senior tour carts

Can Senior PGA Players Use a Cart?

Can Senior PGA Players Use A Cart?

The PGA Tour is a prestigious golf tournament that attracts the best players from around the world. But what about senior golfers? Do they have the same privileges as their younger counterparts?

One of the most common questions asked by senior golfers is whether or not they are allowed to use a cart. The answer to this question is not always straightforward.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the rules regarding carts in the PGA Tour and the Senior PGA Tour. We will also discuss the pros and cons of using a cart for senior golfers.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding carts in professional golf. You will also be able to make an informed decision about whether or not a cart is right for you.

History of the Cart Rule

The use of golf carts in professional golf tournaments has been a controversial topic for decades. In the early days of the game, golf was played on courses that were much more difficult than they are today. The fairways were narrower, the rough was thicker, and the greens were smaller. As a result, walking was the only practical way to get around the course.

However, as golf courses began to be built with wider fairways, thicker rough, and larger greens, walking became more difficult and time-consuming. This led to the of golf carts in the 1950s.

At first, golf carts were only allowed on courses that were specifically designed for them. However, as their popularity grew, they began to be used on more and more courses. By the 1970s, golf carts were commonplace on professional golf courses.

In 1971, the PGA Tour adopted a rule that allowed players to use golf carts during tournaments. However, the rule stipulated that players could only use carts if they were over the age of 50. This rule was met with some controversy, as it was seen as giving older players an unfair advantage.

In 1981, the PGA Tour changed the rule to allow all players to use golf carts during tournaments. This change was made in an effort to speed up play and make the game more enjoyable for spectators.

The use of golf carts in professional golf tournaments has continued to be a controversial topic. Some people believe that carts give older players an unfair advantage, while others believe that they make the game more enjoyable for spectators. However, the use of golf carts is now firmly established in professional golf, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Arguments for and Against the Cart Rule

There are a number of arguments for and against the cart rule in professional golf.

Arguments for the Cart Rule

Golf carts can help to speed up play. This is especially important on courses that are long and difficult.
Golf carts can make the game more enjoyable for spectators. Spectators can get a better view of the action when players are using carts.
Golf carts can help to reduce injuries. Players who are older or who have injuries may find it easier to play golf when they are using a cart.

Arguments against the Cart Rule

Golf carts can give older players an unfair advantage. Older players can use carts to get around the course faster, which can give them an advantage over younger players who are walking.
Golf carts can damage the course. Golf carts can damage the turf on the fairways and greens.
Golf carts can make the game less challenging. Players who are using carts may not have to exert themselves as much, which can make the game less challenging.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow golf carts in professional golf tournaments is a matter of opinion. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. However, the cart rule is now firmly established in professional golf, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon.

The use of golf carts in professional golf tournaments is a controversial topic that is likely to continue to be debated for years to come. However, the cart rule is now firmly established in professional golf, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon.

3. Current Status of the Cart Rule

The PGA Tour’s cart rule is currently in a state of flux. In 2018, the tour announced that it would be allowing players to use carts on a limited basis, beginning with the 2019 season. However, the rule has been met with some criticism, and it is not yet clear whether it will be permanent.

Under the current rule, players are allowed to use carts only if they have a medical exemption. To qualify for an exemption, players must submit a doctor’s note that states that they have a medical condition that makes it difficult for them to walk the course.

The rule has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it gives an unfair advantage to players who are able to use carts. Others argue that the rule is necessary to protect the health of players who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to walk.

The PGA Tour has not yet announced whether the cart rule will be permanent. However, it is likely that the tour will continue to monitor the rule and make adjustments as needed.

4. Potential Future Changes to the Cart Rule

There are a number of potential future changes to the PGA Tour’s cart rule. These include:

The rule could be expanded to allow more players to use carts. Currently, only players with a medical exemption are allowed to use carts. However, the tour could expand the rule to allow players who are over a certain age or who have certain injuries to use carts.
The rule could be tightened to make it more difficult for players to use carts. Currently, players are allowed to use carts on a limited basis. However, the tour could tighten the rule to make it more difficult for players to use carts, such as by requiring players to walk a certain number of holes or by limiting the amount of time that players can use carts.
The rule could be eliminated altogether. The tour could eliminate the cart rule altogether, allowing all players to use carts. This would likely be the most controversial change, but it could also be the most popular.

It is difficult to say what the future holds for the PGA Tour’s cart rule. However, it is clear that the rule is a complex one with a number of potential implications. The tour will likely continue to monitor the rule and make adjustments as needed.

The PGA Tour’s cart rule is a controversial one with a number of potential implications. The rule has been met with criticism from some quarters, but it is also necessary to protect the health of players who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to walk. The tour will likely continue to monitor the rule and make adjustments as needed.

Answer: Yes, senior PGA players are allowed to use a cart. However, there are some restrictions on when and where they can use a cart.

What are the restrictions on using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour?

Answer: The following are the restrictions on using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour:

Players must be 50 years of age or older to use a cart.
Players must use a cart on all holes that are over 600 yards in length.
Players may use a cart on any hole if they have a doctor’s note stating that they need to use a cart.

Are there any other restrictions on using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour?

Answer: Yes, there are a few other restrictions on using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour:

Players must stay on the cart path at all times.
Players must not drive the cart on the green.
Players must not use the cart to give themselves an advantage.

What are the benefits of using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour?

Answer: There are a few benefits to using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour, including:

It can help players to save energy, which can be important on long courses.
It can help players to stay hydrated, which is important in hot weather.
It can help players to avoid injuries, which can be a concern for older players.

What are the drawbacks of using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour?

Answer: There are a few drawbacks to using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour, including:

It can be more difficult to get a good feel for the course when using a cart.
It can be more difficult to hit accurate shots when using a cart.
It can be more difficult to read greens when using a cart.

Overall, is it a good idea for senior PGA players to use a cart?

Answer: Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a cart is up to the individual player. However, there are a number of factors to consider, including the player’s age, fitness level, and course conditions. If a player is considering using a cart, they should talk to their doctor and their coach to make sure it is the right decision for them.

the use of carts in senior PGA tournaments is a controversial topic. Some players believe that carts give an unfair advantage to older players, while others argue that they allow players to stay on the course longer and enjoy the game more. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow carts is up to the individual tournaments. However, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of carts before making a decision.

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Tiger Watch

Jack Nicklaus gives a strong clue about Tiger Woods playing on the senior tour

Tiger Woods used a cart with his son Charlie during the 2022 PNC Championship.

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It has been one of the better golf barstool debates for a while: Will Tiger Woods play on PGA Tour Champions after he turns 50 in December 2025? I’ve always taken it one step further: Who will play more on the Champions Tour, Woods or Phil Mickelson?

That may be moot if Mickelson never returns from LIV Golf and has no chance to play with the older set. But it’s always been the belief in this corner that Tiger would, if he was physically capable of playing, be more inclined to hang with the older guys because he was, frankly, more popular among them and is more of a locker room guy than Phil. Beyond that, it’s always seemed like Mickelson would become more easily bored, though he certainly enjoyed winning four Champions events in short order once he turned 50.

MORE: Our guide to Tiger Woods' 82 career titles

Tiger’s senior plans have been undefined, but Jack Nicklaus might have provided some pretty strong clues in a podcast chat this week on Nick Faldo’s “Sir Nick Roundtable Chats.”

Faldo and Nicklaus were lamenting Woods’ struggles to walk for long distances in the aftermath of the injuries he suffered in his car accident, and Nicklaus brought up the idea of Tiger using a cart. Any player on the senior tour can use a cart, while regular tour players must apply for that ability if they have a disability.

“I told him, ‘Tiger, you’re eligible to take a cart.’ He says, ‘I’m not going to do that.’ He says, ‘When I get to the senior tour, I will.’”

Faldo followed up with the question we all had: “Oh. He’s actually thinking he would come back out at 50?”

“He wants to play the senior tour,” Nicklaus replied.

“Wow. How about that?” Faldo said.

“Well, he’s a competitor,” Nicklaus said.

“That’s probably a secret,” Faldo said.

Actually, Woods has hinted at playing with the seniors on a couple of occasions. Last December at the PNC Championship, he was asked about using a cart and said, “On the PGA Tour, no. On the sanctioned events where it’s allowed, yes, which is the Champions Tour, PNC, things of that nature.”

It makes a lot of sense. We figure that Woods believes he can tear it up on the Champions and what else is he going to do? His son, Charlie, turned 14 last month and may have some sporting events for Tiger to watch in ’26, but that’s a very brief window. It seems like the 15-time major winner would relish mixing it up and shooting the breeze with his old buddies.

If Woods does play Champions, the circuit figures to get a boost in popularity it has never seen before. And in that, if Mickelson isn’t there, it’ll be sad, because the two rivals embodied the sport’s greatness for 25 years.

‘Total clown show’: Pro sounds off on tour’s golf cart policy

Paul Goydos' since deleted tweet.

@PaulGoydosPGA

Paul Goydos does not like pros using golf carts and he made sure everyone — especially Jay Monahan — knew it Saturday night.

In a tweet — which he later deleted — Goydos posted a photo of several carts in a fairway ahead of him. In the accompanying text he wrote that it was unfair for players to use carts in competition on the PGA Tour Champions . He also took a shot at Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, for not doing something about it.

“I am now a a (sic) competitive disadvantage walking on the @ChampionsTour,” the tweet read. “If the PGA Tour had a commissioner that had an ounce of leadership skills he would ban them( I’m fine with ADA exceptions). It’s a total clown show.”

Carts are allowed on the PGA Tour Champions , with the exception of a few bigger events and the majors, but there are many restrictions regarding their use. For instance, players may not have their bags on their cart and their caddie is not allowed to drive the cart at any point during the round unless specified by tournament officials.

Goydos, not one to shy away from his opinions throughout his career continued defending his position. He replied to at least 32 tweets through Sunday morning.

In one reply, he explained how he has seen players in carts use it to drive ahead and survey the landing area for their next shot before walking to play their ball. The 2022 PGA Tour Champions Player Handbook states “When practical, carts should not be driven past your own ball or that of your playing partner, and should not be parked in close proximity to any ball in play.”

