As a long-time proponent of walking on the golf course, and avid tester and reviewer of carry bags, it saddens me to see so many apparently able-bodied Americans buzzing around in golf carts – especially when many of them could, quite frankly, use a bit of exercise.

Then it occurred to me that maybe for at least some of these golfers, walking isn’t the issue, carrying their bags is. No matter how comfy some shoulder straps may be, or how many radical carrying systems come along, you really need to be prepared for a work-out to schlep 20-40 pounds of bag, clubs, balls, and sundry accessories over four miles on a balmy afternoon.

So for those of you who want to walk but don’t want to carry, here’s a happy medium:

Push carts.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re envisioning those rickety old pull carts that you can rent for $1 at the muni – the ones whose handles fall off as they tip over and barrel-roll down a hill.

Those dinky, clumsy contraptions are definitely not what I’m talking about.

I’m talking about the sturdy yet light line of push carts offered by Sun Mountain. The flagship model, the Speed Cart V1, has three big ATV-looking wheels and a slew of features that make it both light, small when folded, and fully loaded for all on-course emergencies.

The newest incarnation of the Speed Cart V1 ($224) incorporates adjustable front-wheel alignment, folding bag brackets, adjustable quick-release bungee bag straps, a tire pump, hand brake that locks for parking, Greenskeep sand/seed mix bottle, an umbrella holder on the cart handle for an open umbrella, and one on the cart frame for umbrella storage.

What? No curb feelers or DVD player?

The company also offers a motorized, completely folding Speed E Cart ($799), and the new Speed Cart V2 ($299), which has all the features of the Speed E (minus the motor), including optional features such as a Sun Mountain golf or UV umbrella, Cool-Paq cooler, Speed-Paq bag for extra storage, cart seat, cart mitts that attach to cart handle, and cart cover.

OK, Americans. It really is time to get off your spreading backsides and walk the links. Your bad back is no excuse any longer, thanks to Sun Mountain.

Seriously, walking will help your game, your health, and your mind. I also contend that on most courses, for most players, it’ll also speed up play, as long as you don’t drive your Speed E cart into a pond.

Sun Mountain’s Speed Cart V1 is not your grandpa’s pull cart.

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