Golf Buggy Etiquette: How to Drive on the Course Without Damaging It

Good golf buggy etiquette comes down to three things: protect the course, keep play moving and stay safe. That means following the club's buggy rules, keeping off the greens, tees and other sensitive areas, using the 90-degree rule where buggies are allowed on the fairway, and parking where it helps your group move on quickly. Get these right and you'll be welcome at any club, whether you hire a buggy or bring your own.

Why does buggy etiquette matter?

Grass, especially on greens and tees, is easily damaged by tyres. Wet ground is particularly vulnerable: tyres compress the soil, leave ruts and damage roots, and the marks can last for weeks. Careless driving also slows down play and can be dangerous for players nearby. Clubs set buggy rules to protect the course and everyone on it, and greenkeepers notice who follows them.

What are the basic rules on any course?

1. Check the buggy rules for the day

Before you tee off, check the notice board, ask in the pro shop or read the scorecard. Common instructions include:

• Buggies allowed on fairways: you may drive on the fairway, usually using the 90-degree rule.
• 90-degree rule only: stay on the path except to drive straight across to your ball.
• Cart path only: buggies must stay on the paths all day, usually after rain or during course maintenance.
• No buggies: on very wet days, some courses close to buggies completely.

2. Follow signs, ropes and stakes

Ropes, stakes and small signs near greens and tees show where buggies must turn back towards the path. Always drive on the path side of them.

3. Keep off greens, tees and hazards

Never drive onto a green, a tee box or the apron around a green. Keep out of bunkers, water hazards and areas marked as ground under repair. Many clubs ask you to keep a set distance from greens and tees, and their signs show exactly where.

What is the 90-degree rule?

The 90-degree rule spreads buggy traffic evenly across the fairway instead of wearing a single track:

1. Drive along the buggy path until you are level with your ball.
2. Turn at a right angle and drive straight across the fairway to the ball.
3. Play your shot.
4. Drive straight back to the path at a right angle, then continue along the path.

If two players' balls are on different sides of the fairway, one player can walk to their ball while the buggy goes to the other, then meet back at the path.

How do you keep play moving with a buggy?

• Drop your partner at their ball: let them take a club or two and walk, while you drive to yours.
• Take more than one club if you're unsure of the distance, so you don't have to go back to the buggy.
• Park smart at the green: leave the buggy on the path beside the green, on the side nearest the next tee, so you can putt out and move straight on.
• Write scores at the next tee, not by the green, so the group behind can play up.
• Stop when others are playing: pause the buggy when a nearby player is about to hit. An electric buggy is quiet, but movement can still distract.

How do you drive a buggy safely on the course?

• Seatbelts on: our E2 and E2+2 have 2-point seatbelts. Use them, especially on slopes and paths with sharp bends.
• One person per seat: never carry more people than there are seats, and keep arms and legs inside.
• Slopes: drive straight up and down hills rather than across them, and slow down before turning.
• Wet grass and gravel: brake earlier and keep your speed down.
• Parking: park on level ground and make sure the buggy cannot roll away.
• Bags: strap golf bags in securely.
• Drivers: follow the club's rules on who may drive a buggy, particularly for juniors.

What about the Spanish heat?

• Carry plenty of water, and wear a hat and sun cream.
• Park in the shade when you stop for a break at the halfway house.
• At home, charge in a shaded, ventilated place after the round.

Bringing your own buggy to the club

Many clubs in Spain allow private buggies, but each sets its own rules. Before your first round, ask about:

• Whether private buggies are allowed, and any registration or annual fee.
• Any requirements on the buggy itself, such as tyres or seats.
• Insurance. Since Spain's 2025 motor insurance reform, compulsory insurance can apply to vehicles faster than 25 km/h even on private land. See our guide on where you can use a utility buggy.
• How you'll get the buggy to the course. A utility buggy can't use public roads, so it needs to be transported or kept at the club.

Our utility buggies suit golf well. The two-seat E2 is ideal for playing as a pair, with a 48V LFP lithium battery, a 60–80 km range and hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels. The four-seat E2+2 suits families and estates; check with your club before taking a four-seater onto the course. If you want to drive from home to the club on public roads, look at our road legal buggies instead.

After the round

• Remove grass, sand and mud, and empty any rubbish.
• Charge the battery so it's ready for next time and never drops below 20%.
• Store it under cover.

Frequently asked questions

What does "cart path only" mean?

Buggies must stay on the paths for the whole round. It's usually in force after rain or during course maintenance.

What is the 90-degree rule?

Stay on the path until you're level with your ball, drive straight across to it, then return straight to the path.

Can I drive a buggy near the green?

No. Keep to the path near greens and tees, and follow the club's signs and ropes.

Where should I park at the green?

On the path, on the side of the green nearest the next tee.

Can I use my own buggy at my golf club?

Many clubs allow it, but rules, fees and insurance requirements vary. Ask the club first.

Talk to us

Thinking about your own golf buggy? WhatsApp us on +34 711 098 461, browse our golf buggies, or visit our showroom at La Manga Club.