Back
Many of you heading to the UK and Ireland are confused about the rules regarding carts or "buggies" as they're called.
I don't blame you -- we've all heard how carts are taboo over there, yet there are pockets of acceptance.
To clear this up, I created what I'm calling "The Ultimate Cart Chart."
Now, I'm not suggesting you use a cart if you can walk some the greatest walking courses in the world.
I'm merely pointing out where they're available if you want to mix it up or for those who would otherwise be physically unable to experience these awesome courses.
Indeed, most of the courses below will only provide a golf cart if you have a doctor's/medical note stating you need one. Others, as you'll see, do not allow carts for any reason.
Here are the courses that tend to be on people's hit lists:
| Golf Course | Buggies/Carts Available? | Cost | Notes |
| Ireland | |||
| Ballybunion (Old) | No | n/a | Available on Cashen Course for €35 |
| Waterville | Yes | €40-€50 | Buggy for same-day replay is €25 |
| Doonbeg | Yes, but must be accompanied by a caddie | €85 + tip | Fee includes buggy and caddie |
| Old Head | Yes | €60 | Can pair with forecaddie for €25 |
| Tralee | No, except for those with a medical certificate | €50 | Fee includes buggy and caddie |
| The European Club | Yes | €40 | Small fleet; advanced reservations recommended |
| Lahinch (Old) | No, except for those with a medical certificate | n/a | Extremely limited availabilty |
| Northern Ireland | |||
| Royal County Down | No | n/a | Club claims "the terrain" doesn't permit buggies |
| Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links) | No | n/a | Cell phones not permitted, either |
| Scotland | |||
The Old Course at St. Andrews | No, except for those with a permanent disability and only from April to October | Caddie Fee (£30-£45 + tip) | Must be operated by an approved caddie |
The Caslte Course at St. Andrews | No, except for seniors or those with a medical certificate and only from April to October | Caddie Fee (£30-£45 + tip) | Must be operated by an approved caddie |
All Other Courses at St. Andrews | No, except for seniors or those with a medical certificate | £25 | Must be operated by an approved caddie |
| Carnoustie | No | n/a | n/a |
| Muirfield | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £35 | Users must sign a "Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form" |
| Kingsbarns | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £50 | Must be operated by an approved caddie |
| Royal Troon | No | n/a | n/a |
Turnberry (Ailsa Course) | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £40 plus Caddie Fee (£40 + tip) | Must be operated by an approved caddie |
| England | |||
| Royal Birkdale | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £20 | Green fee includes soup and sandwich lunch |
| Royal St. George's | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £30 | Visitor play M-F; maximum handicap: 18 men/women |
| Royal Lytham & St. Annes | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £15 + caddie tip | Must be driven by an approved caddie |
| Royal Liverpool | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £30 | Maximum handicap: 21/32 men/women |
| Sunningdale (Old) | No, except for those with a medical certificate | £30 + caddie fee + tip | Must be driven by an approved caddie |
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it's interesting that the top courses in Ireland tend to be a little more cart friendly than those in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England.
That said, I've also know that "exceptions are made" almost everywhere...provided you have the right medical documentation and you submit a polite request months in advance of your visit.
What do you think of my chart? Should carts become more commonplace at UK and Ireland golf courses?
Please share your thoughts or read what others are saying below.
Stay in the Swing with GolfPass!
Get exclusive tips from the pros, in-depth course reviews, the latest gear updates, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
