The Joy of Carrying

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By No'l

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  • 40 Replies
  1. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    A couple months ago, I saw a Titleist Sunday bag at the pro shop briefly when I was checking in. At a quick glance it could have been mostly leather or leather like material in white and themed patriotically with some red and blue. But off we went and I said to myself I'll look closer after the round, but I forgot and when I came back a week later, it was gone and sold- I was bummed, but then I assessed my walking and carrying I've done in the past two years, I had zero carrying rounds although many with either push cart or the battery caddy. Minor aches and pains (from starting to get old) was the reason for not carrying together with some occasional terrible effects when I slouch around.

    Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine who was with me when I saw the bag at the pro shop texted me about a previous model of the Titleist Carry Bag was on sale online and I couldn't resist so I got it.

    The weather and air quality over the weekend was good and it was a perfect day to walk. I had 10 clubs, a bottled water, some tees and marker, glove, yardage book, and a sleeve of balls, which some of them went into my pockets and a great day was had on Saturday. On Sunday's round, I added another club.

    What a satisfying great weekend!!

  2. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    I've always carried. The only times I ride is when I'm forced to.
  3. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    @Mike M, Yes, sir... most especially the resort courses where green to the next tee is at a good distance.
  4. Those Sunday carry bags are the best for walking, I found out last season 1st hand. I push cart on flat courses but on hilly courses it is a game changer if you are going to walk. Great way to get to intimately know the holes design.
  5. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    @Joshua B, I agree with you on hilly courses!
  6. To me walking is much more enjoyable than riding. I find I can enjoy the surrounding more, see and hear the birds, not to mention, when I am walking up to my ball, I have a much clearer mental picture of how I want to strike my next shot.

    I will continue to carry or push cart, until I no longer can. The exception of course are courses that are built around carts and you have to drive 3/4 of a mile between green and tee.
  7. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    @Erich F, yup enjoying the scenery is a bonus.
  8. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    I hope to add two more clubs and a lens in the bag for this Saturday's round- it should be okay, I think.
  9. Todd T

    Todd T
    San Diego, CA

    Military
    Love my Stewart Golf Follow cart.. It follows me around the course, no pushing or carrying!
  10. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    I so envy you on that account, man. That thing it so cool to have on the course.

    How is yours on terrains, Todd? My old Letronic Caddy is just with speed control and off/on switch isn't that great on terrains- I have to be behind it or it will tip over.
  11. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Love walking with a carry bag as much as I can. I think one of the many things that cause me to call Bandon my favorite golf destination is the lack of cart paths and power carts. Sand trails and walking the fairways between shots is so special, especially on that piece of property. Some day these old legs will give out on me but until then, I will try to walk courses as much as I can.
  12. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    Dale, I looked over the Bandon suggestions and they do not recommend an electric caddy as the small wheels gets stuck in the sandy areas. So there... my secret reason is out on why I'm training myself back to carrying and also I may have picked up on your idea of a "carry bag" from your previous post to Bandon. I'd like to play a couple days there sometime. Time will tell if I've been good or bad.

    Anyway, I think you've got many-many miles to go on foot before you worry about anything.
  13. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Yep, the pull carts at Bandon are cheap. $5 unless they have gone up this year. Their big wheels works great in the sandy soil and they even tell you to roll them across the greens. I have used them when it was real rainy just to free up my hands a bit more but i feel like pulling or pushing is more work than just carrying. Advise to Bandon travelers planning to rent the pull cart, bring a bungie cord. The single strap on the upper part of the cart does not keep the bottom from bouncing off the stand. Running a bungie cord on the bottom will keep it in place.
  14. Andrew A

    Andrew A
    Charlotte, NC

    I too would prefer to walk but more and more clubs are requiring that you take a cart. With that, comes more and more "noise" on the course in the form of music, shouting, carts, brakes, etc... I miss the simple sounds of nature and casual conversation while strolling along.
  15. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    @Andrew A, I hear you and there's nothing we can do about that. I'm afraid that's the direction the majority is going. But in any case, there are those courses out there that are cool with walkers. Out where I am, it's usually the suburban area courses. Don't give it up!
  16. I just played my first round carrying today and I felt more relaxed on the course, which my score reflected. It’s wild how the little difference of seeing shots better as you walk up, the time to clear your head after a bad shot, and just the appreciation for the course all effect your game in a positive way while carrying.
  17. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    @Derrick B, yes sir, it is. Glad you have experienced that- I think it's very cool to walk. It is very soulful and intimate with the game. Keep it up!
  18. Serge C

    Serge C
    Chambly, QC, CA

    This is the first season i’ve walked with a bag. I used to play a couple of times socially and always got a cart. Its great exercise and you really fo get a feel for the course!
  19. Diego D

    Diego D
    Miami, FL

    I love walking with a carry bag, however, I use a pushcart to protect my back. That's why I understand players who use a power cart due to a medical condition.

    Having said that, using power carts kills the game in many ways.

    I totally agree with Erich. When I walk, I get a much better perspective of how I am going to execute my next shot.

