Cart path only means that golf carts can be driven only on cart paths.
In other words, DO NOT drive on ANY grass.
Why Do Courses Use Cart Path Only?
Most courses utilize a cart path-only policy only when necessary.
Typically, a course will implement the 90 degree rule instead of the cart path only rule if possible.
But sometimes, course conditions necessitate the cart path only rule.
Reasons Why A Course Might Implement Cart Path Only
Wet Conditions
Driving a golf cart on the grass after heavy rain can wreak havoc on a golf course.
Carts can severely compact the soil and/or leave ruts on the grass when the grass is very wet.
This can be very time-consuming and costly to repair.
Dry Conditions
When conditions are very dry, the grass can wear away and be quickly damaged by carts driving over it.
Like with very wet conditions, there is the potential for cart traffic to seriously damage the turf, causing long-lasting damage that can be very difficult to fix.
Cold Conditions
Very cold conditions can sometimes lead course superintendents to institute the cart path-only rule to protect the grass.
The reasoning is similar to why very dry conditions can lead to cart path-only rules: The grass is growing very slowly or not at all, and cart traffic can quickly destroy the grass.
Maintenance
Sometimes courses will utilize a cart path-only policy for a brief period after maintenance, such as overseeding or ground repair.
Occasionally you might see a cart path-only sign on a particular hole or an area of a hole in order to protect a part of the course that has been reseeded or recently repaired.
Par 3’s
On most courses, par 3’s are always cart paths only.
A cart should never be driven on the grass on a par 3, regardless of course conditions or what is allowed on other holes.
Unless told explicitly that you can drive your cart on the grass on a par 3, assume that you can’t.
Course Specific Reasons
Some courses always require carts to be driven only on the cart paths.
This is typically seen in desert area courses where it is very hot and dry, and the grass is highly susceptible to damage from golf carts.
Related: What Are Winter Rules In Golf?
What It Means For Your Round
First of all, the superintendent has a very good reason for implementing the cart path-only rule, and it is not to try to annoy you or ruin your round.
But yes, it can be annoying, particularly if you don’t hit many fairways.
Yes, it might make your round slightly longer.
And yes, it may force you to get some exercise.
If allowed, walking the course with a pushcart is an excellent option when cart path only is enforced.
If you do take a cart, take several clubs with you when you walk to your ball so you don’t have to make multiple trips.
Lastly, don’t be that guy that ignores the rule and causes long-lasting damage to the course.
How Long Do Courses Keep The Cart Path Only Rule In Place?
Generally, for as short a time as possible.
Sometimes, it may only be for one day due to weather conditions such as heavy recent rain.
Other times, like in rainy climates like the Pacific Northwest, cart path only may be enforced for weeks or even months at a time.
Superintendents will try to switch to a 90 degree rule as soon as possible or may just use cart path only on certain holes that warrant it.
Course superintendents understand that the cart path only rule is a significant inconvenience for many golfers and will do everything they can to drop the rule as soon as possible.
Related: 90-Degree Rule in Golf