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

---

Watch the Pros Play Golf

You can check out a pro golf swing on video... Read More

The Golf Channel Highlights Fitness

If you're a Golf Channel addict or merely an avid... Read More

Effective Golf Fitness Equipment

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

Stronger Abs for Golf

Everyone wants a firm midsection. For the golfer, it delivers... Read More

Increase Your Rotational Strength For A More Powerful Golf Swing

Every golfer dreams of a fluid, unhindered golf swing. So... Read More

How Golf Stretches In Your Office Can Improve Your Game

Yes you heard it right! Golf stretches in your office.... Read More

Why You Should Be A Risk-Taking Golfer

Very few people, whether they are golfers or not, realize... Read More

The Psychology of a Confident Golf Swing, Part 1

Before focusing on the subject of developing confidence with ones... Read More

Putting and My Aching Back!

I am guessing that all of us can relate to... Read More

Are You Fully Committed to Playing Your Best Golf?

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

Golf Swing Technique And How To Improve It

There are two approaches to achieving a better golf swing.... Read More

Public Golf Courses ? Making The Right Choice

Chances are, if you're just starting out, you haven't decided... Read More

Golf Core Exercises For More Power

Golf core exercises. You hear that phrase quite often on... Read More

Choosing the Right Golf Balls

You've watched Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson on television ?... Read More

Feel in Golf Putting

The definition of feel as it is used in golf... Read More

Golf Holiday - Plan Your Holiday Golf or Your Ireland Golf Vacation

Try Ireland for a golf holiday full of emerald green... Read More

How To Improve Your Game With Simple Golf Exercises!

Winter is upon us and you have more time, since... Read More

Will A Night Golf Tournament Ruin Your Course?

The first thing you have to remember about your Night... Read More

Golf Fitness Dominates The PGA Tour

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

How to Develop More Power in Your Golf Swing

How can you develop more power in your golf swing?... Read More

10 Ways to Increase Your Energy Instantly with a Golf Performance Diet

A golf conditioning program should always be accompanied by a... Read More

The Golf Training Exercises You Need To Improve Your Game Are Very Simple

Golf training and conditioning exercises are not as difficult as... Read More

Womens Golf Equality

Women have been trying for years to be viewed as... Read More

Golfer Discovers 4 Time-Tested and Proven Methods to Lower Handicap!

Golfers are often on the lookout for a magic tip... Read More

The Ultimate Swing Training Program

Why isn't your golf swing improving? Have you ever had... Read More

The Real Secrets Of Golf

Secrets of golf! Most golfers will do absolutely anything to... Read More

What Should I Know About Biomechanics of the Golf Swing?

If you've read some of my articles in the past,... Read More

Core Strength For Golf

When someone talks about core strength, they're referring to the... Read More

Baggin It Right...Raises Your Game

Even the most casual of golfers needs a golf bag.... Read More

Why A Golf Ball Actually Flies Through The Air

Not accounting for weather conditions there are a few things... Read More

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

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

Its Not About The Bicep Curl When It Comes To Golf Fitness Training

How many of you have read, "It's Not About The... Read More

Basics Of Golf Swing Instruction - Go With Exercises

Golf swing instruction starts with an understanding of the different... Read More