how to hit a cart

2 min read 15-01-2025

Meta Description: Master the art of hitting a golf cart! This comprehensive guide covers choosing the right club, stance, swing technique, and common mistakes to avoid. Improve your short game and lower your score with these expert tips. Learn how to accurately and confidently hit those tricky shots around the green.

Understanding the Cart Shot

The "cart shot" refers to a short, usually delicate shot played from around the green, often aimed at a golf cart (or a similar short-distance target). While it might seem unconventional, mastering this shot can significantly improve your short game and save you strokes. It’s about precision and control, not power.

Choosing the Right Club

The club selection for a cart shot depends heavily on the distance and lie of the ball. Common choices include:

Putter: Ideal for very close-range shots, typically within a few feet of the target.
Sand Wedge (SW): Offers excellent control and loft for higher shots, perfect for shots over obstacles or when you need a softer landing.
Pitching Wedge (PW) or 9-Iron: Good all-around choices offering versatility in trajectory and distance control.

Setting Up for the Shot

Your stance and grip are crucial for a successful cart shot.

Stance and Grip

Narrow Stance: Adopt a slightly narrower than normal stance for improved balance and control.
Neutral Grip: A neutral grip promotes a consistent swing path. Experiment to find what's comfortable and repeatable.
Ball Position: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance to encourage a more controlled and less aggressive swing.

Swing Technique

The key to a successful cart shot is a smooth, controlled swing.

The Takeaway

Start with a slow, deliberate takeaway, keeping the clubface square to the target. Avoid any jerky movements.

The Backswing

Maintain a compact backswing, avoiding an over-the-top swing path, which often leads to shanks or topped shots. Focus on keeping your wrists hinged.

The Downswing

Initiate the downswing smoothly, focusing on accelerating through the shot with a controlled release. Maintain a level swing plane.

Follow-Through

Finish your swing with a fluid follow-through, ensuring your weight transfers smoothly to your front foot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common mistakes can hinder your cart shot accuracy.

Swinging Too Hard: Resist the urge to overpower the shot. Control is key.
Poor Ball Position: An incorrect ball position will alter your swing path, leading to inconsistent results.
Inconsistent Grip: A shifting grip pressure or improper grip type can cause your swing to become unpredictable.
Incorrect Aim: Precise aim is critical. Carefully align your body and clubface to the target.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any golf shot, mastering the cart shot requires consistent practice. Start with short distances and gradually increase the challenge as you improve your accuracy and control.

Variations on the Cart Shot

The basic technique can be adapted to different situations:

High Shot: Use a more open clubface and a steeper swing to generate higher trajectory.
Low Shot: Use a more closed clubface and a shallower swing to keep the ball low to the ground.
Running Shot: Play the ball slightly back in your stance for a shot that rolls more after landing.

Remember, the cart shot isn't just about hitting the cart. It's a valuable skill that enhances your overall short game, allowing for more creative shot-making around the green, ultimately leading to lower scores. Practice diligently, and soon you'll be sinking those crucial putts after mastering your cart shot.