From manual push and pull trolleys to cutting-edge electric battery-operated options, choosing the right golf trolley can be difficult. Whether you’ve just stepped into the world of golf or you’re a professional, you may be wondering “which golf trolley is best for me?” Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to buying a golf trolley, as the type you choose will be unique to you.

In this golf trolley buying guide, we talk about the main features of each golf trolley, and what you must consider before buying, such as the course you play on, the trolley’s features and practical factors like size and weight, to help you make an informed decision on which golf trolley to buy.

What are the difference types of golf trolley?

There are three main types of golf trolley available to buy: push trolleys, pull trolleys and electric trolleys, and each of these come with their own pros and cons. Our golfing experts explain the differences between them:

Push and pull trolleys

As the name suggests, push and pull trolleys are manually powered, with push trolleys being pushed, and pull trolleys being pulled. The main difference between the two is in the wheels, as a traditional pull trolleys have two wheels, whereas push trolleys include an extra wheel to allow it to be pushed with ease. (That being said, some brands even offer four-wheeled options too.) However, the purpose of the two types trolley is the same: to carry the weight of your golf bag so you don’t have to.

Of the two options, three-wheeled push trolleys are the most popular among golfers as they are much sturdier and easier to manoeuvre, no matter what terrain you are playing on. It’s also less taxing on shoulder muscles, allowing golfers to conserve much-needed energy for their swings instead. But if your golf course is generally flat, a two-wheeled golf trolley will be perfect for you as it’s easy to pull along and won’t put any unnecessary strain on your body.

In addition, most push trolleys (three-wheeled options) come with accessories like foot brakes to hold them still while playing a hole, or for slowing them down if you’re going downhill. You may also find some push trolleys come with extra features, such as smooth bearings and larger wheels, which help the trolley to glide over the grass with ease.

Top tip: When considering a manual push or pull trolley, for the most part your decision-making should be made in how it feels to push or pull around. Where possible, you are best off trying some out for yourself initially to see what feels most comfortable and sturdy, and how many wheels you think works for you.

Pros:

• Great for flatter courses
• Affordable options are available
• Compact when folded to fit easily into a car/storage
• Easy to set up on arrival
• Doesn’t require any time/money being spent charging the battery
• Comes with great added extras, such as foot brakes

Cons:

• Can be tiring pushing/pulling around the course
• Suited to smaller golf cart bags

Electric trolleys

Electric golf trolleys use a battery to power them around the golf course to reduce the strain of carrying your golf bag or pushing/pulling a manual trolley. They can be controlled via a remote control or speed dial setting that allows the trolley to follow the golfer as they walk, thus saving all-important energy for swinging instead. Despite being the pricier option on the market, in the long run it will be a fantastic investment and will allow you to concentrate on the game at hand.

Electric trolleys are highly recommended if your course is particularly hilly or has a number of fairways, making it harder to carry or push/pull your trolley around. Electric options are far easier to use than push or pull trolleys as all the work is done by the battery, as opposed to your body.

When purchasing an electric trolley, the most important thing to consider is battery power. Each brand and type of battery will differ from the next, with some lasting one round of golf, and others significantly longer. Therefore, to ensure you get the best value for money, be sure to check how long the battery lasts on a single charge (for example, whether the battery lasts for 18 holes, 27 holes, or 36-holes), and how quickly it can be recharged.

Pros:

• Great for hilly courses
• More receptive to larger golf cart bags that offer more storage
• Battery powered – you still get the exercise but no added strain on your body
• Ensures golfers conserve valuable energy for their swings
• Comes with additional features like GPS/phone holders and shot measurement etc.

Cons:

• The most expensive type of golf trolley
• They can be extremely heavy/bulky
• Can be high maintenance

Which golf trolley should I buy?

Buying a golf trolley is probably the largest single purchase that you will make after buying a set of golf clubs, so it’s important you make the right decision. If you’re looking to make a purchase, a manual pull or push trolley is a good starting point, and basic options are highly affordable too. That being said, if your budget permits, it’s well worth your while looking into electric options too.

But, first and foremost, it’s important to consider what works for you and your game. Here are some things you must consider:

- Golf course

The type of golf course you play on will determine which type of golf trolley is best for you. Depending on your mobility, when playing on a flatter course you may want to use a two- or three-wheeled trolley. However, irrespective of the terrain of your golf course, an electric trolley will help you move your golf clubs from one hole to the next with ease.

- Performance

The performance of the golf trolley is very important. Be sure to consider how much weight your trolley can carry and climb capacity if your course is particularly hilly.

If you are opting for an electric golf trolley, don’t forget to the check the “operating range” (whether the battery is geared up for 18, 27 or 36 holes). This refers to the number of holes you can play with your golf trolley still functioning using a single-charged battery. If you don’t consider this, you may find that you end up having to carry a spare charged battery, or even purchase a new one that has a longer lifespan between charges.

- Size and weight

A major factor you will want to consider is the size and weight of your golf trolley and how easy it is to travel with to and from the golf course. Ideally you will want a golf trolley that is lightweight and easy to lift in and out of your car, as well as being able to fit comfortably into your boot.

For the most part, golf trolleys all fold down to similar sizes – this is standard across Motocaddy golf trolleys. However, the weight is what can differ and may determine whether a trolley is right for you, or not – particularly on electric trolleys where battery types and sizes can affect the weight significantly. This is why Golfsupport recommend testing golf trolleys before buying, to ensure it works for you.

- Batteries

There are two main types of batteries: lithium and lead acid batteries. Lithium batteries typically add around 5kg to the trolley, making this option extremely lightweight compared to lead acid batteries that weigh-in at around 11kg.

Lithium batteries can be expensive, but they are highly cost-effective as they can maintain their full-charge capacity for over 500 charges. However, lead acid batteries are larger in size, heavy in weight and can take significantly longer to charge than their lithium counterparts.

- Extra features available

Most golf trolleys are available with a wide range of features and accessories, which can differ from golf brand and trolley model. Most trolleys are equipped with an umbrella mount, a bottle holder, ball and tee holders, as well as adjustable handles and storage options, as standard. Some brands and models even include custom colour options, GPS and phone holders, or even pop-out stools.

Check out our selection of golf trolleys online at Golfsupport. If you require any help with choosing a golf trolley, do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team of experts will be able to advise you the best they can.

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