I oppose the three-cart golf rule implemented last year on Sun City golf courses. I would prefer going back to five carts.
I believe this rule change was enacted with the thought that fewer carts traveling on the surface reduces wear on the course. I disagree and question the statements made in the 12/16/2023 handout, Golf Cart Impact on Turf, presented in defense of the three-cart rule.
Heavier carts create compacted soils and subsidence faster, denser and deeper than lighter carts, and contribute to excessive wear on fairways and rough by this added compaction, not frequency.
This added weight has the potential to further reduce the effectiveness of fairway verticutting, aeration and water penetration and increases the time it takes to play a round of golf! The argument that fewer carts traveling on the surface is beneficial in comparison is also negated by the 90-degree rule requiring player(s) to travel back to the cart path before proceeding to the next player’s ball unless it is immediately adjacent to the other. Where is the reduction on the surface? The cart path?
The statement on page 3 of the handout regarding “The cumulative effect on RCSC courses increases by 40% when five carts are used versus three” seems inaccurate as you have riders doubled up, making the carts heavier by nearly 20%, traveling in most instances the same area. Additionally, it states on page 3 and 4 that “A single golf cart driving down a fairway has little to no effect on turf health or playing conditions.” I would agree it has little effect, but heavier carts increase the probability of damage.
Since the rule took effect, the areas around the cart paths haven’t improved. They are still in disrepair, except where man-made barriers are in place. The fairways and roughs are definitely worse, and are a more important part of the game than a rut next to the path. Compaction appears to be taking a larger toll than frequency and is money out of our pocket!
My discussions with other members have led to one conclusion — we have not played as many rounds because of the three-cart rule. We like the accelerated play when five carts are used and prefer this to slower play and back and forth movement when doubled up. If we know we will have to partner, sometimes we pass on playing.
My observation is based on 50-plus years of experience in local farming, geotechnical engineering and heavy civil construction. Also, as an Arizona native and a six-year Sun City resident and golfer.
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