I’ve seen players drive there carts to the green, survey it, then walk back to there ball and play. They leave there carts by the green. Short par 4s — Paul Goydos (@PaulGoydosPGA) May 6, 2023

He also referenced multiple times the lawsuit against the PGA Tour by Casey Martin which allowed him to use a cart in competition under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Goydos said the Tour’s argument was that walking was integral to the game and he agrees with that viewpoint — although if using a cart allows someone with a disability to compete, he supports it.

Still, he claimed most players do not need a cart to compete. The 58-year-old said no players will skip next week’s Regions Tradition, a major on the over-50 circuit, because players can’t take carts in senior majors.

It’s rare you get a group of 3 walkers. Next week is the Regions Tradition, a major, walking only( except ADA exemptions) how many players will skip because they can’t take a cart? ZERO — Paul Goydos (@PaulGoydosPGA) May 6, 2023

Goydos also said that even though he feels it would be advantageous to use a cart and he’s able to do so, he felt it would be hypocritical.

By Sunday morning, Goydos deleted the original tweet, but the replies were still there.

Goydos has two wins on the PGA Tour and six wins on the PGA Tour Champions, the last coming at the 2017 3M Championship. He entered the final round of this week’s Mitsubishi Electric Classic tied for 21st, 11 shots off the lead.

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Jack Hirsh is an assistant editor at GOLF. A Pennsylvania native, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. He was captain of his high school golf team and recently returned to the program to serve as head coach. Jack also still *tries* to remain competitive in local amateurs. Before joining GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a Multimedia Journalist/reporter, but also producing, anchoring and even presenting the weather. He can be reached at [email protected] .

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Tiger Woods told Jack Nicklaus he is going to play on the Champions Tour because they allow golf carts

Jack Nicklaus has revealed that Tiger Woods intends to play on the Champions Tour.
Golf's "senior" tour uses carts, and Woods feels he can compete if he doesn't have to walk.
Woods was forced to withdraw from this year's Masters because of an injury.

Tiger Woods was forced to withdraw from this year's Masters because of a lingering injury with 30 holes still to play.

We may never see Woods play full-time golf again, but there is growing hope that we will see a lot more of him in a few years.

On Nick Faldo's podcast , Jack Nicklaus revealed that Woods intends to play on golf's senior tour, PGA Tour Champions, and their rule on golf carts is part of the motivation.

Watch: Tiger Woods has won more money than any other golfer. Here's how he makes and spends his millions.

Main content

Can you use a golf cart on the senior tour?

Answered by Roger Porter

I can use a golf cart on the senior tour. I have been playing on the Champions Tour for a few years now and one of the biggest advantages is that we are allowed to use golf carts during tournaments. This has been a game-changer for many players, including myself.

Walking long distances on the golf course can be physically demanding, especially as we get older. The Champions Tour recognizes this and allows golf carts to be used to alleviate some of the physical strain. This has made it possible for players like me to continue competing at a high level without having to worry about the physical toll of walking the entire course.

The use of golf carts on the senior tour not only helps with fatigue but also allows for quicker pace of play. This is beneficial for both the players and the spectators, as it keeps the game moving along smoothly.

I personally appreciate the option to use a golf cart as it allows me to focus more on my game and less on conserving energy. It has made a noticeable difference in my performance and has allowed me to continue to compete at a high level.

The use of golf carts on the senior tour has been a great addition. It allows players like me to continue playing the game we love without the physical limitations that come with age. It has certainly made the Champions Tour more accessible and enjoyable for many players, including myself.

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Tiger Woods told Jack Nicklaus he is going to play on the Champions Tour because they allow golf carts

Jack Nicklaus has revealed that Tiger Woods intends to play on the Champions Tour.
Golf's "senior" tour uses carts, and Woods feels he can compete if he doesn't have to walk.

We may never see Tiger Woods play full-time golf again, but there is growing hope that we will see a lot more of him in a few years.

On Nick Faldo's podcast , Jack Nicklaus revealed that Woods intends to play on golf's senior tour, PGA Tour Champions, and their rule on golf carts is part of the motivation.

Woods, 47, is not eligible for the Champions Tour for three more years. Woods' longtime rival, Phil Mickelson, has been playing events on the tour and has four wins since turning 50 in 2020.

The Champions Tour has allowed golfers the option of using a cart since 2006 . However, in an interesting twist, carts are still not permitted in their five majors. Since suffering major leg injuries in a car crash , Woods has limited his professional golfing to majors and events he hosts .

Woods has previously hinted at playing on the Champions Tour.

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Tiger Woods Will ‘Love’ To Play In The Seniors – And He’ll Use A Cart

Jack Nicklaus says Tiger Woods has told him he's planning on playing the PGA Tour Champions circuit and will use a cart when he does

Jack Nicklaus says Tiger Woods is eager to play on the PGA Tour Champions circuit once he turns 50 – and could even use a cart to help him get through tournaments with his badly injured leg.

Woods was forced into somewhat of a semi-retirement after his horrific car crash in February 2021, where he'll now just play in a few exhibitions and the odd PGA Tour event alongside the Majors.

Fans and even fellow players have urged Woods to see if he can use a cart to help get around the golf course during tournaments, but that’s something Tiger has so far refused to consider.

That may not always be the case though, as with his half-century fast approaching the great man could be considering getting a set of wheels for a career on the senior circuit.

Nicklaus says that Tiger has told him that he would relish teeing it up on the seniors, with the 82-time PGA Tour winner becoming eligible on his 50th birthday at the end of 2025.

“He’s going to play the Majors, he can actually still hit the ball pretty well, he just can’t walk,” Nicklaus told Sir Nick Faldo’s new podcast Sir Nick’s Round Table Chats on YouTube.

“I told him, I said ‘Tiger you’re eligible to take a cart’, but he said ‘I’m not going to do that, when I get to the senior tour I will.’

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“He’d love to play the senior tour. That’s what I love about Tiger, he’s a competitor, he loves competition.”

The 47-year-old did return to regular PGA Tour action at the Genesis Invitational , which he serves as host, last month and managed to make the cut and play in all four rounds, but it’s clear that will not be a regular occurrence.

Due to the damage to his leg and ankle, Woods will limit himself to the four Majors and just a couple more select events to use as tune-ups if his body allows, and as he said at Riviera he still believes he can challenge for a 16th Major title.

But from what Nicklaus says, Woods has also set his sights on the PGA Tour Champions, where you’d expect him to have a great chance of winning some big events and scratching that competitive itch beyond his 50th birthday.

Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.

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The Champions Tour And Golf Carts

Golf is a walking game.

That’s why I was glad to see that the Champions (Senior) Tour has decided to abandon its policy of allowing players to use electric carts and instead force them to walk.

But several players on the Champions Tour apparently feel that the Tour has gone too far and are preparing to sue for the right to ride. The PGA Tour has been down this road before—in the Casey Martin case, where the Court ruled that Martin should be allowed to ride.

The Champions Tour President, Rick Geoge, says it’s about the image of the Tour. Gary Player, Tom Watson and Hale Irwin back his position. But to me, it’s a much bigger issue than image. It’s a question about the very nature of the game itself. Is golf simply a ball hitting exhibition, or is it an athletic event, where endurance and strength are a part of the game?

There a column on the issue here.

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Inaugural Galleri Classic takeaways: Cigars, carts, great golf and a laid-back vibe

I just took in my first-ever PGA Tour Champions (senior tour) event, the inaugural Galleri Classic in Rancho Mirage, and the vibe was a fun combination of competitive, laid back and friendly.

As a new member of a certain age decade — let's just say that I am now eligible for the senior tour — it was fun to see the golfers who were in my age range. It was a little bit of a time capsule moment for me as every group seemed to feature someone I loved watching when we were both in our 20s: John Daly, Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els and David Duval to name a few. Add in some of the all-time greats in their 60s like Fred Couples and Bernhard Langer and golf fans like me really had to keep our heads on a swivel to see all of our favorites.

Tooling around the grounds this weekend, these were the things that caught my eye:

Cigars and carts

Being a golf reporter in the desert means I've seen a lot of PGA Tour and LPGA Tour competitions, but the senior tour has some specific things you don't see on the other two circuits.

I watched Vijay Singh stripe a perfect drive on the first hole Saturday, his caddie took off down the fairway and Singh made a beeline toward the gallery surrounding the tee box. "Oh, he's going to say hi to a friend or family member," I thought.

Did David Toms leap into Poppie's Pond after Galleri Classic win at Mission Hills?

But Singh ducked under the rope, parted the crowd without saying a word, hopped into a cart and zoomed off toward his ball. Only about 15% of the players in the event used a cart, which is perfectly allowed on the senior tour, but it still caught me off guard. As one member of the gallery quipped as Singh weaved through the crowd, "Vijay's a good driver, both of the golf ball and the cart."

Cigars were quite prevalent. Rocco Mediate, for example, started his round with a big old stogie in his mouth. Mediate stepped up to the first tee, threw the cigar on the ground, hit his drive, picked his cigar back up, tapped off some of the grass and put it back in his mouth. It was a funny visual for me, especially as I imagined, let's say, Lydia Ko or Nelly Korda doing the same thing on the same tee one year ago.

Colored golf balls

I remember in the 1980s that using a colored golf ball was all the rage. A sleeve of those fluorescent yellowish-green balls was a great birthday gift for a 13-year-old me. So much so, that if I came to a hole where I had to go over water, I might switch out my colored ball for a lame-old white one, just in case it got wet. So this weekend definitely brought back the nostalgia. Anyway, you see a lot of them on the senior tour, yellow, orange, pink. Not sure if it's because they all played during that colorful golf ball era or because the colored balls are easier to see for aging eyes. Perhaps less romantically their sponsors are asking them to. Whatever the reason it was noticeable.

Laid-back vibe

It's not a surprise that there is a little more of a laid-back vibe to a senior event than a PGA tournament or an LPGA major, but to see it and be immersed in it was fun. The field is smaller, it's only three days, and the monetary stakes aren't quite as high.

This is not to besmirch the competitive nature of these guys, of course. But I thought about David Toms on the first tee on Sunday. He was the leader, about to start the final round, having slept on the lead. That's usually a recipe for nerves, but Toms, and all these guys have played through almost every scenario in their careers, so almost nothing that happens in a regular senior tour event can rattle them.

A smaller crowd than we're used to at the LPGA event, enjoying perfect weather, going from hole to hole, saying "Go get 'em" to John Daly as he drives by in a cart. That's the vibe, and I can get used to it.

