Dedicated paths for golf carts can be a fine addition to any golf course. Usable in all weather, they can help golfers get around your course more quickly and efficiently This increases player turnover and prevents holdups on long courses. They will also discourage players from driving over fairways. This prevents course damage and helps you keep groundskeeping costs to a minimum.
Cart paths can be constructed from different materials, but regular asphalt is one of the best choices. Here are four reasons to choose asphalt when constructing cart paths on your golf course:
Long Term Durability
Asphalt's long-lasting durability makes it the material of choice for municipal roads and parking lots. It can be just as beneficial for your new cart paths. When properly constructed and sealed by a quality asphalt paving contractor, asphalt cart paths will last for decades.
Asphalt cart paths are useful for courses in locations with wet and cold climates. Their waterproof surfaces are highly resistant to water damage. Because asphalt is slightly flexible, it is also more resistant to freeze-thaw damage than concrete and other materials.
Load Bearing Strength
Golf carts may not be as heavy as road-going vehicles, but they still place cart paths under a significant amount of pressure. Multi-seat carts used to transport larger groups can be quite heavy. You should also know that course maintenance and utility vehicles are usually heavier than carts, which can be a problem if your new cart paths double up as maintenance access paths.
Asphalt has exceptional load-bearing strength, far superior to gravel, permeable pavers, and other commonly used materials. It can withstand the weight of the heaviest course vehicles without cracking or crumbling. It is also resistant to heavy traffic, making it ideal for use on busy resort courses.
Minimal Tire Wear
If you are looking for cart paths that are strong and durable, you might consider choosing concrete. However, concrete's relatively harsh, rough surface can cause wear on cart tires. This increases cart maintenance costs, as well as the risk of punctures. Uneven pavers can also cause punishing wear on tires.
Asphalt's smooth surface and relative pliability are much easier on vehicle tires. It will allow your carts to run longer between tire changes, decreasing maintenance costs and preventing backlogs while customers wait for carts.
Erosion Control
Ground erosion is every golf course operator's worst nightmare. Preventing it can be complicated and expensive. Vegetation, silt fences, and other measures can control erosion on sloped ground, but asphalt cart paths can also pull double duty as erosion barriers.
Asphalt cart paths are relatively deep. However, they waterproof surfaces that allow rainwater to pass over the path freely. Groundwater can also pass through their aggregate subbases. When installed in the right places near the sloped ground, they can help prevent landslips while stabilizing surrounding soil, and direct water runoff.
Get in touch with any professional asphalt paving contractor for more information.