Pushcart vs. Carrying Your Bag: Which Walking Style Suits You Best?

Pushcart vs. Carrying Your Bag: Which Walking Style Suits You Best?

By Patrick Stephenson

Walking the golf course is a tradition as old as the game itself. For many, it’s a way to immerse themselves in the beauty of the course while enjoying some exercise. As a golf bag company, we’ve seen firsthand how the choice between using a pushcart and carrying your bag impacts not only your round but your overall enjoyment of the game. Let’s explore the differences in the gear needed, the pros and cons of each method, and the scenarios where one might be more advantageous than the other.

Walking with a Pushcart: Effortless Mobility

Using a push cart to carry your gear has become increasingly popular among golfers who want the benefits of walking without the strain of carrying a bag. Here’s why this method might be the right choice for you:

Advantages of Using a Pushcart

1. Reduced Physical Strain:
   A pushcart eliminates the need to carry weight on your shoulders, reducing the risk of back, neck, and shoulder pain. This is especially beneficial for golfers with existing injuries or those who play multiple rounds per week.
2. Ample Storage Options:
   Push carts are designed to accommodate larger bags with numerous compartments. This means you can easily carry rain gear, extra layers, snacks, and even an umbrella without feeling overburdened.
3. Weather Adaptability:
   Many push carts come with built-in features like umbrella holders and waterproof compartments, making them ideal for rainy or windy conditions. Your gear stays dry and protected, allowing you to focus on your game.
4. Ideal for Longer Rounds:
   For 18-hole rounds or tournaments, a pushcart conserves energy, allowing you to maintain focus and stamina throughout the day.
5. Flat Terrain Made Easy:
   Push carts with sturdy wheels and ergonomic designs are perfect for flat courses. They glide effortlessly across even terrain, reducing the physical strain on golfers while keeping your bag stable and organized. With no steep inclines or declines to navigate, the effort needed to push a cart is minimal, allowing you to conserve energy for your game.

Challenges of Using a Pushcart

1. Bulky Setup:
   Push carts require storage space at home and in your car. Transporting and setting them up can add time and effort to your pre-round routine.
2. Course Limitations:
   On some courses with narrow pathways or soft turf, maneuvering a pushcart can be tricky. Always check course policies before bringing one.
3. Initial Investment:
   High-quality push carts can be expensive, and you’ll need a golf bag designed to fit securely on the cart. These bags are typically larger and heavier than carry bags.
4. Navigating Uneven Terrain:
   Navigating golf courses with lots of hills can make using a pushcart a challenging proposition. Pushing your club’s uphill is often much harder than carrying them. Going downhill or getting your clubs to stop on a side slope while you hit a shot can also be equally as challenging.

Walking While Carrying Your Bag: A Traditional Approach

Carrying your bag is a timeless method that many golfers swear by. With the correct golf bag it offers a sense of freedom and simplicity, but it’s not without its challenges.

Advantages of Carrying Your Bag

1. Lightweight and Compact:
   You will need a carry bag if you intend of strapping it for your round. Carry bags are designed to be as light as possible, often weighing under five pounds when empty. This makes them easy to handle and transport.
2. Freedom of Movement:
   Without a cart to push, you can take more direct routes to your ball, navigate tight spaces, and adapt to different course layouts effortlessly without having to worry about steep hills or other obstacles like narrow bridges.
3. Cost-Effective:
   Carry bags are generally less expensive than the combination of a pushcart and cart bag, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious golfers.
4. Fitness Benefits:
   Carrying your bag provides a full-body workout, helping to build strength and endurance over time. It’s a great choice for golfers who want to combine exercise with their game.

Challenges of Carrying Your Bag

1. Physical Strain:
   Carrying a bag for 18 holes can be taxing, particularly during long rounds or on courses or in warm weather. Over time, this strain can lead to fatigue and impact your performance coming down the stretch where each shot means the most.
2. Limited Storage:
   Due to their lightweight design carry bags have fewer pockets and less space for accessories. This can be a drawback if you like to bring extra gear or if the weather is unpredictable.
3. Weather Vulnerability:
   In rainy or windy conditions, it can be difficult to keep your gear protected when carrying a bag. Umbrellas and waterproof covers are harder to manage without a cart and create added weight if you choose to bring them along.

Key Gear Differences: Pushcart Bags vs. Carry Bags

The type of bag you use will depend on your choice of walking style:

• Pushcart Bags: These are larger and more structured, with additional compartments for storage. They are designed to sit securely on a pushcart, often featuring reinforced bases and straps to prevent shifting. They are also great for using on riding carts as well. Cart bags are awesome for making sure you are able to securely bring all your gear but would not be pleasant at all to carry their heavy weight.
• Carry Bags: Lightweight and minimalist, carry bags prioritize portability over storage. They often feature dual straps for balanced weight distribution and a stand mechanism for convenience on the course. With new modern technology, some newer carry bags are able to also offer a good amount of storage as well while keeping weight low, but they do not have the same capabilities as cart bags.

When a Pushcart Shines

Certain scenarios make a pushcart the superior choice:

1. Flat and Long Courses:
   If your home course features a minimal amount of elevation gain then using a pushcart is almost as easy as having a caddy. You simply will have to guide your cart along as you walk the fairways with minimal effort.
2. Bad Weather Days:
   Push carts excel in rainy or windy conditions, thanks to their ability to hold umbrellas and you will have room to store all of your gear without the need to worry about added carrying weight. Some pushcarts also include features like umbrella holders that can hold your umbrella over you and your bag while walking.
3. Tournament Play:
   For competitive rounds, conserving energy is crucial. A pushcart allows you to stay fresh and focused coming down the stretch when the last thing you need to be worried about is your fatigue level.
4. Multiple Rounds in a Day:
   If you’re playing 36 holes or more, the reduced strain of using a pushcart can be a game-changer.

When Carrying Your Bag Makes Sense

Carrying your bag is ideal in these situations:

1. Short Rounds:
   For quick 9-hole games, carrying a bag offers unmatched convenience and speed.
2. Hilly Courses:
   On courses with more elevation gain carrying your bag is often much easier than pushing. Also, carrying a bag on these types of courses may mean you are able to take a more direct line to your ball instead of having to walk around a certain area.
3. Minimalist Golf:
   If you prefer to bring only the essentials, a carry bag keeps things simple and streamlined. Carrying your bag has a traditional feel that can bring your bag to the roots of when it all started.
4. Courses with Hard Features to Push Through:
   On courses with narrow bridges, dense rough, or lots of sandy areas carrying your bag allows for easier navigation.

Which Walking Style Suits You?

The decision between using a pushcart and carrying your bag ultimately depends on your preferences, fitness level, and the conditions in which you play. If you value comfort, storage, and adaptability, a pushcart might be your best bet. However, if you prioritize simplicity, mobility, and a more traditional approach, carrying your bag could be the way to go.

For those who love walking the course, there’s no right or wrong choice—just the one that enhances your overall enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re tackling a hilly course or playing in challenging weather, the right option can make a significant difference. As a company who designs golf bags, we encourage you to evaluate your needs and invest in high-quality gear that aligns with your walking preferences. Consider factors such as weight, ease of use, and durability when making your decision. After all, a great round of golf starts with the right equipment tailored to your specific needs.