Cart Policy Changes

This season the MWGA will implement two policy changes related to cart use at MWGA tournaments. The first change allows caddies to ride in carts, which may seem a little odd, but this situation has come up in the past. In previous years, caddies were not allowed to ride in carts and this sometimes presented problems, like when a player decided at the last minute to take a cart in order to beat the heat and had to leave her caddie behind. 

The second change allows spectators to take carts to watch the action on the course. You may remember a time in the past when spectators were allowed to ride in carts, but that policy was changed a few years ago based on feedback from our players that it was causing a distraction. Since that time, we have worked diligently to tighten up our tournament procedures and we think that we can control the situation better now.

Spectators wishing to ride a cart must sign an agreement to follow the "Motorized Carts for Spectators" policy shown at the bottom of this article (it can also be found on the web site on the "Tournament Players' Information" page under the "Tournaments" menu.)

Everyone should be aware that there are some limitations to this policy. One is that spectators are not allowed to ride in a player's cart, only in carts arranged specifically for their use. Also, the host pro shop has the final word on whether to allow spectator carts on the course and may not allow it based on weather conditions or cart availability.

The MWGA hopes that the new spectator cart policy will encourage spectators to take a greater interest in our tournaments and in women's golf in general.

Motorized Carts for Spectators: The use of golf carts by spectators may be allowed as determined by the Committee on a Championship/Tournament basis. The MWGA office must receive the request for a motorized cart 7 days prior to the tournament; the tournament committee may waive prior notice during the actual event. The spectator must sign an agreement to comply with the following requirements:

1. The spectator shall be responsible for the cost of the cart.
2. The spectator shall follow golf course etiquette.
3. Where cart paths are provided, the spectator must keep the golf cart on the cart path at all times.
4. Where cart paths are not provided, the spectator shall drive the cart in the rough 10 yards behind the group the spectator is following.
5. The spectator must keep up with the group and not delay the following group
6. The spectator must not disrupt or distract the players with the use of the golf cart.
7. Driving a golf cart in the fairway or crossing a fairway is strictly prohibited.
8. Interference with tournament play or non-compliance with the above rules shall result in immediate loss of cart privilege and non-refund of cart fee.