Golf is a favorite hobby of us baby boomers and it can be played well into the senior years, assuming a reasonable degree of health is present.

Perhaps however it’s becoming a little more difficult to walk and carry your clubs for 18 holes. Lack of energy? Aches and pains in places you didn’t even know you had?

If this is you, don’t give up the game…just get a golf cart.

This is the least expensive option. If you enjoy walking and the benefit the exercise, his may be a great, inexpensive alternative.

A good solid model with large wheels for stability will run you up to about $100.00. Although you need to push or pull the cart, it eliminates your carrying the weight of the clubs and provides you with extra storage space for snacks, beverages, etc. These carts are easy to fold at the end of the round and can be stored in the trunk of most cars.

This type of cart is similar to the push, pull cart with the exception that its battery powered. The less expensive models are operated with manual controls on the handle of the unit. The remote control option however is a wonderful convenience which allows you to walk the course with your clubs riding at your side.

Unlike its big brother, the riding cart, these units are light enough, (25lbs), that they won’t damage the fairways of your favorite course. Just like your personal caddie, the cart can go anywhere and will always be at your side with your clubs at hand.

These units are typically priced around $300 to $500 depending on the options you want. The batteries are rechargeable, and a charger is sometimes included. Battery life is usually good for at least one round on a single charge. Most golf caddies are multi-directional; forward, reverse, side-to-side, and all have safety braking systems.

Just like the push, pull carts, these units fold down to a compact size very easily and can also be stored in the trunk of most cars.

If walking the course isn’t for you, then your own riding cart may be the answer.

Riding carts are not as transportable as the previous two options but if you’re a member of a golf club or golf residential complex these can be a wonderful vehicle to own.

Many member golf clubs offer storage and some, will even maintain the unit inclusive of the annual storage fees.

If you live in a golf residence, the benefits of a riding cart become much more than just transportation around the course. It’s a convenient means of getting around the complex and much less expensive to operate and maintain than your car.

Riding golf carts come in all shapes and sizes. Customization has become a hobby of the true golf cart enthusiast. There are even golf cart clubs. It’s possible to replicate virtually any automobile from a Volkswagen to a Bentley and everything in between.

The price range for these units is as vast as the options available for them. A new unit will typically run between $2,000 and $5,000. There are always good used units in the marketplace as well. You might want to check with your golf club to see if they’re upgrading their fleet which is a good source for a used cart. Ebay and the internet is also a good source.

Hey boomers! The inability to walk the course and carry your bag doesn't mean you need to give up the game. Just get a cart.

I hope to play at least until I can shoot my age!

How about you?