Golf buggies – we love ‘em, and they’re the perfect way to keep senior golfers playing the game they love for longer. Golf buggies, whether ride-on or walker, relieve the strain on your back, shoulders, neck, wrists and arms caused by carrying your bag around, and help prevent overuse and injury. As well, the use of a golf buggy allows you to save your strength for where it really matters – hitting your shots. So, it’s fair to say that golf buggies make the game more enjoyable and accessible, particularly for golfers with mobility limitations. But speaking of limitations, there are rules surrounding where you can and can’t take your golf buggy. Although golf buggies provide a host of wonderful benefits, you can’t actually take them everywhere with you on a golf course – and you’re limited in where you can take one outside the golf course, too. Let’s have a look at exactly where you can and can’t take your golf buggy, both on and off the course.
Where can I take my golf buggy on a golf course?
You can drive (or pull) your golf buggy on paths, fairways and designated areas within a golf course. On most courses, designated paths are usually paved or well-maintained specifically for the use of golf buggies, meaning buggies are unlikely to damage these areas.
Similarly, driving on fairways is generally permitted on most courses and in most circumstances. Exceptions might include very wet conditions, where excessive use of golf buggies may damage the grass. It’s important to remember though that different courses may have different rules and regulations that apply, and may impose additional restrictions on protected areas where golf buggies are prohibited. Make sure you know the specific rules at each course you play, and stick to any course-specific rules or restrictions.
It’s usually also acceptable to drive your buggy through light rough areas, but best to avoid driving through heavy or dense rough areas.
When driving around a golf course, drive carefully and responsibly, and avoid sharp turns at high speeds. Always drive slowly, and brake slowly as well, especially on downhill areas.
Where can’t I take my buggy on a golf course?
Generally speaking, golf buggies should be kept away from any bunkers, tees, greens or any other areas marked as protected or damaged. Driving close to bunkers, greens or tees will create worn tracks in the grass that may affect ball movement. These areas are particularly sensitive and can be easily damaged by continual buggy traffic.
Protected or damaged areas are absolutely off-limits to golf buggies, whether walker or ride-on. You should also avoid driving a buggy in wet or muddy areas, as this can cause significant damage. And as mentioned above, keep your buggy well away from dense rough areas, as buggies can cause enormous amounts of damage to the turf, due to their weight and the potential for churning up the surface. Driving in the rough can lead to uneven playing surfaces, impacting the play of other golfers and potentially causing unfair advantages or disadvantages. As well, deep rough areas can be uneven and unpredictable, making it risky to drive a buggy there and potentially leading to injuries or accidents.
Driving in these areas is generally considered very poor golf etiquette, and is disrespectful both to the course, and to other golfers. Golf courses have designated buggy paths and buggy restrictions to protect specific areas, and it’s important to respect their requirements.
Where can I take my golf buggy outside a golf course?
In Australia, golf buggies are generally not allowed to be driven on public roads, but can only be used in specific locations, like golf courses, some resort areas, some retirement villages or private property such as a large estate or farm. This is because golf buggies don’t meet the necessary safety standards and requirements for roadworthy vehicles in Australia, so shouldn’t usually be driven on roads.
Some exceptions include places such as Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island on the Gold Coast, where golf buggies are commonly used within the resort area; and Lord Howe Island, where golf buggies can be conditionally registered for use on public roads and road-related areas. You may also be able to use them at certain special events which have received a permit for their use, such as parades or festivals (often to assist with transporting people in areas where parking is limited). Specific routes and permissions from local authorities are usually required. Golf buggies can also be used on private property (including retirement villages); however, they cannot be used on public roads or footpaths within this private property.
While golf buggies are generally not considered to be road-going vehicles, in some states or territories, you may be permitted to drive your golf buggy on roads in specific circumstances, such as in a car park attached to a golf course, or when crossing a road that runs through a golf course. Regulations on golf buggy use vary significantly between states and territories, however, so it’s important to check the specific laws in your area. In most Australian states, you are required to hold a valid provisional or full drivers’ licence to drive your own golf buggy in a public place; but again, check the registrations in your own state.
So, while golf buggies are primarily designed for use on a golf course, there are certain situations where they can be used outside the confines of a course. Just make sure you comply with all relevant road rules and safety measures, whether driving your golf buggy on or off the course, and you’ll be free to enjoy the ride!
Click here to discover everything you need to know about transporting and storing your golf buggy.
