golf?
“You’re still away” is on the list.
But there’s another phrase that’s more soul-sapping.
“Carts on path.”
COP, to acronym-friendly people.
Yes, golf is supposedly a good walk spoiled, but finding out that carts must be kept on the paths all day is a good ride spoiled.
Let’s be honest – most of us like to ride when we play. It’s less work, there’s room to stash your drinks, your phone, your rangefinder, and riding provides a nice breeze on hot days. Plus, there are coolers on most buggies now so you don’t have to wait for the beverage cart to show up.
If you’re playing on the great links in Scotland and Ireland, the notion of riding is properly crazy, not just because there are too many spots carts couldn’t go but because there’s a certain joy to being moistened by the mist and whipped by the wind while dragging a trolley behind you.
It’s not the same in the States. There are no cart paths at Augusta National but there are golf carts for members and their guests. Hopefully, only if they need them, not because they want to use them.
For the vast majority of golfers in the U.S., carts are a part of the game and when they’re restricted to their cement or asphalt paths, it feels like three-putting the first green, over and over again. Everyone gets tired of grabbing a wedge and putter then walking across the fairway to hit another shot.
Carts on path.
Three words that cut deep.
Especially when you’re still away.
Ron Green Jr.