The Relation between Golf and Walking
Before golf carts became the easiest way to get around the golf course, most golfers got around by walking. Many golfers still enjoy walking the golf course for the exercise and social aspects of being able to walk and talk. Studies are now being done trying to prove that walking affects a golfer's game more than golfers who use only a cart. Golfers are also curious about how their golf games change when they carry their bags while walking as opposed to walking and having a caddy carry the bags or follow behind in a cart. Studies are beginning to show that golfers who walk an entire course while carrying their bags do show a decrease in performance by the end of the course.
How Walking Affects a Golfer's Game
Every golfer knows that golfing isn't seen as the type of sport that's known to build endurance and stamina. Golfing is stressful on the body, especially if someone's out of shape or not used to exercise. For this reason, golfers who try to walk the course and carry their bags may actually be hurting their golf game.
Studies have been done on how a golfer's swing affects his performance, and the studies show that as a golfer changes his swing it affects his game. More in-depth studies have been done to determine how a golf swing changes when a golfer walks and carries his bag. With average course around 6 miles long, golfers receive both a cardio and weight bearing workout when walking and carrying a bag of clubs. This affects the muscles in the arms and legs with each hole. Studies show that golfers are less effective at hitting the ball hard and far after walking and carrying a bag, with muscle fatigue setting in about halfway through a course. The strength behind a swing isn't the only thing affected, golfers also hit with less accuracy when walking than when riding in a cart.
How Golfers Can Improve Fitness
Many golf courses require that golfers use a cart on certain paths to help maintain the lushness of the green. But some courses still allow golfers to walk. If a golfer enjoys walking but doesn't want to have it affect their game they need to improve their fitness level.
Golfers should walk on a regular basis to build up cardio endurance. If a golf course averages 6 miles, a golfer should be able to briskly walk 2 to 3 miles in order to endure a length of 6 miles at a slower pace. Golfers who take up jogging do even better at walking the course and keeping up optimal game performance than those who don't do any conditioning. Light weight bearing exercises will also help build muscle tone and endurance. This will help prevent early onset muscle fatigue when carrying a bag.
While golfing provides a decent workout and can even help some people lose weight and improve fitness levels, walking while golfing can affect a golfer's game. If you enjoy walking and golfing, make sure to condition your body a little bit. This will help you maintain optimal performance, especially when playing in a tournament.