Why Follow Technology Could Be the Future of Walking Golf
For years, golfers have debated one of the game’s simplest questions: walk or ride?
Walking the course has long been associated with a better golfing experience. Many players feel more connected to the course, maintain a steadier rhythm between shots, and simply enjoy the social and physical aspects of walking 18 holes. At the same time, carrying or pushing a golf bag for four or five hours can become physically demanding, particularly on hilly courses or during a long playing season.
That balance between enjoying the walk and reducing fatigue has driven the steady evolution of golf trolley technology.
First came the traditional pull trolley, followed by lightweight push trolleys that made walking easier and more accessible. Electric trolleys then removed much of the physical effort entirely, while remote-control models added another layer of convenience.
Now, the latest development in golf trolley technology is beginning to attract serious attention across Ireland and Europe: follow technology.
What Is a Follow Trolley?
A follow trolley uses intelligent tracking technology to automatically follow the golfer around the course without requiring constant steering or pushing. Think of it as walking with a caddie.
Instead of managing the trolley throughout the round, golfers can simply walk naturally while the trolley maintains a comfortable distance behind them. The result is a more relaxed and effortless experience that feels surprisingly intuitive after only a few holes.
For many golfers, it changes the pace and enjoyment of the round entirely. Rather than focusing on handling equipment between shots, players can remain more engaged with the course, their playing partners, and their own game.
Why Golfers Are Embracing the Technology
The growing popularity of follow trolleys is not simply about convenience or technology for technology’s sake. Many golfers who have made the switch say the biggest difference is how much fresher they feel both during and after their round.
Even with modern push trolleys, golfers still spend several hours guiding and controlling a loaded bag over varying terrain. Follow technology removes that constant effort and allows players to walk more naturally from shot to shot.
For golfers who prefer walking but want to reduce strain and fatigue, it offers an appealing middle ground between carrying clubs and using a ride-on buggy.
It is also helping many golfers continue walking the course comfortably later in life—something that remains an important part of the game’s tradition and enjoyment.
Technology Continues to Improve
Like many modern golf technologies, follow systems have improved significantly in recent years.
Earlier generations were often viewed as niche products, but today’s premium follow trolleys offer far greater stability, battery life, slope control, and reliability than ever before. Features such as downhill braking, side-hill stability, remote-control operation, and compact folding designs are now becoming standard in higher-end models.
Build quality has also become an important factor, particularly for golfers who regularly play in Irish and European conditions, where hills, uneven terrain, and changing weather place greater demands on equipment.
One example gaining attention in the market is the Axglo E5 Follow Trolley, which combines automated follow functionality with remote-control operation and enhanced slope stability. The trolley has become increasingly popular among golfers looking for a premium walking experience without sacrificing practicality or ease of use.
What to Look for in a Follow Trolley
Build quality, features, functionality, and, of course, total price (value) are the key categories to compare when shopping for a new trolley. While there are a few companies offering follow trolleys, they are not all equal. If you are investing this kind of money, it is not about finding the most expensive one or the company who spends the most on marketing, it is about finding the highest quality trolley at the best price. Some questions to ask when shopping for a follow trolley, or any trolley:
• What is the size of the battery? This is usually expressed as the number of holes the battery can power on a single charge. Some trolleys come standard with an 18-hole battery and require an upgrade for a larger battery, while others include a 36+ hole battery as standard.
• What is the trolley’s slope rating? This is not the same as a golf course slope rating. A trolley’s slope rating refers to the steepness of a hill the trolley can handle before tipping over. Ratings typically range from 20 to 40 degrees, and, in our opinion, a 40-degree rating is the best option. There is nothing worse than having to retrieve clubs and accessories scattered across the fairway after a trolley tips over, and you may be surprised at how modest a 20-degree slope actually is.
• What accessories are available, are they included, or must they be purchased separately? This can significantly increase the total cost of the purchase price. However, some companies include essential accessories such as an upgraded 36+ hole battery, an umbrella holder, and a cup holder. Some even include a phone holder, which is a useful addition if you use your smartphone as a GPS device. The Golf Ireland app and 18Birdies both offer free GPS functionality with hole-by-hole course information and accurate distances.
• How compactly does the trolley fold? This is important because most golfers load and unload their trolleys into the boot of their car before and after each round. A compact trolley is easier to transport and store. Some clubs offer trolley storage facilities, and products such as the Trolley Lockers which are becoming more common, but size still matters when transporting or storing your trolley.
• What is the price and value? There is a wide range of pricing among these trolleys. Consider the following: What is the list price? What is the price including all the accessories you need or want? What is the quality and functionality? Which trolley is the most stable? When you add up the total cost, including all important accessories, and compare that cost with everything you receive, you can determine the overall value.
The Future of Walking the Course
Golf has always embraced innovation when it genuinely improves the playing experience, and follow trolley technology appears to be one of those advancements that may become increasingly common in the years ahead.
While traditional push trolleys and electric models will always have their place, follow technology offers something different: the ability to enjoy the benefits of walking the course with even less physical effort and distraction.
The Axglo E5 Follow Trolley is available in Ireland and Europe through Emerald Golf Distribution at www.EGD.ie.