Grail not Galleri

Your first assumption might be that a company called Galleri is the sponsor of this event, but the company is actually called Grail. Galleri is the name of the early-detection cancer screening test they have created, where a simple blood sample can reveal warning signs of up to 50 different types of cancer. All the players were allowed to take the blood test which requires a 10-14 day window for results. Champion David Toms even mentioned it in his final address to the crowd on the 18th green during the trophy ceremony.

"It's been a great week and I hope my test comes back negative," he said to a laugh, before adding "but seriously that's something we all need to do, especially at our age and we really appreciate your involvement."

The combination of the senior tour, the cancer-screening focus and the desert community was an excellent match. There seemed to be a lot more cohesion between all the parties involved out here than the closing years of the ANA and Chevron sponsorship of the desert's LPGA event.

Long putters

I had forgotten about the long-putter since you almost never see them anymore on the PGA or LPGA Tour, but as a card-carrying member of the Bad Back Club, I was happy to see them being employed this week. Vijay Singh, Bernhard Langer and Billy Mayfair were among the men using the extra-long putter this week.

Gallery ebbs and flows

For those wondering about the size of the crowd, my best guess is that it felt to me like it was about 70% as large as a normal crowd for the LPGA event. What was very noticeable, and kind of unusual, is that the crowd on Saturday was much more robust than the crowd on Sunday. Not sure if that's normal for senior tour events, but it was quite a stark difference.

The primary and most important takeaway from the inaugural Galleri Classic is that it's a hit. The field was as strong as any of the major championships played on the senior tour. Players honestly seemed to enjoy it and the small-but-appreciative galleries enjoyed their three days in the idyllic desert weather.

Toms said that this felt like an important event and he's confident that the players who were here will come back and the players who weren't here will find out what it was like and be here next year.

When Toms addressed the crowd after his win, he had a simple message during his thank you speech.

"Most people think we're over the hill, but I think we showed this week that we can still play pretty well out here," he said. "Hope you enjoyed it, hope you had a great time and tell your friends. Bring a friend next year and we'll be back trying to entertain you once again."

Those sound like marching orders from Toms, so be ready in 2024. Next year's Galleri Classic will be back in the desert March 29-31.

Shad Powers is a columnist for The Desert Sun. Reach him at [email protected].

Golf Carts for Seniors: Enhancing Mobility and Independence

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December 8, 2023
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As the population ages, finding ways to maintain independence and mobility becomes increasingly important. Golf carts have emerged as a popular solution, offering seniors a convenient and safe way to navigate their communities. This blog post explores how golf carts are enhancing mobility and independence for seniors.

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The Growing Appeal of Golf Carts for Seniors

Golf carts are no longer confined to the greens and fairways of golf courses. They have become a preferred mode of transportation for many seniors, providing an ideal balance of convenience, safety, and simplicity.

Easy to Operate

Golf carts are known for their ease of operation. With simple controls and automatic transmission, they are much easier to handle than traditional vehicles, making them suitable for seniors who may find larger cars overwhelming.

Enhanced Safety Features

Modern golf carts come equipped with various safety features such as seat belts, windshields, and lights. Some models also include turn signals and mirrors, making them safer for use in community settings.

Perfect for Community Living

For seniors living in retirement communities or gated neighborhoods, golf carts offer the perfect way to get around. They are ideal for short trips to the community center, grocery store, or visiting neighbors.

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Customization for Comfort and Accessibility

One of the significant advantages of golf carts is their ability to be customized to meet individual needs.

Adjustable Seating

Seats can be adjusted for comfort, and additional cushioning can be added to accommodate back support. Swivel seats can also be installed to make getting in and out of the cart easier.

Accessibility Features

For seniors with limited mobility, golf carts can be equipped with ramps and hand controls. These adaptations make golf carts a feasible option for those who might otherwise be unable to drive.

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Social Benefits and Community Engagement

Golf carts can be a social lifeline for seniors. They encourage interaction and participation in community activities, which is vital for mental health and well-being.

Fostering Independence

Having a golf cart allows seniors to travel on their schedule without relying on public transportation or the assistance of others. This independence can significantly improve their quality of life and sense of autonomy.

Promoting Social Interaction

Golf carts make it easier for seniors to visit friends, attend social events, and engage in community activities, which helps combat loneliness and isolation.

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Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Many seniors are conscious of their environmental footprint. Electric golf carts offer a sustainable alternative to gas-powered vehicles, with zero emissions and lower noise pollution.

Lower Operational Costs

Electric golf carts are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective in terms of maintenance and operational costs, which is particularly appealing to seniors on fixed incomes.

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The Role of Golf Carts in Senior Health and Mobility

Regular use of golf carts can positively impact seniors’ health by enabling them to stay active and engaged in their communities.

Encouraging Outdoor Activities

Golf carts provide an easy way for seniors to access outdoor spaces, whether it’s for a round of golf, a visit to the park, or just to enjoy some fresh air.

Reducing Physical Strain

For seniors with physical limitations, golf carts offer a way to move around without the physical strain associated with walking long distances.

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Challenges and Considerations

While golf carts offer many benefits, there are challenges and considerations to keep in mind.

Legal Regulations

Understanding the legalities of golf cart use, which can vary by location, is essential. Some areas have specific age and licensing requirements or restrict golf carts to certain roads.

Safety Training

Seniors should receive proper training on operating a golf cart safely, especially if they plan to use it beyond the confines of a community or private roads.

Golf carts are proving to be a valuable resource for seniors, enhancing their mobility and independence while offering a safe and environmentally friendly transportation option. As more communities embrace golf carts, we can expect to see continued innovation and customization to meet the needs of the aging population.

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Can You Use a Golf Cart in the PGA?

Table of Contents

PGA rules do not allow the USe of golf carts during tournament play.
Golf carts are typically used for transportation on the course, but walking is a fundamental aspect of the game in professional tournaments.
The PGA believes that walking the course provides players with a deeper connection to the game and enhances their overall experience.
Walking also allows players to better read the course, assess conditions, and strategize their shots.
While some players may have physical limitations that make it challenging to walk an entire round, they can request accommodations such as using a pushcart or having a caddie carry their bag.
These accommodations ensure fairness while still allowing players to compete at the highest level.
In certain situations, such as extreme weather conditions or medical emergencies, temporary exceptions may be made for golf cart usage in PGA tournaments.
However, these exceptions are rare and strictly regulated by tournament officials.
the USe of golf carts in professional golf has been a topic of debate, with arguments both for and against their inclusion.

Are you an avid golfer who has ever wondered if you can use a golf cart in the PGA? Well, you’re not alone. Many golf enthusiasts have pondered this question, and today we’re here to shed some light on the matter. Whether you’ve found yourself exhausted after walking hole after hole, or simply curious about the rules surrounding golf carts in professional tournaments, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of PGA regulations and explore whether or not golf carts are permitted on the course. So, grab your clubs and get ready to tee off into this intriguing topic!

Picture this: You’re halfway through a challenging round of golf, your feet ache with every step, and fatigue starts to set in. The thought of hopping onto a convenient golf cart sounds like a dream come true. But wait! Before you start fantasizing about zipping around the fairway with ease, let’s address those lingering doubts. Can you really use a golf cart in the PGA? This burning question has left many golfers searching for answers. Fear not! We’re here to navigate through the maze of rules and regulations to bring you clarity on this contentious issue. Stay tuned as we uncover whether or not professional players are allowed to ride their way to victory and how it impacts the game as a whole.

Golf cart usage in professional golf tournaments has evolved over time. Initially, carts were only used by players with medical conditions. Traditionalists resisted their use, but attitudes gradually shifted as it became clear that carts did not provide significant advantages and advancements in technology minimized disruptions during play.

Evolution of Golf Cart Usage in Professional Golf Tournaments

Golf carts have become a common sight on golf courses around the world, but their usage in professional golf tournaments has evolved over time. In the early days of professional golf, players would walk the entire course without the aid of a cart. However, as the sport grew in popularity and courses became longer and more challenging, the physical demands on players increased.

In response to these demands, golf carts were introduced to professional tournaments to help alleviate some of the physical strain on players. This allowed them to conserve energy and focus on their game. Initially, golf carts were only used by players with specific medical conditions or disabilities that prevented them from walking the course.

Early Resistance to Golf Cart Usage

Despite the benefits that golf carts provided to players, there was initially some resistance to their use in professional tournaments. Traditionalists argued that walking was an integral part of the game and that using a cart went against its spirit and traditions. They believed that walking the course allowed players to experience it fully and make strategic decisions based on their observations.

Furthermore, there were concerns about how golf carts would affect pace of play and disrupt the flow of the game. It was feared that using carts would lead to longer rounds and potentially create unfair advantages for those who could afford caddies or motorized transportation.

Gradual Acceptance and Integration

Over time, however, attitudes towards golf cart usage in professional tournaments began to shift. As more players started using carts due to physical limitations or injuries, it became clear that they did not provide significant advantages over walking. Additionally, advancements in technology allowed for quieter electric carts that minimized disruptions during play.

The PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) gradually accepted and integrated golf carts into their tournaments, but with certain restrictions and guidelines in place. These rules were designed to maintain the integrity of the game while allowing players with legitimate physical limitations to compete on an equal footing.

Listed below are some reasons behind PGA’s prohibition on golf cart usage:

Maintaining the traditional spirit of the game: Walking the course is seen as a fundamental aspect of golf and is believed to enhance the player’s experience and connection with the course.
Pace of play concerns: the USe of golf carts can potentially slow down the pace of play, leading to longer rounds and delays for other players.
Preserving fairness: Allowing unlimited golf cart usage could create disparities between players based on financial resources or caddie availability. Walking ensures a level playing field for all competitors.

Exceptions to the Rule: When Can Golf Carts be Used in the PGA?

While walking remains the standard mode of transportation for professional golfers during tournaments, there are certain exceptions where players are allowed to use golf carts:

Medical Exemptions

The PGA grants medical exemptions to players who have documented medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from walking long distances. This includes individuals with mobility issues, chronic pain conditions, or injuries that make walking difficult or impossible. These exemptions are carefully reviewed and approved by medical professionals in consultation with tournament officials.

