While opinions vary on cart paths, the reality is they are necessary for many golf courses. Similar to any golf course infrastructure, investments must be made to keep the paths in good condition. If you’re thinking about adding new cart paths or giving the current ones a facelift, here are some topics USGA agronomists encounter regularly during Course Consulting Service visits.
Cart path width is important. If they are too narrow, the edges will deteriorate from wear and tear and turf alongside the paths will decline as traffic spills off. Generally speaking, cart paths should be at least 8 feet wide, and wider in locations where carts are typically parked – such as near tees or putting greens – so maintenance equipment or other carts can pass without having to drive on the turf.
Even when cart paths are installed at the proper width, it is best for curbing to be added in areas where you want to keep carts on paths at all times. This helps improve turf health, presentation and playing quality in high-traffic areas like the putting green surrounds. Curbing can also assist with directing surface drainage to catch basins and away from playing areas.
Cart paths primarily function to move golfers around a course but don’t forget that the maintenance team relies on them as well. Consideration must be given to providing the maintenance team with efficient routes throughout the course and some critical paths should be built to withstand traffic from heavy maintenance equipment and service vehicles.
Asphalt and concrete are the most common materials used for cart paths, but other options exist, especially when there is a desire for a more natural look. Some facilities have installed chip-and-seal or decomposed granite with a binder to create a more natural appearance with better stability than gravel paths. Regardless of the material used, if trees are growing nearby then heaving and cracking is likely to be caused by the roots. Trees should be removed if they are causing cart paths to deteriorate or if new paths will be installed in areas where roots are likely to cause damage.
When it comes to determining where investments are made on a golf course, cart paths should be on the list because they do have a lifespan. Any time cart paths are being renovated or added, it is a sound decision to work with a golf course architect so they are installed in the correct locations. Reach out to your regional USGA agronomist if you have specific questions about cart paths at your golf course.
Central Region Agronomists:
Zach Nicoludis, regional director – znicoludis@usga.org
Paul Jacobs, agronomist – pjacobs@usga.org