Push or pull golf trolley: which is easier?

How each option works

A pull trolley has two wheels and a handle. You tilt it back and pull it behind you with one hand. It is light and folds simply, but it rests on a small stand when parked and has little or no storage. A push trolley has three wheels, sits level on its own and rolls in front of you while you push with both hands on a handle at waist height. It usually has a brake, a console and accessory holders. Carrying uses a stand bag with double straps over both shoulders.

Effort and posture

With a push trolley, the bag rolls in front of you and you walk upright with both hands on the handle, which many golfers find more comfortable over 18 holes. A pull trolley is pulled with one arm behind you, which twists the body slightly and can feel awkward on long walks. Carrying puts the weight on your shoulders; double straps spread it evenly. Everyone is different, so if you have any concerns about back or joint strain, take advice from a health professional rather than relying on equipment.

Stability and control

Three wheels make a push trolley stable on uneven ground and side slopes, and a brake holds it still while you play. The Motocaddy Z1 listing mentions a foot parking brake, and the Clicgear 4.5 listing a front-wheel hand brake. Pull trolleys rely on a small stand and can roll or tip on slopes, particularly with a heavy bag. On hilly British courses, that difference is noticeable.

Compare push trolleys with good brakes →

Weight, fold and the boot

Pull trolleys are usually lighter and fold into a slim shape. Push trolleys vary: some, such as the Motocaddy Z1 at a stated 4.53 kg, are light, while compact designs fold into a small cube that fits easily in a hatchback. Our compact push trolley guide compares stated folded sizes, such as 41 x 36 x 53 cm for the Caddytek CaddyLite.

Bag choice

Push trolleys work best with a cart bag, which has a flat base and dividers that keep clubs in place and pockets facing you. Stand bags fit on most push trolleys too, held by the upper and lower brackets and straps. Some trolleys lock to matching bags; the Motocaddy Z1 is Easilock compatible. Pull trolleys suit lighter bags.

• Full cart bag: push trolley or electric trolley.
• Stand bag: push trolley, pull trolley or carry.
• Pencil or Sunday bag: carry.

Note:Use the brake whenever you park a trolley on a slope, and keep it away from greens, tees and walkways as your club's signs direct.

Choosing a push trolley

If you decide on a push trolley, focus on four things: the folded size against your boot, the weight you will lift, the brake type and the storage. One-step and one-click folds are quick at the car; the Caddytek CaddyLite listing describes a semi-automatic one-click fold, and the Qwik-Fold listing a one second fold. Foot brakes are easy to engage with a tap; hand brakes like the Clicgear 4.5's act on the front wheel from the handle. Storage for a phone, scorecard, drink and umbrella makes the round tidier.

Our push trolley guide compares these points across Clicgear, Motocaddy, PowaKaddy, Qwik-Fold, Caddytek and KVV models, and our fold guide explains the different mechanisms.

Frequently asked questions

Are pull trolleys still sold? Yes, but most UK golfers now choose three wheel push trolleys for their stability, brakes and storage.

Is a push trolley easier than carrying? For a full bag, most golfers find it so. For a light stand bag, carrying is quick and simple.

Do push trolleys fit small cars? Many do. Compact designs fold into a small cube; check the stated folded size against your boot.