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Why Distance Control Matters More Than Direction on Approach Shots

Photo by Lo Sarno on Unsplash Statistical analysis of amateur golf performance consistently reveals a counterintuitive finding: distance control errors on approach shots cost recreational golfers more strokes than directional errors, even though most golfers practice and worry about direction far more. The Statistical Pattern Shot-tracking data from systems used across recreational and competitive golf shows that amateur golfers are typically far more likely to miss an approach shot short or long of their intended distance than they are to miss significantly left or right of their intended line. A shot that's 15 yards short or long frequently finds trouble — a bunker, water, or simply a much longer subsequent putt — in a way that a shot 10 yards left or right of the pin, but still on the green, does not. Why This Happens Directional misses are usually caused by face-to-path errors, covered in our ball flight laws article , which tend to be relatively consistent for an individual g...

Golf Cart vs Walking: Costs, Benefits and Which Is Better for Your Game

bird's eye photo of grass field
Photo by Allan Nygren on Unsplash

The cart vs walking debate affects cost, health, and arguably your score. Here is the complete breakdown.

The Cost

Cart fees run $15-$25/round — $750-$1,250 annually at 50 rounds/year, $7,500-$12,500 over a decade. Push carts cost $50-$300 once; electric push carts $500-$1,500.

Health Benefits

A round involves roughly five miles of walking. Walkers burn more calories, maintain better cardiovascular fitness, and often score better through improved course management thinking during the extra time between shots.

When Riding Makes Sense

Hilly courses that mandate carts, physical limitations, extreme heat, or time constraints.

The Game Argument

Walking produces consistent preparation time between shots. Cart golf's variable pace can disrupt pre-shot routines.

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