The 90 ͦ  rule for carts means this: 

Carts stay on cart paths for travel down the length of the hole that you are playing. When you get to the general area of where you are going to play your next shot, you can travel off the cart path at a 90 ͦ  angle from the path, to your ball. 

This should be done at a high point in the fairway, and avoid areas under construction or wet conditions. Once you've played your shot, you should return to the cart path on the same 90 ͦ  direction to continue down the path to the hole.

The purpose of this rule is to minimize traffic on the turf on fairways. 

Over the many years that I have been in the golf industry, I am always amazed to listen to the very golfers who continually drive down the fairways from tee to green, who complain about the condition of the fairways.

Controlling the traffic pattern of carts on maintained turf is done in a variety of ways, but the 90 ͦ  rule makes it easier for the golfer to get to his or her ball without too much inconvenience, while allowing less compaction and wear on fairway turf.

Have a question about the practices of maintaining quality turf conditions on a golf course? Or any golf related questions in general?

Feel free to stop in the golf shop, drop us an email with the question, or attend one of the upcoming Q & A sessions scheduled to discuss what is happening at Thoroughbred Golf Club. We'd love to hear your input!