Senior Tour Events

The Senior Tour events, which cater specifically to older professional golfers, often allow for greater flexibility in using golf carts. As players age, it becomes more challenging for them to walk long distances without experiencing fatigue or risking injury. Allowing golf carts in these events helps ensure that senior players can continue competing at a high level without compromising their health or performance.

Extreme Weather Conditions

In certain situations where extreme weather conditions pose a safety risk, the PGA may allow players to use golf carts. For example, during lightning storms or heavy rain, walking the course may put players at greater risk of injury. In such cases, temporary exceptions can be made to ensure the well-being of the competitors.

Coping with Physical Limitations: How Do Golfers Overcome Walking Challenges?

Golfers facing physical limitations that prevent them from walking long distances have developed various strategies to overcome these challenges and continue playing at a competitive level:

Hiring Caddies

One common approach is to hire caddies who can carry the golfer’s clubs and provide assistance throughout the round. Caddies not only help alleviate the physical burden of carrying golf bags but also offer valuable insights and advice on club selection, course management, and reading greens.

Using Pushcarts

Pushcarts, also known as pull carts or trolleys, are another popular option for golfers who cannot walk the course but do not qualify for a medical exemption to use a golf cart. These lightweight carts allow players to push their equipment along the fairways and greens while maintaining an element of physical activity.

Adopting Adaptive Equipment

Golfers with specific disabilities or impairments often rely on adaptive equipment to enhance their mobility on the course. This includes specialized golf carts that accommodate wheelchairs or modified clubs designed for individuals with limited hand dexterity or balance issues.

Impact of Walking vs. Using a Golf Cart on Golfer’s Performance and Experience

The choice between walking and using a golf cart can have both physical and psychological impacts on a golfer’s performance and overall experience:

Physical Impacts

Walking the course provides a low-impact form of exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and muscle tone.
Golfers who walk may experience less fatigue and better focus throughout the round, leading to improved shot-making abilities.
However, individuals with physical limitations or injuries may find that using a golf cart allows them to conserve energy and play without discomfort or pain.

Psychological Impacts

Walking the course promotes a deeper connection with nature and the surroundings, allowing golfers to appreciate the aesthetics of the course and make strategic decisions based on their observations.
Some golfers find that walking enhances their mental clarity and helps them stay in the zone by providing time for reflection between shots.
On the other hand, using a golf cart can reduce mental and physical stress, allowing players to focus more on their game rather than physical exertion.

Ongoing Discussions and Debates: Potential Changes to PGA’s Golf Cart Rules

the USe of golf carts in professional tournaments continues to be a topic of discussion among players, officials, and fans. While there are no immediate plans to change the PGA’s rules regarding golf cart usage, some arguments have been made in favor of revisiting these regulations:

Inclusion and Accessibility

Advocates argue that allowing more flexible usage of golf carts could promote inclusivity by accommodating players with various disabilities or medical conditions. This would ensure that talented golfers who face mobility challenges have equal opportunities to compete at the highest level.

Advancements in Technology

The development of advanced golf cart designs, such as lightweight and quiet electric models, has addressed many of the concerns associated with using carts. These technological advancements could potentially mitigate the impact on pace of play, preserve fairness, and reduce any disruptions to the traditional aspects of the game.

Balancing Tradition and Modernization

The debate surrounding golf cart usage revolves around finding a balance between preserving the traditions and spirit of the game while adapting to modern realities. It is important to carefully consider all perspectives and potential implications before making any significant changes to long-standing rules.

The Importance of Golf Carts in the Game

Golf carts have become an integral part of the game, providing players with a convenient mode of transportation around the course. They allow golfers to conserve energy and focus on their shots, especially during long and challenging rounds. Additionally, golf carts assist players with physical limitations or injuries, enabling them to participate fully in the sport. the USe of golf carts has been widely accepted and embraced by both professional and amateur golfers alike.

Advantages of Golf Carts

Golf carts enhance pace of play by reducing walking time between holes.
They provide relief for individuals with physical disabilities or injuries.
Golfers can carry their equipment easily without exerting excessive effort.
Carts offer shelter from inclement weather conditions.

Disadvantages of Golf Carts

Excessive cart traffic can result in wear and tear on the course.
The noise generated by carts can potentially disrupt other players’ concentration.
Some argue that walking the course offers health benefits over using a cart.

While golf carts undeniably bring convenience to the game, there are ongoing discussions and debates regarding potential changes to the PGA’s rules concerning their usage.

Potential Changes Proposed by Advocates

Advocates for change argue that modifying the current rules regarding golf cart usage could promote inclusivity, enhance player experience, and attract more participants to the sport. These proposed changes aim to strike a balance between tradition and modernity while considering factors such as player demographics, accessibility, environmental impact, and overall enjoyment of the game.

Proposed Changes

Allowing golf carts for all players, regardless of age or physical condition.
Implementing designated cart paths to minimize wear and tear on the course.
Encouraging the USe of electric carts to reduce noise and environmental impact.

Potential Benefits of Proposed Changes

Inclusivity: Allowing golf carts for all players ensures that individuals with physical limitations can fully participate in the sport.
Enhanced Player Experience: Improved accessibility can lead to a more enjoyable and comfortable experience on the course.
Environmental Considerations: Transitioning to electric carts would reduce carbon emissions and contribute to sustainable practices within the sport.

It is important to consider these proposed changes while also addressing potential concerns and weighing them against the traditional values of the game. The ongoing discussions reflect a desire to adapt and evolve golf’s rules in order to meet the needs of a diverse range of players.

Counterarguments and Concerns

Opponents argue that altering the existing golf cart rules may compromise certain aspects of the game that have been cherished for generations. They believe that walking the course provides a unique experience, allowing players to connect with nature, appreciate its beauty, and better strategize their shots. Additionally, concerns are raised regarding potential damage caused by increased cart traffic and the potential disruption of tranquility on the course.

Counterarguments Against Proposed Changes

Sacrificing Tradition: Walking has long been an integral part of golf’s history, contributing to its character and challenge.
Course Management: Increased cart usage may lead to excessive wear and tear on delicate areas of the course.
Serenity of Golf Courses: The peaceful ambiance could be disturbed by noise generated from cart traffic.

By acknowledging these counterarguments and concerns, it is evident that the potential changes to the PGA’s golf cart rules require careful consideration. Striking a balance between inclusivity and preserving the traditional values of the game is crucial in ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all golfers. The ongoing discussions and debates surrounding this topic emphasize the need for a comprehensive analysis and an open dialogue among stakeholders within the golf community.

In conclusion, the USe of golf carts in the PGA remains a topic of debate and controversy. While some argue that allowing golf carts would enhance accessibility for players with physical limitations and improve the overall pace of play, others firmly believe that walking is an integral part of the game’s tradition and should be preserved.

The PGA has taken steps to accommodate players with disabilities by implementing various accessibility measures, such as shuttle services and designated paths for carts. However, based on the current regulations, the USe of golf carts during competitive play in professional tournaments is generally not permitted.

While it is important to consider inclusivity and fairness in sports, it is equally vital to uphold the integrity and traditions associated with them. Ultimately, striking a balance between accessibility and maintaining the essence of golf will continue to be a challenge for governing bodies like the PGA.

Frequently Asked Questions about Can You Use a Golf Cart in the PGA?

Could Tiger Woods use a cart on the PGA Tour? Tiger Woods stated that he is okay with using a cart during The Match and the PNC because all players have the option to use one if they want. However, this is not allowed in PGA Tour-sanctioned events like the Hero tournament. Tiger explained that the PNC event is part of the PGA Tour Champions, where the USe of carts is permitted.

Why does the PGA Tour not allow carts? Golf’s governing bodies, such as the USGA and the PGA Tour, typically do not allow the USe of carts in their events. They believe that physical endurance is a crucial element of the competition, therefore players are expected to walk.

Can golfers use a cart at the Masters? While using a golf cart can be convenient for navigating the course, the golf course management prohibits carts on the actual holes. Similarly, metal shoe spikes are also not permitted on the course due to the potential damage they can cause. The course operators prioritize maintaining the course in optimal condition and take this matter seriously.

Can PGA Tour Champions use carts? Carts are generally permitted on the PGA Tour Champions, except for certain larger events and major tournaments. However, there are several limitations and regulations surrounding their usage.

Can PGA caddies use pull carts? Players’ caddies are required to carry their clubs and are not allowed to use pull carts or similar devices.

Why does Tiger Woods not use a cart? “He’s a competitive player.” Since 2006, the Champions Tour has given golfers the choice to use carts. However, in a unique twist, carts are still not allowed in their five major tournaments. Due to significant leg injuries from a car accident, Woods has restricted his professional golfing to major tournaments and events that he hosts.

Rick Maynard is a passionate golfer who loves nothing more than hitting the tee at new courses, both domestically and abroad. Starting with a set of clubs from his grandfather, Rick's golfing journey has taken him around the world. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Rick has a lot of good advice to share with both beginner and experienced golfers.

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Golf Carts on the PGA Tour: Are the Players Banned From Using Them During Tournaments?

The PGA Tour, a non-profit organization, conducts one of the most popular tours for professional male golfers. However, did you know they do not allow players the use of a golf cart?

Usage of golf carts, which are used to carry golfers and their clubs, is a customary practice that has been in use for players who had disabilities. Over time, they used them as a convenient alternative to walking the entire course, which is often done under heavy sunlight. However, the PGA Tour initially prohibited the usage of golf carts.

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#TBT Golf, My Hummer & My Prevost in my back yard early 2000 pic.twitter.com/IasqP95DOO — John Daly (@PGA_JohnDaly) October 3, 2014

Why were players not allowed to use golf carts?

The PGA tour believes that walking is a crucial part of golf. Stamina, they believe, is a necessary skill and hence, they require the players to walk the entire duration of the game. A caddie is allowed to accompany the golfers who lug their set for them. The rule was followed strictly until it was challenged in 2001 and the rules were altered.

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When and why did the rule change?

Casey Martin, an American professional golfer, suffered from a congenital disease called Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome . A circulatory disease, it caused him great pain to walk excessively long distances. In order to become part of the PGA Tour, he had to qualify for it. After successfully advancing through the first 2 rounds, he requested the use of a cart in the third round.

