Golf Carts, Buggies and Caddies: Rules and Etiquette
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 the ball in play strikes the player's own trolley, there is a 1-stroke penalty (Rule 9.4b or 11.1, depending on whether the ball was at rest or in motion). If it strikes another player's trolley, there is generally no penalty. The trolley is considered part of the equipment of the player who owns it.
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.
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