How to Drive a Golf Cart

Updated November 9, 2021
two golfers driving golf cart
  • DESCRIPTION
    Two people in golf cart with clubs
  • SOURCE
    Jordan Siemens/Digital Vision
  • PERMISSION
    Getty Images License
You don't see the pros use them, but then again you don't see the pros carry their own clubs either. A golf cart can help you get around the links without dropping from exhaustion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy
  1. Locate your cart. Generally, when you pay your green fees, they'll give you a key with a number on it. This number corresponds with a number that generally is affixed to the back or side of the cart.
  2. Put in the key and turn it on. Starting a golf cart is pretty much the same as starting a car, except when you turn the key all the way to the right, you won't hear an engine. Golf carts engines don't actually spring to life until you hit the gas pedal. If you can't find the key hole, look to the right and down from the steering wheel.
  3. Give it some gas once you've turned the key all the way to the right. Golf carts have two different types of power: gas and electric. They're both fairly silent and work pretty much the same. You have to give them gas to tell they are even on, but there's one slight difference. A gas-powered cart tends to have a little more jump when you initially take off.
  4. Find forward and reverse. If the golf cart starts beeping the minute you turn the key to the right, it's in reverse. To switch between forward and reverse, you need to locate the switch which is generally down the front side of the seat between the driver's and the passenger's lower legs. It can be a large handle that flips right or left, depending on which direction you want to go in, or it can be a switch that you push to one side or the other.
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Tips & Warnings

  • Golf carts are not meant to be used for off-road travel. Pay attention to where you are going. Obey all course signage regarding carts. Most course will not let you pull the cart up by the green.
  • Golf carts are not meant to be used for off-road travel. Pay attention to where you are going.
  • Obey all course signage regarding carts. Most course will not let you pull the cart up by the green.