A Good Walk Not Spoiled

February 26, 2014

The great Mark Twain once quipped, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.”

If only Mr. Twain could have played in the 21st century…

With longer and more challenging courses, distance drivers and irons and more gadgets to count, current golfers are no doubt playing in the highest technological state the game has ever seen.

But that doesn’t mean the game is far from its roots.

While technological advancements may have taken the game to another level, there is a major motion in the golf world to take the game back to its purest form. This includes minimalist shoes, lightweight carry bags, and apparel brands geared around simplicity that make the walking golfer a reality – even in the 21st century.

Here are four current products and brands that any golfer that spends their time walking the course rather than riding can appreciate, use and enjoy, along with four great courses you can play and walk your round.

1. True Linkswear – Co-founded by PGA TOUR player Ryan Moore, TrueLinkswear offers lightweight, minimalistic, and spikeless golf shoes. These hybrid shoes are great in most conditions.

In 2013, Moore even won a Tour event the same day another company co-founder ran a marathon wearing the shoes.

2. Jones Sports Co. – If you golfed in the 1980s and 90s, you’ll definitely remember this Portland, Ore.-based company. Jones Sports Co. was a staple for elite players and colleges. Their bags were and still are simple and made to carry the minimum – 14 clubs and a few balls. You can trek any course in style with Jones.

3. Mackenzie Golf Bags – If the styles at Jones don’t fit your needs, try Mackenzie Golf Bags with old-school leather designs and even one that would fit right in at Alister Mackenzie’s most prized design – Augusta National.

4. CRU Headcovers – Any old-school, minimalistic look wouldn’t be complete without a good-looking headcover. Forget the flashy new designs that come with your woods and try a functional leather one from CRU.

Get back to your roots with one of the charming Donald Ross or Mackenzie designs in your neck of the woods or try one of these top courses, easy to book using GolfNow’s Play & Walk initiative that allows golfers to easily browse and book walking golfer-friendly courses in their area.

Disney’s Oak Trail (Lake Buena Vista, Fla.) – After walking the attractions with the kids, play one of Disney’s underrated tracks.

Kingswood Golf Club (Clayton, Ga.) – Think ‘New England’ but in a much warmer environment with a closer to year-round playing availability.

GreyStone Country Club (Dickson, Tenn.) – Designed by PGA TOUR pro Mark McCumber, GreyStone Golf Club offers a challenging yet fun round of golf to competitors of all skill levels.

Rivers Edge Resort (Redmond, Ore.) – It’s not quite Bandon, but Bend, Ore. is a very nice place to play golf. At this terrific rate, this is certainly not a good walk spoiled.