Golf Tutorials

What Is a Pull Cart in Golf?

By Spencer Lanoue
July 24, 2025

A golf pull cart is a simple, two-wheeled frame designed to let you tow your golf bag behind you, making it far easier to walk the course than carrying your clubs. This article will break down exactly what a pull cart is, how it compares to other options, and whether it’s the right choice for making your rounds more enjoyable.

Understanding the Basics: What Exactly is a Golf Pull Cart?

At its core, a golf pull cart is a minimalist piece of equipment with one job: to cart your clubs so you don't have to carry them. Unlike more complex models, the classic pull cart is defined by its two-wheel design. You place your golf bag onto the frame, secure it with straps, grab the handle, and simply pull it along as you walk the fairway.

Think of it as the original golf trolley. Before three-wheeled push carts and motorized "electric caddies" became common, the humble two-wheeled pull cart was the go-to solution for golfers who wanted to save their back and shoulders. Its design is based on simplicity and efficiency, providing a major assist without adding a lot of bulk or complexity to your game.

Pull Cart vs. Push Cart: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for golfers looking to walk the course. While they serve the same purpose, the key difference lies in ergonomics and the number of wheels.

  • Pull Cart (2 Wheels): As the name suggests, this cart is designed to be pulled from behind you. This puts a pulling strain on your shoulder and arm. It’s generally simpler, lighter, and more affordable.
  • Push Cart (3 or 4 Wheels): This cart is designed to be pushed in front of you, much like a stroller. The third (or fourth) wheel adds stability and makes the cart self-supporting. Pushing is a more natural anatomical motion, placing less strain on your joints, particularly your back and shoulders.

We’ll get into a more detailed comparison later, but for now, just remember: two wheels means you pull, three or more wheels means you push.

The Top Benefits of Using a Golf Pull Cart

You might wonder if such a simple piece of gear can really make a difference. The answer is a resounding yes. Choosing to walk with a pull cart instead of carrying your bag has significant benefits that can lead to better scores and a more enjoyable experience.

1. Reduces Physical Fatigue

Carrying a 25-plus-pound bag for five miles over four hours is a workout. While walking is great exercise, the added weight and strain of a golf bag on your shoulders and back causes a steady build-up of fatigue. This physical toll often appears on the back nine, where tired muscles lead to weaker, less precise swings. A pull cart removes that burden completely. Your legs still get the benefit of the walk, but your upper body arrives at the 18th tee feeling almost as fresh as it did on the 1st tee.

2. Prevents Aches, Pains, and Injuries

Continuously hoisting a heavy bag off the ground, carrying it on one shoulder, and then setting it down dozens of times per round places an uneven load on your spine, shoulders, and hips. Over time, this can contribute to chronic back pain or shoulder issues. A pull cart eliminates this repetitive strain, protecting your body and allowing you to play more golf, more often, with less post-round discomfort.

3. Ultimate Convenience and Simplicity

Pull carts are the definition of "grab and go." They are typically lightweight and fold down into a compact size that fits easily in any car trunk. There are no batteries to charge or complex folding mechanisms to figure out. You arrive at the course, unfold it in seconds, strap your bag on, and you’re ready to play. Many models also include basic but useful features like a scorecard holder, a drink holder, and a spot for a few extra balls and tees, keeping everything you need within easy reach.

4. Extremely Cost-Effective

If you want to walk the course without breaking the bank, a pull cart is your best friend. They are significantly more affordable than their three-wheeled push cart counterparts and exponentially cheaper than an electric golf caddie. It's a small, one-time investment that pays for itself quickly in saved energy and chiropractor bills cleared up from not carrying.

Is a Golf Pull Cart the Right Choice for You?

While push carts have grown in popularity, the pull cart remains a fantastic choice for many golfers. Here’s when it makes the most sense:

  • For the Budget-Conscious Golfer: If you want the benefits of walking without the strain of carrying, but don’t want to shell out a few hundred dollars for a high-end push cart, the pull cart is the perfect solution.
  • For Golfers Playing Flatter Courses: Pull carts excel on relatively flat terrain. Push carts have an advantage on hilly courses because their braking systems and stability make them easier to control on inclines and declines, but on a flat layout, a pull cart is just as effective.
  • For the Minimalist: If you value simplicity and don’t need a fancy console with a phone holder, storage compartment, and umbrella mount, the straightforward design of a pull cart is ideal. It does its job without any fuss.
  • For Casual or Occasional Golfers: Don't play every single weekend? A simple, durable pull cart is a great investment that will last for years without needing any maintenance, ready whenever you are. A great choice for Juniors getting into the game too!

The Pull Cart vs. Push Cart Showdown: A Deeper Look

So, which one should you get? Let’s put the two-wheeler and the three-wheeler side-by-side to help you decide.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Winner: Push Cart

From a purely biomechanical standpoint, pushing an object is better for your body than pulling it. Pushing allows you to engage your larger leg and core muscles while keeping your spine in a neutral position. Pulling, on the other hand, puts more isolated strain on the arm, shoulder, and back. For golfers with existing back or shoulder issues, a push cart is the clear ergonomic winner.

Stability

Winner: Push Cart

With a wider base and an extra wheel, a three-wheel push cart is inherently more stable than a two-wheel pull cart. It stands on its own, won't tip over easily on sidehills, and is easier to manage on uneven ground. Pull carts need to be leaned against your bag or carefully laid on the ground when you take your shot.

Ease of Use on Hills

Winner: Push Cart

Controlling a cart on hilly terrain is a serious consideration. Modern push carts often come with a hand brake, which is a game-changer for walking down steep hills - you don't have to fight gravity to keep the cart from running away. Pull carts lack this feature, making them trickier to manage on courses with significant elevation changes.

Cost and Simplicity

Winner: Pull Cart

This is where the pull cart shines. It's simpler in design, often lighter, and comes at a much lower price point. If your priorities are affordability and a no-frills tool that just works, the pull cart is an unbeatable value proposition.

Verdict:

Choose a push cart if your primary concerns are optimal ergonomics and stability, especially if you play hilly courses or have a history of back pain.Choose a pull cart if you are looking for an affordable, simple, and lightweight solution for walking on flatter courses and value simplicity over extra features.

Final Thoughts

The golf pull cart is a timetested tool that offers- a simple, affordable, and effective way to make walking the course more enjoyable. By removing the physical burden of carrying your clubs, an you save energy for the swings that matter and protects your body from unnecessary strain, allowing you to focus more on your game.

Just as a pull cart can take the physical guesswork out of your round, what if you could do the same for the mental side? I know how much easier the game gets when you have clarity on every shot. For example, Caddie AI acts as your personal on-course expert, giving you strategic advice for any situation. Whether you're unsure how to play a new hole or need help with a tricky lie in the rough, it gives you a smart, simple plan so you can commit to your swing with confidence.

Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. His mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.

Other posts you might like

How to Throw a Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.

Read more
card link

What Is a Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.

Read more
card link

What Is the Compression of a Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball?

The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.

Read more
card link

What Spikes Fit Puma Golf Shoes?

Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.

Read more
card link

How to Use the Golf Genius App

The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.

Read more
card link

How to Not Embarrass Yourself While Golfing

Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i

Read more
card link
Rating

Instant advice to help you golf like a pro

Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.

Get started for free
Image Descrptions