“I know John a little bit and I know for certain that he’s not trying to get an advantage. He just wants to play in a tournament he has a rich history in.” Casey Martin fully supports John Daly’s use of a golf cart at the PGA: https://t.co/fHItvgr5HN pic.twitter.com/3cOvwZDKbE — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) May 8, 2019

When denied, he sued the PGA Tour under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A lengthy battle ensued, and the case went up to the Supreme Court. In a 7-2 verdict in favor of Martin’s appeal, it rejected the PGA tour’s argument of the importance of walking in golf.

However, a regulation still states that, “All PGA Tour Champions players are encouraged to walk whenever possible.” Following this ruling, a few people have taken advantage of this option. 53-year-old John Daly occasionally plays his games in a golf cart and has received a lot of criticism for it.

While necessary for some, do you think the usage of a golf cart offers an unfair advantage to golfers over others?

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The Best Golf Carts to Use at a Senior Citizen Community

Nov 17th 2016

With the ever increasing number of retirees comes a corresponding increase in the availability and appeal of senior housing. Senior housing provides security, comfort, and independence for senior citizens while maintaining the lifestyle to which they are accustomed. One of the major trends occurring in Senior Citizen Communities at the moment is the use of golf carts as a means of safe, affordable, and fun transportation.

Benefits of Using a Golf Cart During Your Retirement

They Are Affordable What once used to be a simple means of traveling around the local golf course has now become an exciting, convenient, and affordable addition to the senior citizens’ vehicle collection. Carts can be transformed from basic to luxurious with the easy addition of some cheap golf cart parts .

The cost of a brand-new car can range from $15,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the kind of car desired, whereas a brand-new golf cart will set you back only a small sum between $5,000 and $10,000 for a high-end luxury cart. This means seniors can enjoy the ease and independence of owning a golf cart, and there will still be plenty left in their retirement fund for doing other activities that they enjoy.

Carts Promote Independent and Active Retirement Though not officially “street legal,” carts are currently allowed within the walls of gated Senior Citizen Communities and enable senior citizens to move around the enormous housing communities with the kind of ease they may no longer find when driving a car.

Promoting independence is one of the great benefits of retiring to a community that encourages active retirement, and golf carts are a wonderful mode of transport for those seniors who may no longer be eligible for a driver’s license.

However, should a golf cart owner wish to make their cart street legal, they can purchase a golf cart light kit with a selection of upgrades such as seatbelts, brake lights, and turning signals which will allow them to travel through the neighborhood without worrying about being pulled over by the police.

Carts Are Convenient and Eco-Friendly While gas-operated carts are available, most golf carts on the market are now battery-powered. Battery-powered carts produce fewer emissions than gas-operated carts and can be charged overnight to be ready for use the following day.

A golf cart battery will generally need to be replaced every 2-3 years, depending on the amount of usage, but this is a relatively low maintenance cost when compared with the amount normally spent on car maintenance. Battery-powered carts also cause less noise pollution than both gas-operated carts and cars, which is a feature that is sure to please the neighbors.

Which Is the Right Cart for You?

There are many different brands of cart on the market, all varying in price and performance; however, one of the great features of golf carts is they are able to be endlessly customized. In many Senior Citizen Communities, it is not unusual to see carts “tricked out” to look like hot rods or favorite classic cars.

Although most communities cap the speed limit at around 20-25mph, there are a variety of golf cart upgrades available to boost the performance and ensure you get the best ride possible from your cart.

Safety Upgrades Safety is always a primary concern, especially for seniors venturing out with street legal carts. One of the best and most important upgrades to make to your cart is the addition of front and rear disc brakes to ensure optimum braking performance and reduce the risk of collisions with other vehicles in the neighborhood.

Another important upgrade to make is to customize your golf cart wheels and tires according to the terrain you plan to drive on and the amount of traveling you intend to do. This will ensure your cart will be suitable for on- or off-road travel, as well as be able to navigate narrow lanes and wider streets of the community with ease.

Cosmetic Upgrades A fun way to personalize your cart is to add cosmetic upgrades to give it a unique and fun look. There are custom body kits available for most brands of cart with which you can customize color, shape, and style.

Some other fun accessories include: golf cart rear seat kits , which will automatically double the carrying capacity of the cart; radio kits; and kits that include fans and blowers to ensure your comfort. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to personalizing your cart to suit the lifestyle at your community.

Summary Senior Citizens’ Communities are great places to enjoy your retirement, and one of the best ways to do that is with a fun, safe, eco-friendly personalized golf cart. There are many options available to suit a variety of lifestyles and communities. With a golf cart, seniors can remain independent, have fun, and travel in style.

USGA Senior Amateur Golf: Your Guide to Competitive Golf

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USGA Senior Amateur Golf with four golfers playing in a golf tournament

Table of Contents

Maybe you were a competitive amateur or professional when you were younger, or maybe you got the golf bug later on in life. If you like to compete and you are a competitive person, there is really nothing better than tournament golf.

Let’s face it, with team sports, there is always an excuse, and with golf, there are none. It’s all on you, which makes it that much more fun . (To win, at least!)

I’ve played competitive golf for over 20 years, and I love encouraging people to compete, teaching them to compete , and watching them realize their goals. It’s fun to shoot 72 or 75 as a senior golfer, but it’s even more fun to do it when it means something!

Take a look at how you can get involved in USGA Senior Amateur golf and whether or not it’s the right fit for your game.

⛳️ Read Next: 7 Simple Short Game Tips to Improve Your Score Today

What Competitive Opportunities do Senior Golfers Have?

Pro golfers playing on the Senior Tour on the green on the En-Joie Golf Course in New York

We all know about the club championship that your local club has, but there are competitive opportunities outside of that for interested golfers. In fact, if you are serious about competitive golf as a senior, there are plenty of events to keep you busy.

I’ll cover some of the top options to consider and look into. For the exceptional players, of course, there is the Champions Tour. We covered that in great detail here ; take a look and see if this is something that could fit the needs of your game.

⛳️ Related: Find out more about Champions Tour Golf for Seniors!

Overview of USGA Senior Amateur Championship

A friend made it through qualifying for the USGA Senior Amateur, and it was a lot of work. He’s a great player and on the younger side of the age requirement (which is 55).

The tricky thing about a USGA Senior Amateur Championship is that you won’t be able to just sign up; you first have to make it through levels of local qualifying. You also need a handicap index of less than 7.4.

I’ll tell you now, the guys that play in these events are incredible ball strikers, even into their 60s.

The yardage for the final event plays to about 7500 yards, so if you are a 7.4 playing from closer to 5800 yards or even 6000, you will have your work cut out for you here.

If you can pull off a win at the USGA Senior Amateur, in addition to your gold medal, you will also get the following:

Exemption from local qualifying for the 2024 US Open
Exemption from local qualifying for the 2024 US Senior Open Championship
Exemption from qualifying for the 2024 and 2025 US Amateur Championship
Exemption from qualifying for the 2023 and 2024 US Mid Amateur Championship
Exemption from qualifying for the next 10 US Senior Amateur Championship

In other words, you are going to be busy!

Golfweek Senior Amateur Tour

The Golfweek Senior Amateur Tour has been around since 1999, and it gives all golfers over 50 years old (is that a senior now?) the ability to play in competitive events all over the United States. The Senior Amateur Tour has 26 Local Tour events, and in the year 2022, they hosted more than 350 tournaments.

When you play golf in the Golfweek Senior Am Tour events hosted by your local tour, you can earn points based on where you finish.

The flights for the Golfweek Senior Amateur Tour are:

If you end up with a great season and collect plenty of points, you can get an invitation to the Senior Amateur Tour National Championship. This is a huge event, with more than 450 golfers playing 36 holes.

The great thing about this Golfweek tour is that you can compete and be a champion even when you have a higher handicap.

⛳️ Read Next: Your Golf Handicap Simplified (Calculated)

Interclub Golf

Interclub golf is run by your state golf association, and it is intended for a member of a club in good standing with a proper course rating and handicap compliance. If you are an active dues-paying member with a GHIN number and your club is involved, you can certainly see if you can qualify to play.

Interclub is designed for golfers of all ages, although in some local areas, you may find that it is more senior based than junior based. Players typically have to be 21 years of age.

Interclub matches will pair you up to play against golfers with similar handicaps. The lowest two handicappers from your club will play with the lowest two handicappers at another club.

Interclub golf gives you a great opportunity to meet other people, stay competitive, and get to play other golf courses.

State Golf Association Opportunities

Check with your state golf associate to find out more details on their senior amateur championship. Most states have a very competitive senior amateur field, and this will be similar to events conducted by the USGA.

British Senior Open for Amateur Golfers

If you haven’t already noticed, the USGA and R&A do many things the same. Therefore, if the USGA Senior Amateur is not for you, you can consider the British Senior Open for amateur golfers.

The British Senior Open for Amateur Golfers is for ages 55 and above.

This golf tournament has been around since 1969, and you will have to have no higher than a 2.4 index to enter. One of the most interesting facts I found when looking into this tournament opportunity was the fact that Charlie Green won this event 6 out of 7 years that he played.

Talk about knowing how to win as an amateur player!

USGA Senior Women’s Amateur

Senior women’s amateur golf can be just as competitive, especially when it comes to the Senior Women’s Amateur hosted by the USGA.

In addition to having your amateur status, you will also need a USGA Handicap Index showing that you are not higher than 18.4. In addition, all women golfers playing in the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur need to be older than 50 years old.

Local qualifying is hosted as stroke play, and the finals are a match play situation.

Are There Options For Super Seniors (Age 65 & Older)?

The US Senior Amateur, Golfweek Senior Am Tour, and even Interclub golf will not keep you from participating if you are older than 65 years old.

However, if you want something specifically geared to the super senior golfer, AmateurGolf.com has a section with tournaments for super seniors over 65 years of age.

Even into your 70s and 80s you can play in events like Society of Seniors National Super Senior Championship. Golf handicap requirements and tee positions will get friendlier as you age so you have that benefit to look forward to.

⛳️ Related: Super Senior Golf & Why We Love It

How to Become an Amateur Golfer?

If you have never accepted money for playing golf or teaching golf, your amateur status is intact.

If you were previously a professional, you can have your amateur status reinstated ; you have to go through a process with the USGA. This process typically requires you to wait a certain amount of time from the last time you violated amateur status.

