Walking Is Back

IT’S HARD TO SEPARATE GOLF from the golf cart, but the pandemic forced many clubs to ditch the wheels to promote social distancing. It turns out that walking a round is fun, so many clubs that used to discourage it have decided to promote the practice. Hancock Golf Course in Austin has become walking-only. Bobby Jones in Atlanta allows only walkers before noon. And yes, walking nine holes is exercise. A Colorado Center for Health and Sport study found that walking and carrying your bag burns over 700 calories. Need another reason? That same study showed that golfers who walked shot an average of three strokes lower than cart riders on the same nine holes.

Vessel’s VLX stand bag, which weighs just under five pounds, has a self-adjusting dual-strap harness, two-legged carbon fiber stand and an insulated cooler pocket to help you stay hydrated with a chilled beverage while you walk. $335; vesselbags.com

No more hoofing it down long fairways in uncomfortable spikes— spikeless shoes like the new Adidas Tour360 22 use energy-returning midsoles and stability-enhancing cleats to bring comfort and performance to your game. $210; adidas.com