  20. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    I prefer to walk, it is really the best way to play in my opinion. So many great benefits!
  21. Jonathan Smith

    Jonathan Smith
    Charlotte, NC

    I like to walk, but not many places around me allow you to do that in the morning because of perceived pace of play concerns. The private course that allow morning walking are great because the whole foursome is basically together rather than separated and there seems to be less waiting for the group in front of you.
  22. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Walking helps make you "at one" with your game. I wish my home course wasn't so hilly. I love walking, but it is not a friendly place to do so for this senior. I feel carrying is easier than using a push cart here. Ideally, a remote controlled electric caddy-cart would be the best option (short of my own personal caddy) for me. All the great benefits of walking, with nothing to push or carry. What's better than that?

    I try to walk sometimes when the course isn't too busy and the temps are below 65. My game always seems to be so much more in sync when I am able to do so. I totally agree with the other comments above. Walking truly does offer a far better experience of the game and the surroundings. It is much more special.
  23. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    Doug E. I couldn't agree more with you on all points.
  24. greg p

    greg p
    Chicago 'burbs, IL

    Love walking. But why put the strain on the back? Push carts makers like Clicgear make it so easy.
  25. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    greg p,

    Yup, that's what push carts are for, to make it less strenuous- no arguments there.

    My post is about the fun in being able to carry and go out there... just the clubs, a sleeve of balls, score card and a pencil. I have been trying to get back in shape so instead of going to the gym, I've incorporated some of the work into golf. Just in a few rounds, I'm starting to see some benefits other than being well focused in the game. Sure, I love my Clicgear push cart and I also like my electric/battery caddy. Those are fun and I'm able to bring more things onto the course and I also like that leisure. But to me, the joy of being able to carry a bag and play is another way and an excellent way to golf.
  26. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    I learned to play golf carrying a golf bag and as age started catching up with me, I got a pull cart and then age kept catching up with hip/back/pulmonary problems, my doctors said be glad you can use a riding cart and still play golf. At 74 I have learned from from my physiotherapist that you have to learn to listen to what you body is telling you and follow it's lead. It is tough at times when I play on a course that is cart path only, but I manage and I still play under four hours. Unless someone in front of me carrying their bag is daydreaming. ha..ha...ha.. Wish I could walk the course, let alone carry my golf bag.... no worries.... I play golf and have fun with the rest of my senior and TT friends......
  27. Yeah, I have to agree - My trolley & cart bag were packed away for the winter weeks ago. StaDry 4+ stand bag and the bare necessities are my favourite at any time of year. It weighs very little, easily packed into the back of the car - great for an early morning round or a few holes in the evening - open the boot and you're ready to go. I carry whenever I can.... and it's quicker too. Bit wet in the UK for a pencil bag!
    JT
  28. Robert J

    Robert J
    Grafton, Oh

    Military
    I started walking again a few years ago, I missed it, used to walk all the time when I was younger. I find walking helps me relax, not rush the round, and really enjoy each hole. I have become healthier and lost some weight, which is always a good thing. I recently got the 2020 Carbon stand bag, excellent carry bag, very light and easy to use.
  29. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    Robert J said:

    I started walking again a few years ago, I missed it, used to walk all the time when I was younger. I find walking helps me relax, not rush the round, and really enjoy each hole. I have become healthier and lost some weight, which is always a good thing. I recently got the 2020 Carbon stand bag, excellent carry bag, very light and easy to use.

    "I recently got the 2020 Carbon stand bag, excellent carry bag, very light and easy to use."

    Robert J,
    That is an awesome bag! I got my son that bag a month ago and he loves it!
  30. JAM

    JAM

    I have always walked and like any other activity you need to do a little training in the off season so you are ready to go come spring. I have the 2020 Titleist sunday bag and carry nine clubs. I always have a great day. If the golf is not to my liking, I aways get a great workout. I am 77 year old. Give it a try.
  31. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    JAM said:

    I have always walked and like any other activity you need to do a little training in the off season so you are ready to go come spring. I have the 2020 Titleist sunday bag and carry nine clubs. I always have a great day. If the golf is not to my liking, I aways get a great workout. I am 77 year old. Give it a try.

    I just love your enthusiasm, sir!
    Thank you
  32. I also love to walk. It is a totally different golf experience compared to riding a cart.

    Like many of you, I don't carry my clubs much any more to protect the back. I recently upgraded from an old 2-wheel pull cart to a 3-wheel push cart that I love. Now I'm thinking I should upgrade the bag to one that will fit more easily. I have a stand bag which works fine, but it doesn't sit as comfortably on the push cart as I'd like.
  33. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    BCarroll, That's fabulous. See if you can go to a big box store and try a Titleist bag on the type of cart you have.
    Good luck!
  34. John B

    John B
    Kenmore, NY

    I'm 59 and the carbon 4 has allowed me to carry again - it's the perfect carry bag!!!
  35. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    John B said:

    I'm 59 and the carbon 4 has allowed me to carry again - it's the perfect carry bag!!!

    Great bag!!
  36. Pabby91

    Pabby91
    Scotland, UK

    I've always carried my bag, I had a brief fling with the idea of buying the new midsize jet black bag and going for the whole electric trolley experience. In the end I went for the premium stand bag, there's just something about carrying as many have said, can really take in the surroundings and appreciate the course design better especially since my home club is a Scottish links there are some fantastic views being right on the coast.

    The climb from the 8th hole to the 9th tee was described by a visitor on trip advisor as 'scaling Mt Everest' and I usually have to wait a few moments to catch my breath before teeing off. That said carrying just makes the rounds feel more special to me.
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