From the 90-degree rule to parking near the green
| Situation | Rule in effect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Wet or soft fairways | Cart path only | Carry 2–3 clubs, walk to ball |
| Firm, dry fairways | 90-degree rule or unrestricted | Drive straight from path, 90° to ball |
| Approaching the green | All conditions | Park behind the green, near next tee |
| Bunker nearby | All conditions | Stay 30+ feet away, walk in |
| Teeing off | All conditions | Keep cart on path, off tee surface |
| Slope or hill | All conditions | Slow down, engage park brake when stopped |
| Maintenance areas / GUR | All conditions | Treat like rough — stay out |
Cart rules change daily based on turf conditions. Three common modes: cart path only (stay on paved path the whole hole), 90-degree rule (fairway access allowed with restrictions), or unrestricted. Always ask at check-in.
Under the 90-degree rule you can drive onto the fairway — but you must exit the cart path driving straight forward, turn 90 degrees toward your ball, take your shot, then return 90 degrees back to the path. No joyriding across the fairway.
On "cart path only" days the cart never leaves the paved surface. Grab two or three clubs before you walk (including options for different distances), then walk back to the cart when you're done. This slows pace less than you think.
Never drive up to the front or side of a green — the ground around the green is fragile. Park behind the green, on the path closest to the next tee. On the tee box, keep the cart on the cart path or clearly off the tee surface.
Drop your playing partner off at their ball first, then drive to yours. Keep the cart 30 feet from bunkers, greens, and tee markers. Secure loose items before driving. Always engage the park brake on slopes. Respect 150-yard stakes and sprinkler heads as markers for your approach — the cart should not be between them and the green.
The 90-degree rule means you can drive from the cart path onto the fairway at a 90-degree angle to reach your ball, play your shot, then return at 90 degrees back to the cart path. You may not drive the cart laterally along the fairway.
"Cart path only" means the golf cart must remain on the designated paved cart paths at all times during the round. Players walk from the path to their balls. Courses enforce this on soft or wet turf to prevent damage to the fairways.
Only when the course specifically allows it. Many courses default to "cart path only" year-round; others allow fairway driving in dry conditions under the 90-degree rule. The signage at the first tee or pro shop will tell you the day's rule.
Always park behind the green, between the green and the next tee. Never park in front of or beside the green, where you will have to walk across or around the putting surface and potentially damage fragile fringe turf.
Most golf cart top speeds are 12–15 mph and courses expect you to drive at a walking-to-jogging pace in most areas. Slow down significantly on hills, around other players, and near the greens. Always yield to players on the green.
Yes — private and resort courses sometimes mandate carts (usually to boost revenue and speed up pace). Walking-friendly courses (links-style, public munis) often allow or encourage walking. Call ahead if walking is important to you.
Wet or frozen turf almost always triggers mandatory "cart path only" restrictions to prevent ruts and turf damage. In extreme conditions, cart rentals may be suspended entirely. These decisions are made by the head groundskeeper that morning.
Yes, and most courses welcome them with no restrictions. A push cart (3-wheel manual) or motorized trolley stays much lighter than a riding cart and can often go places riding carts cannot. Some private clubs restrict trolleys near greens — ask first.