Golf carts look harmless, which is part of the problem. They’re quiet, they’re easy to drive, and staff often hop on without a second thought. But carts tip on slopes, throw passengers on sharp turns and share paths with pedestrians. A short pre-season refresher for course staff goes a long way.
Before the first round: inspect the fleet
- Tires: pressure, wear and damage.
- Brakes and park brake: test both before each use.
- Steering: no excessive play or pulling.
- Batteries or fuel: charged or filled, with no leaks or corrosion.
- Lights, horn and reverse warning, where fitted.
- Seats, hand holds and the roof structure: secure and undamaged.
Safe operating habits to reinforce
- Keep all passengers seated, with hands and feet inside the cart.
- Slow down before turns, not during them.
- Drive straight up and down slopes. Avoid travelling across steep grades.
- Watch for pedestrians, especially near the clubhouse, cart barn and blind corners.
- Stay off wet grass and steep areas when conditions are poor.
- Set the park brake and remove the key whenever you step away.
- Never operate a cart after drinking or while distracted by a phone.
Don’t forget the staff who aren’t golfers
Maintenance crews, beverage cart staff and seasonal hires often drive carts more than anyone else on the course. They should get the same refresher, along with any site-specific rules about routes, speed and where carts can and can’t go.
Keep it short and keep a record
Our Golf Cart Safety Refresher takes about 15 minutes on a phone, tablet or computer. Each staff member gets their own login and a certificate, and you get a dated record for everyone. Training the whole crew? Volume pricing applies automatically from 5 seats.