However, if you were not in the golf business your entire life, you should be eligible from an amateur status standpoint to play in any of these events.

Senior Tour Age & Requirements

PGA Tour Champions Golf Event in 2023 showing Bohn on the tees

As I mentioned above, with each of these tours, you can expect that there is an age requirement. Some associations and institutions consider 50 to be a senior; others call it 55.

The good news is you don’t have to wait until 65 to be labeled a senior golfer.

The PGA Tour Champions call golfers seniors when they turn 50. Some of these players are working harder and harder to stay young and will likely try to remain on the PGA Tour as long as they possibly can.

Others are happy to make the switch and put some money in their pocket.

As a side note, Tiger Woods is 47. I’ll be watching how this one develops!

Should I Play in a Golf Tournament?

Playing in a golf tournament is fun, and it’s a way to keep you mentally sharp as you get older.

The tournament gives senior golfers something to look forward to, something to prepare for, and a way to challenge your brain (and your nerves!).

I suggest playing in a tournament at your club or at the local level before you pursue state wide events. You will get comfortable and figure out if you like the concept of competing.

Benefits of Competitive Golf

The benefits of competitive golf are far reaching, and they are also unique to an individual player.

Here are a few convincing benefits if you are still on the fence:

Networking with other people in your area and throughout the nation
Building character (it’s never too late for that!)
Setting goals and reaching them
Self discipline and routines
Fun, enjoyment, and a workout for your brain!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to play on the pga senior tour.

The minimum age to play on the PGA Senior Tour is 50 years of age.

Who is the oldest player on the senior tour?

One of the oldest players on the Senior PGA Tour (PGA TOUR Champioins) is Hale Irwin . Bernhard Langer isn’t too far behind him, and he still competes and wins.

Can senior PGA players use a cart?

There are certain eligibility requirements for senior PGA players to use a golf cart, but the majority still walk the golf course.

Can 80-year-olds play golf?

An 80-year-old person can and should play golf; many 90-year-olds still play the game. The whole point of picking up golf when you are young is so that you can play it your entire life!

What is a senior golfer?

A senior golfer is someone that is eligible to play golf among older golfers. For the Senior Tour or PGA Tour Champions professional golfers, they become eligible when they turn 50. The Legends of LPA on the other hand eligibility is at age 45. Amateur golfers this age is usually 50 or 55 depending on the golf association.

Final Thoughts on USGA Senior Amateur Golf

Getting involved in USGA Senior Amateur Golf and other senior amateur events is an experience that many senior golfers are not aware of. I hope you learned that there are opportunities at every level, and you can continue to compete if it’s something you love to do.

Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation hosts Spring Senior Golf Tour

T he Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation invite seniors to join their annual Spring Senior Golf Cart Tour on Monday, May 20th. There is no rain date.

The Spring Senior Golf Cart Tour is held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and travels along the Duck Creek Recreation Trail from Palmer Hills Golf Course to Duck Creek Park in Davenport and back to Palmer Hills. Transportation on the trail will be by golf carts provided by Palmer Hills. Carts may be operated by the participants and operators will be provided for those who don’t want to drive. Drivers must be at least 18 years old.

The tour lasts about two hours and stops will be made at several sites along the way. Participants can leave at either 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Parking is available at Palmer Hills Golf Course, 2999 Middle Road. There is no fee and liquid refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required and tours are limited to 70 people each. The deadline to register is May 16. Click here to register. For more information or to register by phone, call the Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 344-4113.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.

Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation hosts Spring Senior Golf Tour

Bernhard Langer determined to ease back into it on PGA TOUR Champions

Will take cart for foreseeable future, and miss u.s. open at pinehurst.

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Bernhard Langer, 66, will make his PGA TOUR Champions return at this week’s Insperity Invitational presented by United Healthcare at The Woodlands in Houston, a week in which he will also commence a new endorsement deal with Sketchers.

Oh, and he’ll also be wearing a size 10 shoe on his right foot and a size 10 1/2 on his left.

That’s not a new anti-aging secret, although Langer has done so much, so late in his career, he could probably sell it as one. The mismatched shoes are because the 46-time PGA TOUR Champions winner is playing just three months after he tore his left Achilles tendon, and he still has so much swelling and discomfort on his left side that he needed to go a half-size up.

Bernhard Langer returns from Achilles injury at Insperity Invitational

“My biggest issue now is I can’t walk properly because I can’t flex my foot,” he told PGATOUR.COM in a phone interview Wednesday. “I can’t bend my leg the way I need to because it puts too much stress on the Achilles. I can’t walk, can’t run, can’t jump.

“What I feel is mostly the swelling in my foot, discomfort all day long, but I was told that was to be expected for another four to eight months.”

The good news was that advances in medicine allowed for a fast recovery.

“The way they operate now is totally different than what they did several years ago,” Langer said. “They have something called a speed bridge where they put two anchors into your heel and they explained to me it’s almost like two rubber bands running up your Achilles, which they attach to the calf muscle to provide secondary protection for the torn Achilles, which is stitched together.

“And they do PRP, when they spin your blood,” he continued, “and they take some of that and put it in there when the wound is open, they wrap something around the wound with some of your own blood, to speed up the healing process.”

Suddenly housebound, Langer watched a lot of Netflix, plus soccer and golf on TV. He played with his four grandkids, who are all under the age of 4.

“There’s nothing better,” he said.

He spent more than a month wearing a boot but shed it in late March when he was able to stand on his own. Shortly after that he was cleared to begin working out and hitting balls.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who underwent the same Achilles surgery last September, was throwing a football within three months, providing Langer a roadmap. He said it got him wondering if he could do something similar, lifting his spirits.

“The key is the speed bridge because that allows you to exercise immediately after surgery,” Langer said. “In the old days, you’d be in a cast for two months and immediately lose all your muscle strength. Your calf would go from, say, 15 inches to about 6 inches in diameter, and that makes a big difference. It takes a long time to come back from that.

“I’ve had extensive rehab, I did hyperbaric chambers, and I’ve been in the fitness center every day working out other parts of my party, and starting a couple months ago, my torn Achilles.”

Langer said he’ll play a full schedule on PGA TOUR Champions, where he can take a cart. Although he would have been eligible to play the U.S. Open at Pinehurst next month – he won the U.S. Senior Open last year – he has opted out of that tournament, where he’d have to walk. He also anticipated not being able to hold the greens with his hybrid approach shots.

He anticipates needing some accommodation and said he will petition to use a cart for the three tournaments on his schedule that do not typically allow them: the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open, and The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex.

He hasn’t played since a T22 at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai in January.

Asked if he would ever play pickleball again, Langer laughed.

“Maybe at some point,” he said with a chuckle. “But not the next year or so, that’s for sure.”

Cameron Morfit is a Staff Writer for the PGA TOUR. He has covered rodeo, arm-wrestling, and snowmobile hill climb in addition to a lot of golf. Follow Cameron Morfit on Twitter .

'This is kind of my hometown event': Millbury's Gary Young will be chief referee for the PGA Tour at Travelers Championship

Gary Young, a Millbury resident, was on hand at the Travelers Championship media day on Monday. He is the PGA Tour senior vice president of rules and competitions.

TPC River Highlands, site of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, has undergone several enhancements the last few years, and two PGA Tour officials from the Worcester area played key roles in making them happen.

Gary Young , PGA Tour senior vice president of rules and competitions, is a member of the Tour’s enhancements competitions committee which decides which improvements are needed at courses which host PGA Tour events, and Milan Moore , PGA Tour director of golf course design and construction, has overseen many course upgrades on Tour, including those at TPC River Highlands.

Young grew up in Northbridge and lives in Millbury. Moore grew up in Shrewsbury. When Young was the head pro at Pleasant Valley CC in Sutton before joining the PGA Tour as a rules official in August of 2007, he gave lessons to Moore when she was a young girl.

“It’s kind of crazy,” Young said. “To see her grow into what she’s doing now and have the role with the PGA Tour she has, it’s quite impressive. There’s not many females in that role, and she’s just ideally suited for it.”

Moore, a 2004 graduate of Tufts University, has worked in design for the PGA Tour for 21 years. Her father, the late Dr. Roger Moore, was one of the original members at PV.

The PGA Tour looks at the data after every event to see how each course holds up to the modern player and then makes competitive enhancements.

At TPC River Highlands over the last five years, the Tour has refined the course, upgraded the practice facilities and built a bigger clubhouse with financial assistance from Travelers, the title sponsor. Since Keegan Bradley set a tournament record by shooting 23-under 257 to win the Travelers last year, the Tour has tweaked six holes, but Young said the changes already were scheduled before he set the record.

Young said the PGA Tour focuses more on the excitement of the competition than the score. If it doesn’t rain during the Travelers June 20-23 and the conditions are firm and fast, he expects the winning score to be about 14 or 15 under par. But when the course is wet and soft, the scores are usually lower.

Young will work the Travelers for the 17th consecutive year, his longest association with any PGA Tour event.

“Now that it’s the last remaining event in New England and the Northeast, this is kind of my hometown event,” said Young, who was at TPC River Highlands for the Travelers media day last Monday.

It takes him a little more than an hour to make the 68-mile drive from his home in Millbury to TPC River Highlands, but he stays near the course during the week of the tournament.

For the fourth consecutive year, he will serve as the chief referee at the Travelers. He sometimes appears on the television broadcast to explain a weather delay or a rule infraction.

“We’re definitely not TV stars,” Young said of him and his fellow rules officials. “We are background players in a sport. That’s the way it should be.”

Young likes to tell people that if they see him on television during a golf event, something bad must have happened. He has become what he calls a “pseudo weather expert” by hanging around with the on-site meteorologist, and he said it drives his wife, Lauri, crazy. Sometimes when he’s on the road, he calls her to warn her about a storm heading her way.

“She’ll say, ‘Gary, I’ve got this handled. We have meteorologists back here,’ ” he said.

Young used to serve as the advance official at the Travelers, marking the course for out of bounds and other things, tracking the player field with the Tour competitions department, working with the local superintendent and Tour agronomist to determine greens speed and height of the tees, fairways and rough, and overseeing the construction of grandstands and luxury boxes to make sure they don’t affect the competition.

Moore oversaw work on the aforementioned six holes at the Travelers from September through early December.

