Golf carts are simultaneously one of the best and worst things about modern golf. They make the game accessible to people who can’t walk 18 holes, speed up play when used correctly, and provide convenience. They’re also driven by people who somehow leave their common sense in the car park. Here’s what you need to know.

The 90-degree rule exists for a reason. When signs say “90-degree rule in effect,” it means you drive down the cart path until level with your ball, turn 90 degrees onto the fairway, drive directly to your ball, then return to the path via the same route. Not a scenic tour of the fairway. Not cutting across to your mate’s ball on the other side. Straight out, straight back.

Fairway damage from carts is a massive issue, especially after rain or in summer heat when the grass is stressed. If the course is soft, keep carts on paths entirely unless explicitly told otherwise. That slight convenience you gain by driving on wet fairways causes weeks of recovery time and thousands in maintenance costs. It’s selfish and unnecessary.

Cart path only means cart path only. Not “cart path mostly with occasional fairway excursions.” Not “cart path only unless I can’t be bothered walking an extra 20 meters.” The rule exists to protect the course, and violating it because you’re lazy is poor form. If walking from the path to your ball is too difficult, you shouldn’t be playing golf.

Parking position matters enormously for pace of play. Park on the side of the green closest to the next tee, not wherever you happen to exit the green. This saves everyone time and keeps the flow moving. I’ve watched groups park on the wrong side, then realize they need to walk back past the green to reach the next tee. It’s maddening to watch.

Don’t drive right up to greens or tees. Keep carts at least 10 meters away from putting surfaces and teeing grounds. These areas are the most maintained parts of the course and the most susceptible to damage. Driving too close compacts soil, damages turf, and creates unnecessary wear patterns.

Speed matters, but not how you think. Drive efficiently, not recklessly. Getting to your ball quickly is good. Driving like you’re in a rally race, cutting corners tight, and generally acting like an idiot is bad. Most cart accidents happen because someone’s being aggressive or inattentive, not because they were driving too slowly.

When sharing a cart, there’s an unspoken etiquette about whose ball you visit first. Generally, you go to the ball that’s furthest from the hole first, allowing that player to hit while you proceed to the closer ball. This keeps things moving. What you don’t do is visit the closer ball first, making everyone wait while you then backtrack.

Don’t leave your playing partner stranded. If you’re sharing a cart and you reach your ball first, take the clubs you need but don’t drive off immediately unless your partner indicates they’ll walk. Nobody enjoys sprinting after a cart because their partner drove away while they were checking yardage.

Cart beverage holders aren’t bins. Take your empty bottles and cans with you. Leaving trash in carts is lazy and disrespectful to the course staff who clean them. Same goes for banana peels, sandwich wrappers, and whatever else you’ve consumed during the round. There’s always a bin near the 18th green or clubhouse.

Phone usage in carts creates its own set of problems. If you must take a call, let your partner know you’ll catch up, and don’t hold up play. I’ve been stuck behind groups where someone’s having an extended conversation while their partners wait awkwardly. It’s inconsiderate to everyone involved.

Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t park in someone’s line of sight when they’re hitting. Don’t drive between groups playing adjacent holes. Don’t position yourself where an errant shot could hit the cart. Basic spatial awareness prevents most cart-related irritations and dangers.

Battery-powered carts need special consideration. Know where you stand with battery life, especially on hot days when you’ve got lights and GPS running. Running out of battery on the back nine and needing rescue is embarrassing and delays everyone behind you. If the battery indicator is low, drive conservatively and minimize unnecessary trips.

Some courses have specific local rules about cart usage based on course design. Maybe certain holes require path-only. Maybe there’s a restricted area around a sensitive environmental zone. Pay attention to signage and follow the rules, even if you think they’re overcautious.

The relationship between cart usage and pace of play is complex. Carts should speed things up, but often they don’t because people use them inefficiently. Take multiple clubs when you walk to your ball. Don’t drive back to the cart for a different club. Think ahead about what you’ll need.

Finally, return carts properly. Park them in designated areas, plug them in if they’re electric, and remove all your belongings. Leaving carts randomly around the car park or forgetting to plug them in creates extra work for staff who are already busy. It takes 30 seconds to do it properly.

Golf carts are tools for enjoying the game more comfortably and efficiently. Used well, they’re fantastic. Used poorly, they damage courses, slow play, and annoy everyone around you. The rules aren’t complicated—just drive with some awareness and consideration for the course and other players. That’s literally all it takes.