Golf Carts, Buggies and Caddies: Rules and Etiquette

Yes — you may use a trolley, electric buggy, or motorised cart unless the course's Local Rules say otherwise, and a caddie's mistakes are your penalties (Rule 10.3c). The course sets cart paths, 90-degree rules, or no-cart zones; you're responsible for any damage or interference your equipment causes.

Golf trolleys (push carts)

The golf trolley — whether manual or electric — is the most common way to carry a bag. Usage rules are set by each course through their Local Rules.

Manual trolleys

Generally permitted at all courses. The player is responsible for ensuring the trolley doesn't interfere with other players' balls or damage the course. Common rules:

• Don't take the trolley onto the putting green surface or into areas marked "no trolleys"
• Park the trolley away from the natural fall line of other players' shots

Electric push trolleys (remote-controlled)

Increasingly common. The same distance-from-green rules apply. In soft soil conditions or after heavy rain, the course may restrict electric trolleys in certain areas to protect the turf.

Rules responsibility

If your ball in play strikes your own trolley, it's a 1-stroke penalty (Rule 9.4b if the ball was at rest, Rule 11.1 if it was in motion). If it strikes another player's trolley, there is no penalty — the trolley is part of that player's equipment.

Buggies (motorised golf carts)

Buggies (seated golf carts) are available at many courses, typically for hire. The course establishes usage conditions through Local Rules. Key points:

Path and routing rules

Courses with buggies typically have marked paths or terrain usage rules:

• Cart path only: the buggy must travel only on marked paths
• 90-degree rule: the buggy travels along the path to a point level with the ball, then drives at a right angle onto the fairway (to play the shot only, then returns to the path)
• Unrestricted: the course allows buggies to travel freely on the fairway (common at courses with dry, compact soil)

Safe distances from the green

Buggies should never approach the putting green area (courses typically mark minimum distances). This is one of the most important rules — buggy tyres on soft soil near the green cause damage that takes weeks to repair.

Time efficiency when sharing a buggy

If you share a buggy with another player, save time by dropping each other near the respective ball before going to your own. Always going to the driver's ball first doubles the journeys and slows down the group. Forward-thinking clubs are now affixing QR stickers to buggy dashboards so players can scan for instant rule guidance — a deployment model covered by Lazar's B2B programme for golf courses — removing the need to stop and call the pro shop whenever a rules question comes up mid-round.

Caddies: rules and responsibilities

A caddie is any person who carries or handles a player's bag and may offer advice. Rule 10.3 specifically governs the caddie's role.

What a caddie can do

• Carry or move the bag
• Search for the player's ball
• Give information and advice (distances, wind conditions, green reading)
• Attend or remove the flagstick
• Lift or mark the player's ball on the putting green
• Clean the player's ball

What a caddie CANNOT do without explicit permission

• Touch the player's ball on the course (except on the green with permission)
• Declare or make a Rules decision on the player's behalf
• Seek advice from another person about strategy or Rules for the player (the caddie can ask, but the decision is always the player's)

Caddie breaches = player breaches

This is the most important rule: any breach committed by the caddie is applied to the player (Rule 10.3c). If the caddie accidentally moves the ball, the player receives the penalty. If the caddie gives impermissible advice, the player is responsible.

One caddie per player rule

A player may only have one caddie at any given time. If a player has more than one caddie simultaneously, they receive a 2-stroke penalty (stroke play) or loss of hole (match play) for each hole where the breach applies.

Etiquette with a caddie

In amateur golf with a caddie (common at major clubs and resorts):

• The caddie is not a servant — they are an adviser. Listen to their input and acknowledge their contributions
• If the caddie makes an error (accidentally moves a ball, gives incorrect information), the player assumes responsibility without needing to deliver public criticism
• At the end of the round, tipping the caddie is customary at clubs with professional caddies — ask in the pro shop what the going rate is at that course

Pace of play with carts and buggies

Sharing a buggy shouldn't slow you down. Drop your partner at their ball, then drive to yours — don't both ride to one ball then the other. On cart-path-only days, walk from the path to your ball with a few clubs instead of waiting for the driver. If you're using a push trolley, park it on the exit side of the green so you're not backtracking. These habits keep the group moving and avoid the 'slow play' talk at the turn.

Keep reading: Ready Golf · honour and plays first from the tee

FAQ

What happens if my ball hits my own trolley or cart?

You take a 1-stroke penalty and play the ball as it lies (Rule 9.4b if the ball was at rest, Rule 11.1 if it was in motion). If your ball hits another player's trolley or cart, there is no penalty — you play it as it lies.

Can a course ban buggies or trolleys completely?

Yes. The course sets Local Rules that may restrict or prohibit trolleys, electric buggies, or motorised carts in certain areas or entirely — for example, "cart path only" after rain or on specific holes.

Am I penalised if my caddie accidentally moves my ball?

Yes. Any breach by your caddie is your penalty (Rule 10.3c). If your caddie moves your ball at rest, you get a 1-stroke penalty and must replace the ball.

How many caddies can I have at once?

One. Having more than one caddie at the same time costs a 2-stroke penalty per hole in stroke play, or loss of hole in match play (Rule 10.3a).

Can my caddie line up my putt or stand behind me while I putt?

Your caddie may not stand on or close to the line of play behind the ball while you make a stroke (Rule 10.2b). They can read the green and give advice before you address the ball, but must move away before you putt.

What's the 90-degree rule for golf carts?

Drive on the cart path until you're level with your ball, then turn at a right angle onto the fairway. Play your shot, then return straight back to the path. Don't cruise the fairway — it tears up turf, especially when wet.

Can I take an electric trolley onto the green?

No. Never take any trolley — manual or electric — onto the putting surface. Park it on the fringe or designated trolley area off the green. Tyres and wheels damage the putting surface and leave marks that affect everyone's putts.

Does a caddie's advice penalty apply in match play?

Yes. If your caddie gives advice that breaks Rule 10.2 (like lining you up on the putt), you lose the hole in match play. In stroke play it's a 2-stroke penalty. The player always owns the caddie's breaches (Rule 10.3c).