The first fairway was narrowed closer to the green to provide the same width in the landing area for the longer hitters as it does for the shorter hitters.

Mounds with fescue were added to the par-5 sixth and 13th holes to give the longer hitters something to think about while they try to reach the green in two shots.

The ninth and 11th greens were shrunk in size and surrounded by grassy hollows with deep rough.

“Rather than adding yardage, which seems to be everyone’s answer nowadays,” Young said, “we take a look at the way the course is designed. It’s always been a second shot golf course, which requires precision iron play and a good short game. We wanted to keep that.”

Data revealed that the longer hitters drove beyond the bunkers on the par-4 12th hole, so the fairway was ended at 300 yards by growing primary rough on the downslope. The longest hitters will probably hit 3-wood instead of a driver to avoid the rough.

The Tour wants to improve the fan experience by widening walking areas throughout the course to improve the flow of the galleries and by installing interactive venues.

Tournament sites also need room for the increased number of semi-trucks and trailers for player fitness vehicles and television equipment.

“It’s a bigger show now than it used to be 10, 20 years ago on the PGA Tour,” Young said. “It grows every year, and the property needs to reflect that.”

The PGA Tour doesn’t fully own every TPC course, but it is the sole owner of TPC River Highlands. On the other hand, the Tour is a minority owner of TPC Boston in Norton. TPC Boston hosted 17 PGA Tour events from 2003-2020 and will be the home of the LPGA Tour’s FM Global Championship Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

TPC River Highlands currently has the only PGA Tour event in New England, but Young believes the PGA Tour will return to TPC Boston someday, possibly as part of a rotation with other sites. So after the LPGA Tour event finishes, the PGA Tour will work with Gil Hanse on upgrades at TPC Boston, including building new greens complexes on the fifth and seventh holes.

TPC Boston opened in 2002 as an Arnold Palmer design and was redesigned by Hanse and Brad Faxon in 2007.

Young is considering regaining his amateur status, but he hasn’t gotten around to it yet. He no longer plays a lot of golf, but last year he did get to play at Newport Country Club for the first time, and he fell in love with it. Newport will host the U.S. Senior Open June 27-30, the week after the Travelers.

Young said due to the advanced equipment and the improved player conditioning, the seniors may find Newport to be on the shorter side.

“But whatever that golf course may lack in distance,” he said, “with the character of the golf course and the difficulty of the greens, it will be a good challenge.”

Young is an honorary member at PV, where he worked for 22 years and which hosted 32 PGA Tour events and 13 LPGA Tour events from the early 1960s through 1999. He hasn’t played PV since August, but last Wednesday co-owner Jay Kunkel invited him to give his opinions on work being done on the course.

“The place looks great, it came through the winter very well,” Young said. “I would expect by the time we get to Memorial Day, the place is going to be in fantastic condition.”

Brusco at National Club Pro Championship

Worcester Country Club teaching pro Bob Brusco tied for 58th in the PGA Professional Championship last Sunday through Wednesday at the PGA Frisco Fields Ranch East and West Courses in Frisco, Texas.

The Grafton resident shot 77-70-78-76 for a total of 13-over 301 in the tournament, which is also known as the National Club Pro Championship. He earned $4,100 as the top NEPGA golfer in the event.

Bruso was the Central Mass. Division 2 medalist his senior year at Auburn High and a third-team All-American as a senior at Worcester State.

Ideas, comments welcome

You can suggest story ideas for this golf column by reaching me at the email listed below. Comments are also welcome.

—Contact Bill Doyle at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BillDoyle15.

China launches Chang'e 6 lunar probe, revving up space race with U.S.

WENCHANG SPACE LAUNCH SITE, China — China launched an uncrewed lunar spacecraft Friday in a first-of-its-kind mission to bring back samples from the far side of the moon, the latest step in a rapidly advancing Chinese space program that is spurring competition with the United States and others.

The Chang’e 6 lifted off on time at 5:27 p.m. local time (5:27 a.m. ET) from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China’s southern island province of Hainan.

The launch of the lunar probe, which NBC News was one of a handful of news organizations to attend, and the national excitement around it had transformed the normally sleepy fishing village of Longlou into a major tourist attraction, with crowds spilling from tour buses and heading to beaches and rooftops with the best views of the spaceport. One rooftop owner said he had sold out 200 seats at 200 yuan (about $28) each.

A Long March 5 rocket, carrying the Chang'e-6 mission lunar probe, lifts off

Ahead of the launch there was a festival-like atmosphere on the beach, where vendors offered space paraphernalia and groups of children sold Chinese flags for 3 yuan (about 40 cents) each. Families sprawled on picnic blankets playing cards, while others strung up hammocks between palm trees so they could wait in the limited shade.

Yiuwah Ng, a 28-year-old real estate office worker from the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, traveled six hours by car and another three hours by ferry to stake out the best spot along the shore, where he had been camping for three days with friends and his dog.

“I want to witness this historic moment,” he said of the launch, his fourth. “It’s an important first step for China’s lunar exploration.”

Max Zhang, a self-described “rocket chaser” from the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, has been photographing launches at Wenchang from the beach since 2011.

“I’m addicted to the shock of seeing the launches, especially the sound of the rocket flame,” he said. “It shakes my heart.”

Space enthusiasts await the launch of China’s Chang’e 6 lunar probe on the island of Hainan on Thursday.

‘ A force to be reckoned with’

If successful, the Chang’e mission will be a crucial step in realizing the country’s goals of landing Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030 and eventually building a base on the lunar surface.

The outcome of the mission will also have implications far beyond China’s borders. A slew of spacefaring nations — including Russia, India, Japan and the U.S. — also have their sights set on the moon, creating what some experts have likened to a new kind of space race.

“China is trying to prove that it’s a force to be reckoned with, and so it’s always that China is competing against everyone in space,” said Clayton Swope, deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

A successful Chang’e 6 mission would demonstrate how sophisticated China’s lunar exploration program has become in a relatively short time.

“Twenty-five years ago, they had very rudimentary space capabilities,” said Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank based in Washington. “Going from that to where they are today — I think they’ve clearly exceeded Russia, and their space capabilities are really only second to the United States.”

China achieved its first moon landing in 2013 with the Chang’e 3 mission, which set a lander and rover on the lunar surface to study the moon’s terrain. Before that, only the U.S. and the former Soviet Union had successfully landed spacecraft on the moon.

In 2019, China notched another historic milestone with its Chang’e 4 flight, becoming the first country to land a probe on the far side of the moon , the part that permanently faces away from Earth.

The following year, in 2020, China returned to the moon’s near side, which always faces Earth, landing the Chang’e 5 spacecraft on a volcanic plain known as Oceanus Procellarum. The probe retrieved samples there and brought them back to Earth, representing a big technological leap forward.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has invited scientists from the U.S., Europe and Asia to apply to borrow the lunar samples for their own research, holding a pitch meeting last week in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Researchers funded by NASA received rare approval from Congress to submit proposals, raising the possibility of high-level U.S.-China space cooperation that is otherwise prohibited by U.S. law.

This time, the Chang’e 6 spacecraft is aiming to land and retrieve samples from the South Pole-Aitken basin, an ancient and sprawling impact crater on the far side of the moon.

Spectators on a beach near the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Thursday.

Conducting a sample return mission from the side of the moon that always faces away from Earth is challenging because mission controllers on the ground have no way of directly contacting a spacecraft in that region. Instead, signals need to be relayed through a satellite now orbiting the moon that China launched from the same site in Hainan last month.

While difficult, the effort could have enormous payoffs. Studies suggest that the moon’s near side was more volcanically active than the far side, which means all of the lunar samples obtained thus far may be telling only part of the story of the moon’s origin and evolution.

Collecting lunar samples from different geological eras and regions “is of great value and significant for all mankind to have a more comprehensive understanding of the moon and even the origin of the solar system,” Ge Ping, a mission leader from CNSA’s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center, told reporters in Hainan on Thursday.

Beyond its scientific objectives, the Chang’e 6 mission carries with it geopolitical considerations. The flight is a precursor to a pair of Chinese robotic missions to the moon’s south pole to scout locations to build a moon base. Last year, the Chinese and Russian space agencies agreed to jointly build a research station on the lunar surface.

NASA and its commercial partners also aim to establish a permanent presence at the lunar south pole, though the agency’s Artemis moon missions have faced numerous delays and budget overruns . The current timeline has American astronauts returning to the lunar surface in 2026 at the earliest.

With China and Russia forming a rival coalition, there is some pressure for the U.S. to keep its foot on the accelerator, Harrison said.

“It does matter who gets there first, and it matters how you get there and what kind of coalition you’re bringing with you,” he said.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has on multiple occasions warned that the U.S. runs the risk of falling behind China’s lunar ambitions. In an interview this week with Yahoo Finance , Nelson outlined what’s at stake in the new space race.

“I think it’s not beyond the pale that China would suddenly say, ‘We are here. You stay out,’” he said.

Asked Thursday about international competition in space, Ge said, “All countries in the world should explore, develop and use outer space peacefully.”

“There is no need to worry too much,” he added. “Space programs are for all humans.”

A street vendor sells space merchandise ahead of the lunar launch Friday.

As more countries around the world build up space capabilities, NASA has pushed for more global cooperation, establishing the Artemis Accords in 2020 to promote peaceful, responsible and sustainable practices. U.S. law prevents China from joining the 39 other nations that have signed the accords, which both China and Russia have criticized as a tool to promote U.S. dominance in space.

Many Western space policy experts have in turn raised concerns about China’s and Russia’s intentions. The full scope of China’s ambitions in space is not known, for instance, because its space agency does not operate with the same level of transparency as NASA. The country’s space program is also more closely tied to the military than in the U.S.

“We cannot ever say that China’s investment in civilian space technologies are only civilian and not to be used for military purposes,” said Namrata Goswami, a professor in the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University and co-author of the 2020 book “Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space.”

While it may feel as if China’s spaceflight objectives have accelerated in recent years, they are part of a decadeslong strategy, Goswami said.

“Many of the leaders of China’s space program announced these goals and timelines 20 years ago,” she said. “What is astounding to me is that they are achieving almost all their milestones on time, and for them, that has a strategic advantage in the global narrative of who’s doing it better.”

As much as the moon and its resources can provoke competition among nations, space exploration can also be unifying, Swope said.

