When you’re deciding between walking or riding for your next round of golf, the choice can make a big difference, not just for your scorecard, but for your health. A recent study found that golfers who walk with a push cart burn 36% more calories per hour than those who ride in a cart, and the gap only widens over 18 holes. Beyond calories, walkers see higher heart rates, spend more time in fat‑burning zones and even report better focus on the course. So, if you’ve been thinking about trading the driver’s seat for a push cart, here’s what you need to know about the real health (and performance) benefits of walking the course.
How the Research Measured Walking vs. Riding
The study, conducted in partnership by the Colorado Golf Association and renowned exercise physiologist Neil Wolkodoff, captured the energy expenditure of golfers using a VO2 device and mask. Ten golfers were sent out onto the course to play three separate nine-hole rounds: one with a push cart, one with an electric push cart and one with a riding cart.
The VO2 mask measured health stats like calories burned and heart rate/intensity, while information such as mental focus and scores were also recorded. This study was unique in the way it tracked this information outside in real golf situations, rather than indoors on a treadmill, like other studies have done in the past. This provided a new, more accurate perspective on the study.
Calories Burned: Walking with a Push Cart vs. Riding
The results were clear: walking with a push cart burned about 36% more calories per hour than riding in a motorized cart. That difference may not sound huge at first, but stretched over 18 holes it really adds up. While the exact number of calories burned depends on factors like pace, terrain and your body weight, walkers consistently expended significantly more energy throughout the round.
Older studies have shown similar trends, with golfers burning roughly 700+ calories walking nine holes with a push cart compared to just over 400 when riding.
The takeaway is simple—if you’re looking to turn your round into a meaningful workout, grabbing a push cart instead of the keys to a golf cart is an easy way to do it, and you’ll also spend more time in fat‑burning heart‑rate zones while you play.
Mental focus and scoring benefits
Burning more calories isn’t the only upside to walking with a push cart—there’s also evidence it can help your game.
The same study measured golfers’ self‑reported mental focus and their scores to par across the three modes. Walkers consistently rated their focus higher than riders, and their scores were slightly better as well.
In fact, average focus scores were lowest when riding, climbed when using a push cart and were highest with an electric push cart. The differences in scoring weren’t massive, but even a stroke or two can add up over a full round. Researchers believe the steady pace of walking and the extra time between shots may help players stay more engaged and make better decisions.
Pushing vs. Carrying: What’s better for your body?
When it comes down to the science, pushing and carrying burn about the same amount of calories over the course of a round. But anyone who’s ever carried their bag for 18 holes knows how much stress it can put on your back, shoulders and hips—especially on hilly courses or in warm weather. That extra weight can also lead to fatigue later in the round, which may impact your swing and focus.
Pushing a cart significantly reduces the weight load on your body and eliminates much of the repetitive strain that comes from hoisting and setting your bag down hole after hole. This allows you to keep moving comfortably, maintain better posture and keep your muscles loose and ready for your next shot without overworking them.
The bottom line: if you want the calorie burn and health benefits of walking without the wear‑and‑tear, a push cart is the clear choice.
When Riding Still Makes Sense (and How to Move More If You Ride)
Walking with a push cart isn’t always practical. Extreme heat, time constraints, medical or rehab needs or very hilly layouts can make riding a more ideal option for the day. And that’s okay! You’ll still burn around 400+ calories for nine holes when riding, according to Wolkodoff’s older studies.
If you do need to ride, there are ways to keep yourself moving. Park on the path and walk to every ball, use downtime to pace your putts while your partners play and consider a 15‑minute warm‑up or cool‑down walk before or after the round. These small tweaks can help you get more steps and calorie burn out of your day, even from the cart seat.
Gear Guide: Choosing the Right Push Cart
If you’re ready to start walking more, the right push cart makes a huge difference in how easy (and enjoyable) it feels. Look for features that fit your needs: auto‑open convenience, a compact fold for your car trunk, plenty of storage for gear and strong stability on hills. Accessories like an umbrella holder, cart seat and even a removable cooler can make walking feel seamless.
LINK: Choosing the Right Push Cart for Your Game
Push cart models like the Nitron (auto‑opening), the Volt (electric push cart = best of both worlds) or the Quad Pro (lightweight and compact) are excellent examples, and you can explore even more options in our push cart collection. No matter which one you choose, the right cart will keep you comfortable and organized so walking becomes your go‑to choice on the course.
LINK: What to Look for in a Golf Push Cart (From A Company That Makes Them)
Conclusion
Walking with a push cart is one of the simplest ways to turn your round of golf into a full‑body workout. You’ll burn significantly more calories, spend more time in fat‑burning heart‑rate zones and may even see a boost in focus and scoring. And with the right gear, it’s easier than ever to make walking a regular part of your game. Whether you walk every time you play or mix in a few rides when conditions call for it, being intentional about how you move on the course will pay off for your health and your golf game over time.
