Golf trolley winter wheels: do you need them?

Why clubs require winter wheels

In a typical British winter, fairways and walkways are soft and wet for weeks at a time. Narrow trolley wheels with deep tread concentrate weight on a small area and can cut into the turf, leaving ruts that take months to recover. Greenkeepers ask for winter wheels because wider, smoother wheels spread the load over more grass and roll over it rather than digging in. On the wettest days, some clubs go further and ban trolleys entirely, or restrict them to certain areas.

Rules vary from club to club and change with the weather. Check the notice board, the club app or the pro shop before you play, especially at a course you are visiting.

How winter wheels differ

On electric trolleys, winter wheels must also connect to the drive. They are usually designed for a specific brand and axle, so a set for one maker's trolley may not fit another's.

Choosing a set for your trolley

Trolley makers such as Motocaddy and PowaKaddy sell winter wheels for their own models, and golf retailers stock them in autumn. Push trolleys from Clicgear, Motocaddy and others often have quick release wheels, which makes swapping simple. Our push trolley guide notes features such as the Motocaddy Z1's two-step fold and the Clicgear 8.0+ airless wheels.

• Buy wheels made for your trolley's brand and model, or confirmed to fit its axles.
• For electric trolleys, check the wheels engage with the drive clips or locking pins.
• Check your club's rules on what counts as a winter wheel, as some specify width or tread.
• Consider whether you need a full set or just the rear wheels; check with your club.

How to fit winter wheels

Exact methods vary by trolley, so follow your manual. Keep the standard wheels clean and dry for spring.

1. 1

   Switch off an electric trolley and disconnect the battery.

2. 2

   Press the quick release button or remove the clip on each rear wheel and slide it off the axle.

3. 3

   Slide the winter wheel onto the axle until it clicks or the clip can be refitted.

4. 4

   On an electric trolley, set the drive clip or pin so the wheel is driven, as your manual shows.

5. 5

   Check the front wheel if your club requires a winter front wheel too.

6. 6

   Test on level ground that the trolley runs straight and the wheels are secure.

Note:Winter wheels can have less grip on steep, wet slopes. Lower the speed on an electric trolley and keep a hand on the handle on descents. See our downhill control explainer.

When trolleys are banned

On the wettest days some clubs ban trolleys, and you will need to carry. A lightweight stand bag with double straps makes this easier. Some golfers keep a carry bag in the car through the winter for this reason. Electric trolleys are sometimes treated differently from push trolleys, so read the notice carefully.

Looking after your trolley in winter

Mud and grit wear wheel bearings, brakes and folding joints. Hose or wipe off mud after each round, let the trolley dry before folding it away, and check brakes regularly. For electric trolleys, keep the battery indoors and charged as our battery guide explains. A trolley that is cleaned and dried each week will fold smoothly and last longer.

See compact push trolleys for winter golf →

Frequently asked questions

Do all UK golf clubs require winter wheels? No, but many do when the ground is wet. Rules vary by club and by weather, so check before you play.

Will any winter wheels fit my trolley? Not necessarily. Wheels are usually designed for specific brands and axles. Buy a set made for your model.

Can I use winter wheels all year? You can, but they may grip less on dry slopes and some golfers find them heavier to push. Most swap back in spring.