Golf Carts -- A Surprisingly Large Industry

You probably just take them for granted when you play golf, and never think about their origin. I'm talking about golf carts, those miniature vehicles dotting every golf course. However, golf cart production is a multi-million dollar industry and different models abound. They are treated as small cars, and golf-cart companies provide leasing and financing options just as the big car companies do.

Golf originates from a medieval game played on the coast of Scotland during the 15th century. Golfers would hit a pebble instead on a ball around the sand dunes using a stick or club. As time passed, stones were exchanged for man-made balls, the earliest of which were thin leather bags stuffed with feathers. The gutta-percha ball was not invented until 1848 and could be hit a maximum distance of 225 yards. In 1899 rubber balls were invented that could reach distances of 430 yards. Golf sticks evolved into carefully weighted golf clubs, and in the 1880's golf club bags first became fashionable. The caddie, a servant who carted all the player's gear aound the golf course, had his burden lessened by the invention of the golf car in the early 1950's.

The first golf car manufacturers were E-Z-Go, Pargo, Harley Davidson and Cushman. The price was astoundingly high for this era, $1200, but as more manufacturers entered the field it dropped to $600, still high in terms of inflation. E-Z-Go still manufacturs golf cars today. There are hundreds or golf car manufacturers listed on the internet, and most of these companies specialize in these small vehicles, and do not make larger cars.

The first golf cars were gas-powered, but recently the market has shifted to more battery-powered models. Golf carts can be customized just like cars, and lift kits and ATV wheels are sold to golfers who want to stand out on the course. There are companies which specialize in creating entire custom golf cars, or miniaturized versions of full sized cars, such as the Humdinger (Humvee), mini Jeep, Rolls-Royce, Cadillac or Mercedes-Benz.

Golf carts come in 3 forms: manual push/pull carts, electric motorized carts, and electric or gas golf cars that hold passengers as well as gear. Push/pull carts have 2 or 3 wheels and a vertical support for a golf bag. They are basically manual dollies with clips and holders especially adapted for golf gear, and sell for $50 to $100. Moving up a level in sophistication, motorized golf caddies cost approximately $500 all the way up to $1000. Golf cars, which resemble dune buggies in size, start at about $1800 for a small basic model.

Ebay has a large selection of both new and used golf carts at low prices but service can be a problem with small vendors.

Manufacturers are also expanding their sales by renaming carts "Electric Utility Vehicles" and suggesting alternate uses for them, such as hauling lawn equipment and travelling around rural properties.

Please see our website http://golf-carts-2006.info

Frank Vanderlugt
http://www.golf-carts-2006.info

---

Success in Golf and Meditation - The Same Skills?

When we say to people that you need the same... Read More

How to Develop More Consistency in the Golf Swing

Imagine every one of your shots in the middle of... Read More

Golf Instruction Is Only Part Of The Equation

Golf instruction is critical in understanding the mechanics of the... Read More

Wanna Play More Consistent Golf? Learn and Apply 10 Proven Techniques Golf Professionals Use

For the past seven years I have been researching what... Read More

Are You Fully Committed to Playing Your Best Golf?

After taking golf lessons and/or attempting to make changes in... Read More

The Top 10 Life Lessons from Golf

Golf is an amazing mirror of life. Yes, other sports... Read More

Effective Golf Fitness Equipment

Golf fitness equipment is designed to help a golfer build... Read More

How to Win at Golf

What's the point of playing sport if you don't want... Read More

Choosing a Golf Swing Training Aid

Golf swing training aid clubs are a great way to... Read More

Fitness For Golf Isn?t Just For The Pros

Fitness for golf is a common term on the television... Read More

Golf Driving Tips To Correct A Common Mistake

One of the most common mental errors golfers make when... Read More

3 Myths About Golf Conditioning

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure.... Read More

Golf For Beginners ? What Makes A Good Golfer?

A good golfer is a golfer who is happy with... Read More

Dramatic Effect Of A Stretching Exercise For Golf

A stretching exercise for golf is capable of revolutionizing the... Read More

Play Golf in Bed to Improve Your Game

I am always looking for new and easier ways to... Read More

Making Your Program Golf Specific

"Golf-Specific" means different things to different people. One of the... Read More

Golf Fitness Dominates The PGA Tour

Have you been curious why some golfers seem to take... Read More

Left Handed Golf Tips

Where do you find left handed golf tips? You find... Read More

Are You Fully Benefiting From Your Golf Swing Training Videos

The golf swing is so central and so important to... Read More

Selecting A Golf Gift That No Golfer Will Forget

Even as you contemplate on getting a golf gift for... Read More

The Power Exercise In The Golf Swing

It is a proven fact that any power exercise will... Read More

What Should Be Your Golf Training Priority?

This is a question that is often asked for the... Read More

Purpose Driven Golf

I want you to meditate on a couple points for... Read More

Golf the Real Thing

The grass is always greener on the other side. Not... Read More

Improve Your Putting By Developing Rock Solid Confidence On The Green

All of us have missed a short putt before. It... Read More

How To Use Exercise For Golf To Strengthen Your Swing

Using exercise for golf to strengthen your swing could be... Read More

Golf Tips ? Finding that Winning Grip and the Cures for Grip Related Problems

The correct grip is a key fundamental component of a... Read More

The Most Valuable Golf Swing Secret

There is no doubt that executing the perfect golf swing... Read More

Need Some Help With Your Golf Swing?

What should you do if you need some golf swing... Read More

Golf Clubs - Your Golf Putting - Use These Putting Practice Tips

To begin a golf game, your golf practice game or... Read More

Guide to Playing Golf for Free and Getting Huge Discounts on Golf Balls, Golf Gloves, and Golf Stuff

If you love to play golf as much as most... Read More

Golf Swing Simulators

Are you looking for a way to play golf during... Read More

Fitness For Golf Is The New Gold Standard

Golf fitness has never been considered as important to one's... Read More