“We are literally a speck in the universe, and when we go to the moon or explore space, we as humankind have that shared human trait where we want to understand the unknown and we want to discover,” he said. “That does transcend politics.”

Janis Mackey Frayer reported from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China, and Denise Chow reported from New York.

Janis Mackey Frayer is a Beijing-based correspondent for NBC News.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

Can Senior PGA Players Use a Cart?
Answer: The following are the restrictions on using a cart in the Senior PGA Tour: Players must be 50 years of age or older to use a cart. Players must use a cart on all holes that are over 600 yards in length. Players may use a cart on any hole if they have a doctor's note stating that they need to use a cart.
Jack Nicklaus gives a strong clue about Tiger Woods playing on the
Any player on the senior tour can use a cart, while regular tour players must apply for that ability if they have a disability. "I told him, 'Tiger, you're eligible to take a cart.' He ...
'Total clown show': Pro sounds off on tour's golf cart policy
It's a total clown show.". Carts are allowed on the PGA Tour Champions, with the exception of a few bigger events and the majors, but there are many restrictions regarding their use. For ...
Does The Senior Tour Use Carts?
When contemplating the involvement of notable players like Tiger Woods on the Champions Tour, the question of whether or not the senior tour permits the use of carts often arises. With Jack Nicklaus confirming Woods' intention to compete on the Champions Tour and the mention of carts in the context of Woods potentially participating, it ...
Tiger Woods Told Jack Nicklaus He Will Play on Golf's Senior Tour
Golf's "senior" tour uses carts, and Woods feels he can compete if he doesn't have to walk. Woods was forced to withdraw from this year's Masters because of an injury. NEW LOOK
Can Senior Pga Players Use A Cart?
Today's Senior PGA Tour is characterized by a competitive field of players who showcase a wide range of skills and abilities, both on and off the course. While the use of carts by Senior PGA players may have been more prevalent in the past, the current landscape of professional senior golf reflects a dynamic and evolving paradigm that ...
PGA Tour Champions
PGA Tour Champions (formerly the Senior PGA Tour and the Champions Tour) is a men's professional senior golf tour, administered as a branch of the PGA Tour. History and format ... In 2006, the Champions Tour Division Board of the PGA Tour organization voted to allow players the option to use golf carts during most events on the tour.
5 Major Tournaments Of The Senior Golf Tour
The PGA Tour Champions (commonly known as the Champions Tour) is a senior golf tour specifically made for golfers above the age of 50. The Professional Golfers Association officially founded the tour over 40 years ... Note: This price includes your green fee, golf cart, and range balls. The winning prize is also calculated from the tournament fee.
Can you use a golf cart on the senior tour?
The use of golf carts on the senior tour not only helps with fatigue but also allows for quicker pace of play. This is beneficial for both the players and the spectators, as it keeps the game moving along smoothly. I personally appreciate the option to use a golf cart as it allows me to focus more on my game and less on conserving energy.
Tiger Woods told Jack Nicklaus he is going to play on the Champions
"He wants to play the senior tour," Nicklaus said. "He's a competitor." The Champions Tour has allowed golfers the option of using a cart since 2006. However, in an interesting twist, carts are ...
Tiger Woods Will 'Love' To Play In The Seniors
published 3 March 2023. Jack Nicklaus says Tiger Woods is eager to play on the PGA Tour Champions circuit once he turns 50 - and could even use a cart to help him get through tournaments with his badly injured leg. Woods was forced into somewhat of a semi-retirement after his horrific car crash in February 2021, where he'll now just play in a ...
Golfers riding in cart is still the tiny exception, not the rule in the
Daly's cart won't start a race for other golfers to use a cart, just as the Casey Martin lawsuit didn't flood the tour with carts 18 years ago. Larry Bohannan is The Desert Sun golf writer ...
The Champions Tour And Golf Carts
The Champions Tour And Golf Carts. February 2, 2005 by The Original Golf Blogger. Golf is a walking game. That's why I was glad to see that the Champions (Senior) Tour has decided to abandon its policy of allowing players to use electric carts and instead force them to walk. But several players on the Champions Tour apparently feel that the ...
Galleri Classic: Why my first PGA Tour Champions event was a success
Cigars and carts. Being a golf reporter in the desert means I've seen a lot of PGA Tour and LPGA Tour competitions, but the senior tour has some specific things you don't see on the other two ...
Golf Carts for Seniors: Enhancing Mobility and Independence
Golf carts provide an easy way for seniors to access outdoor spaces, whether it's for a round of golf, a visit to the park, or just to enjoy some fresh air. Reducing Physical Strain For seniors with physical limitations, golf carts offer a way to move around without the physical strain associated with walking long distances.
Can You Use A Golf Cart In The PGA? [Explained!]
Senior Tour Events The Senior Tour events, which cater specifically to older professional golfers, often allow for greater flexibility in using golf carts. As players age, it becomes more challenging for them to walk long distances without experiencing fatigue or risking injury.
Golf Carts on the PGA Tour: Are the Players Banned From Using Them
A lengthy battle ensued, and the case went up to the Supreme Court. In a 7-2 verdict in favor of Martin's appeal, it rejected the PGA tour's argument of the importance of walking in golf. However, a regulation still states that, "All PGA Tour Champions players are encouraged to walk whenever possible."
Pro golfers hopping on golf carts, disappointing fans
Senior Tour Pro golfers hopping on golf carts, disappointing fans. The current Champions Tour controversy over banning golf carts is a relevant one if you've ever seen supposedly "elite" athletes ...
PDF USGA Senior Championships Cart Policy
This "one-seat" policy allows the player's caddie the opportunity to assist the player during play. For example, the player's caddie may drive the golf cart if the player chooses to walk, move the cart for the player from green to tee, etc., so long as the player and the player's caddie are not riding in a golf cart at the same time ...
The Best Golf Carts to Use at a Senior Citizen Community
Carts can be transformed from basic to luxurious with the easy addition of some cheap golf cart parts. The cost of a brand-new car can range from $15,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the kind of car desired, whereas a brand-new golf cart will set you back only a small sum between $5,000 and $10,000 for a high-end luxury cart.
Insperity Invitational 2024 Golf Leaderboard
PGA TOUR Champions Live Leaderboard 2024 Insperity Invitational, The Woodlands - Golf Scores and Results
USGA Senior Amateur Golf: Your Guide To Competitive Golf
The Senior Amateur Tour has 26 Local Tour events, and in the year 2022, they hosted more than 350 tournaments. When you play golf in the Golfweek Senior Am Tour events hosted by your local tour, you can earn points based on where you finish. The flights for the Golfweek Senior Amateur Tour are: Golfweek Senior Am Tour Flights. USGA Handicap Index.
Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation hosts Spring Senior Golf Tour
The Spring Senior Golf Cart Tour is held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and travels along the Duck Creek Recreation Trail from Palmer Hills Golf Course to Duck Creek Park in Davenport and ...
Bernhard Langer determined to ease back into it on PGA TOUR Champions
Will take cart for foreseeable future, and miss U.S. Open at Pinehurst. Bernhard Langer, 66, will make his PGA TOUR Champions return at this week's Insperity Invitational presented by United ...
Central Mass. natives Gary Young, Milan Moore help enhance PGA Tour's
Moore grew up in Shrewsbury. When Young was the head pro at Pleasant Valley CC in Sutton before joining the PGA Tour as a rules official in August of 2007, he gave lessons to Moore when she was a ...
China launches Chang'e 6 lunar probe, revving up space race
The Chang'e 6 lifted off on time at 5:27 p.m. local time (5:27 a.m. ET) from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China's southern island province of Hainan. The launch of the lunar probe, which ...

History of the Cart Rule

Arguments for and Against the Cart Rule

3. Current Status of the Cart Rule

4. Potential Future Changes to the Cart Rule

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Tiger Woods told Jack Nicklaus he is going to play on the Champions Tour because they allow golf carts

Watch: Tiger Woods has won more money than any other golfer. Here's how he makes and spends his millions.

Can you use a golf cart on the senior tour?

Tiger Woods told Jack Nicklaus he is going to play on the Champions Tour because they allow golf carts

Tiger Woods Will ‘Love’ To Play In The Seniors – And He’ll Use A Cart

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Inaugural Galleri Classic takeaways: Cigars, carts, great golf and a laid-back vibe

Cigars and carts

Colored golf balls

Laid-back vibe

Grail not Galleri

Long putters

Gallery ebbs and flows

Golf Carts for Seniors: Enhancing Mobility and Independence

The Growing Appeal of Golf Carts for Seniors

Easy to Operate

Enhanced Safety Features

Perfect for Community Living

Customization for Comfort and Accessibility

Adjustable Seating

Accessibility Features

Social Benefits and Community Engagement

Fostering Independence

Promoting Social Interaction

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Lower Operational Costs

The Role of Golf Carts in Senior Health and Mobility

Encouraging Outdoor Activities

Reducing Physical Strain

Challenges and Considerations

Legal Regulations

Safety Training

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Can You Use a Golf Cart in the PGA?

Evolution of Golf Cart Usage in Professional Golf Tournaments

Early Resistance to Golf Cart Usage

Gradual Acceptance and Integration

Listed below are some reasons behind PGA’s prohibition on golf cart usage:

Exceptions to the Rule: When Can Golf Carts be Used in the PGA?

Medical Exemptions

Senior Tour Events

Extreme Weather Conditions

Coping with Physical Limitations: How Do Golfers Overcome Walking Challenges?

Hiring Caddies

Using Pushcarts

Adopting Adaptive Equipment

Impact of Walking vs. Using a Golf Cart on Golfer’s Performance and Experience

Physical Impacts

Psychological Impacts

Ongoing Discussions and Debates: Potential Changes to PGA’s Golf Cart Rules

Inclusion and Accessibility

Advancements in Technology

Balancing Tradition and Modernization

The Importance of Golf Carts in the Game

Advantages of Golf Carts

Disadvantages of Golf Carts

Potential Changes Proposed by Advocates

Proposed Changes

Potential Benefits of Proposed Changes

Counterarguments and Concerns

Counterarguments Against Proposed Changes

Frequently Asked Questions about Can You Use a Golf Cart in the PGA?

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Golf Carts on the PGA Tour: Are the Players Banned From Using Them During Tournaments?