Deciding on the best golf trolley is about more than just finding a way to carry your clubs, it's a strategic choice that can directly impact your energy levels and your performance on the course. With so many options available, from simple three-wheeled push models to advanced remote-controlled units, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the different types of trolleys, the features that really matter, and how to pick the perfect one for your game and your body.
First Things First: Why Use a Golf Trolley?
Before we break down the options, let's address the big question: Is a trolley really necessary? Many golfers start out carrying their bag, and there's a certain old-school toughness to it. But from a coaching standpoint, carrying your clubs often does more harm than good to your score.
Think about it: slinging a 25-pound bag over your shoulder for five miles puts a constant, uneven strain on your back, shoulders, and core. Even if you don't feel "sore," your body is spending a massive amount of energy just on transportation. That's energy that could be used for maintaining posture in your swing, focusing on your shot, and, most importantly, staying strong through the final few holes where rounds are often won or lost.
A good trolley eliminates this physical drain. It acts as your personal equipment manager, freeing up your body to focus on one thing: playing better golf. You arrive at your ball feeling fresher, more relaxed, and better prepared to execute the shot in front of you. Over 18 holes, this saved energy makes a significant difference.
The Main Types of Golf Trolleys
Golf trolleys fall into three main categories. Understanding the pros and cons of each is the first step toward finding the right fit for you.
1. Manual Push/Pull Trolleys
This is the classic, most straightforward type of trolley. As the name suggests, you provide the power by either pushing it in front of you or, with older models, pulling it behind you. Modern push trolleys are far superior, typically featuring three wheels for stability and are much easier on your back and shoulders than pulling.
- Pros:
- Affordability: They are the most budget-friendly option, with great models available for a relatively low initial investment.
- Simplicity &, Reliability: There are no batteries to charge or motors to fail. They just work.
- Lightweight &, Compact: They are generally lighter and fold down smaller than electric models, making them easy to lift in and out of a car.
- Cons:
- Physical Effort: You are still doing the work, especially on hilly or undulating courses. A long uphill walk can be just as tiring pushing a trolley as it is carrying a bag.
- Fewer Features: They typically lack the bells and whistles of their electric counterparts, like GPS holders or USB ports (though many can be added).
Who It’s For: The manual push trolley is perfect for the golfer who plays on predominantly flat courses, is on a budget, or simply wants a reliable, no-fuss solution. It is also an excellent choice for a junior golfer or someone who only plays occasionally.
2. Electric Golf Trolleys
Electric trolleys are the most popular choice for regular golfers, and for good reason. They feature a battery-powered motor that does all the heavy lifting for you. You simply steer it using the handle, setting the pace with a dial or buttons.
- Pros:
- Energy Conservation: This is the biggest advantage. You use virtually no energy moving your clubs around the course, leaving you 100% fresh for every shot.
- Handles Hills Effortlessly: Uphill climbs become a breeze. Many advanced models also feature a braking system (like Downhill Control or DHC) that automatically maintains speed on descents, which is a game-changer on hilly layouts.
- Rich with Features: Most electric trolleys come equipped with useful features like a USB charging port for your phone or GPS, distance-measuring functions, and accessory docks for umbrella holders and score's-card holders.
- Cons:
- Cost: They represent a significant investment compared to manual trolleys.
- Weight &, Bulk: Electric trolleys are heavier and can be more cumbersome to fold and lift into a car.
- Battery Management: You have to remember to charge the battery after every round. Forgetting means you're stuck with a very heavy manual push trolley.
Who It’s For: If you play regularly, especially on a course with any sort of elevation change, an electric trolley is one of the best investments you can make in your game. It's for the serious golfer who wants to minimize physical fatigue and maximize performance.
3. Remote-Controlled & 'Follow' Trolleys
This is the top tier of golf trolleys, offering the ultimate in convenience. A remote-controlled trolley is steered via a small handheld remote, allowing you to send it to the next tee while you walk to the green. A "follow" trolley uses sensor technology to automatically follow you around the course, hands-free.
- Pros:
- Ultimate Convenience: It genuinely feels like you have a caddie. Walking down the fairway completely unburdened is a fantastic experience.
- Total Freedom: You're not tethered to a handle at all, which allows you to move more freely and naturally between shots.
- Impressive Technology: They are a lot of fun to use and are sure to be a conversation starter in your group.
- Cons:
- Premium Price: These are the most expensive options by a significant margin.
- Complexity: More technology means more things that could potentially go wrong. You also need to manage charging both the main trolley battery and the remote control.
- Learning Curve: There's a slight learning curve to steering one effectively, especially around hazards and a crowded clubhouse.
Who It’s For: The remote or follow trolley is for the golfer who wants the absolute pinnacle of convenience, has a healthy budget, and loves utilizing the latest technology to enhance their golfing experience.
What to Look For When Buying a Trolley
Once you’ve decided on a type, consider these specific features to narrow down your choice.
Weight &, Folded Size
This is a practical consideration that many people overlook. How heavy is the trolley to lift? Critically, how small does it fold down? Before you buy, measure your car trunk and check the folded dimensions of the trolley to make sure it will fit, especially if you also need to fit your clubs alongside it.
Battery Type (for Electric Models)
Today, there is only one real choice: Lithium. While older trolleys used cheaper lead-acid batteries, they were excessively heavy and had a shorter lifespan. Modern lithium batteries are much lighter, charge faster, last for years, and are often available in 18-hole or more powerful 36-hole versions.
Wheel Configuration
Most modern push and electric trolleys are three-wheeled for a great balance of stability and maneuverability. Some offer aswivel front wheel which makes turning effortless, as you don’t need to lift the front of the trolley to change direction. Four-wheeled trolleys offer the ultimate stability and often fold down more compactly than their three-wheeled counterparts.
Braking System
If your home course is hilly, this is a non-negotiable feature for an electric trolley. A lot of models now come with an electronic parking brake to hold it steady on a slope. Even better is an automatic Downhill Control (DHC) system, which intelligently maintains a steady speed when going downhill, so the trolley never runs away from you.
Added Accessories
Look for what comes standard and what needs to be added on. An integrated drink holder, umbrella mount, storage net, and scorecard holder are incredibly useful. A USB port on an electric trolley is also a great bonus for keeping your a-pps and devices charged.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing the "best" trolley is personal. Don't just go for the most expensive model with the most features. Instead, be honest about your situation:
- If you play a flat course twice a month on a tight budget: A sturdy, three-wheeled manual push trolley is your best bet.
- If you play once a week on a hilly course and often feel tired on the back nine: An electric trolley with a DHC feature will be a transformative investment.
- If you value freedom of movement and want the ultimate on-course luxury: A remote-controlled or follow trolley a waits.
By thoughtfully matching the trolley's function to your needs, you're not just buying a piece of equipment, you're making a choice that will help you enjoy the Walk and play better, more consistent golf.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right golf trolley boils down to matching its core function - manual, electric, or remote - to your specific course, budget, and how often you play. By saving your physical energy, you free up your mind to focus on what really generates good scores: strategy and execution.
A good trolley frees up your body so you can concentrate on shot strategy, course management, and confident decision-making. Speaking of which, that’s where we come in. By providing instant, clear advice on club selection, shot strategy, and how to play those tricky lies, Caddie AI supports your mental game. With all the physical energy you've saved using a trolley, our app helps direct your mental energy toward making smart choices and committing to every swing.