You Need To Know This Before Buying a Golf Cart

Are you in the market for a golf cart? Perhaps you live in a community by the beach and don't want to get into a car every time you need milk or want to take the dog to the park or, just maybe, you play golf!

If you have been thinking about purchasing a golf cart, you have come to the right place.

In a previous article, Golf for Beginners offered basic knowledge of golf carts - gas vs. electric, whether you should buy a new or used cart as well as consideration of use. In this blog, we look at accessories and technology available in golf carts. Between these two articles, you should be able to make a qualified decision as to which golf cart works best for your needs.

Wheels and Lift:

If you are going over rough terrain (rocks, small hills) then you should probably purchase a lifted cart with bigger wheels. Those small wheeled carts used at courses are for use over grassy terrain and would probably bottom out or sink into muck and mire when put to the test.

Electric Golf Carts vs Gas Carts

Many people opt for gas carts over electric ones because:
- you can travel longer distances
- electric cart batteries need maintenance and must be replaced over time which costs around $700 for a complete set.

The Latest Golf Cart Technology

BATTERIES: The golf cart battery market is exploding!

The dirty, heavy and "always needing maintenance" batteries are becoming a thing of the past.  Old golf cart batteries are now being replaced with Lithium cells, the same type of power source used in appliances. Not only will golf cart energy in the future be safer (goodbye acid), the cart will be lighter (only three needed), stay charged for longer periods and make changing batteries an easy do-it-yourself project.

Although it is currently cost prohibitive for most people to switch to lithium golf cart batteries, the price will eventually fall into a reasonable range (think about the way flat screen TV's used to cost $10,000 and look at what you can pick one up for in today's market!)

GPS and other golf cart "necessities":

- As the golf cart market grows due to urbanization, the latest research shows that technology will be added to make carts more functional...like adding GPS (you could use your smartphone but an in-dash display is much cooler).

- If you are used to the old golf cart bench seat and have a bad back, Club Car now offers ergonomic seating as an option.

- Custom Kits distinguish your cart from the average one which tools along the fairways. Carbon fiber upgrades your cart's look and gives your dash pizzazz!

- Sound system: Don't just whistle a happy tune on your ride, amp up the sound in your golf cart with custom audio. Yes, you can even get a system like this Kicker with LED lights but, unless you have an extra $800+ to spend, it's better to keep your eyes on the road.


New, used, gas, electric, purpose, and technology will all determine your golf cart purchase. Although it could get costly, consider how much and where you will be using your cart; take the time to do research on brands and models before making a final decision.



Have questions? Ask me in the comments section of this Golf for Beginners blog; I bought one! Tweet me @Golf4Beginners.

Should You Buy a #Golf Cart?

Whether it’s for getting around a gated community or for cruising from one golf hole to the next, there are plenty of reasons why people choose to buy golf carts. 

Many people have swapped their daily drive vehicles in favor of a more affordable golf cart. In fact, my family and I enjoy regular rides to the beach, to the store and to the dog park!

Places such as Myrtle Beach, Peachtree City, Georgia and Coachella Valley in Southern California are known for being golf-cart friendly and this trend continues to grow. 

If you are thinking about buying a golf cart, here are some important factors to consider:

What Are You Using It For?

It may come as a surprise to some people, but there are a surprising number of ways in which golf carts are used these days. Before you take any action, it’s best to consider for what purpose you will be using your golf cart. 

Here are some popular uses for golf carts these days:

Hunting:  Avid hunters seek out special golf carts to help them carry large game and get around rough terrain. If you are searching for a golf cart for this purpose, you will want to look into models that have a lot of pulling power and tires that have excellent traction.

Getting around gated communities:  Many people use golf carts as a way to get around gated communities or run quick errands. Golf carts take up little space and are easy to drive around, making them more practical than a regular vehicle.

Playing golf:  Of course, a popular reason for getting a golf cart is for golfing purposes. Carrying golf clubs around eighteen holes can be exhausting and golf carts allow you to get to the next hole quicker.  With self-driving golf carts in the works, you may not even need to drive yourself around in the future. More to follow on this new tech!

Work purposes:  Some companies use golf carts around their facilities to transport workers and other equipment easily and affordably; depending on the business, these golf carts may have cargo boxes attached to the back for easy hauling of equipment.

Gas Or Electric Golf Cart?

Another consideration is whether you want a gas-powered or electric golf cart. Weighing the pros and cons of each will help you make a decision.

Gas Golf Carts

Some people prefer gas-powered golf carts because they run longer on a single tank of gas than electric cars can on a single charge. They also tend to have higher horsepower, making it easier to tackle hills and other tricky terrain. Unfortunately, gas-powered carts are typically noisier than electric golf carts and are not good for the environment. They also may have higher maintenance fees compared to electric golf carts.

Electric Golf Carts

Electric golf carts are powered by an electric battery that can be recharged and do not need gasoline to run, which saves golf cart owners money. They are much quieter than gas-powered golf carts and don’t release harmful emissions into the environment. On the downside, replacement batteries are not cheap, and how often they need to be replaced will depend on how well you take care of them. Any accessories that you decide to use (fans, heaters, lights, etc.) will deplete the battery quicker.

Decisions, Decisions...Buy a New or Used Golf Cart?

Just like gas-powered and electric-powered golf carts have their pros and cons, so do new and used vehicles. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both before making your decision.

New Golf Cart

With new golf carts, you get a golf cart that has no history with other owners, and this is especially nice with electric cars because you know the condition and age of the batteries. Newer cars also tend to come with a warranty. On the downside, they are much more expensive than used golf carts.

Used Golf Cart

One of the biggest advantages of a used golf cart is the price and some dealers may be willing to offer extended warranties to used golf cart buyers. On the other hand, you will not get as much peace of mind as you would with a new car in regards to its owner history. We were lucky as we purchased a used golf car in great condition from a neighbor.

It is therefore important that you do your research to ensure that you are not getting ripped off. This means that you should be aware of the going price for that particular brand and model and also have a full inspection done of the cart.

Electric Engines

With electric golf carts, you may also find it important to think about engine voltage. The majority of new golf carts today use a 48 volt system, while a few still have 36 volt systems.  The 36 volt engines have less power than 48 volt engines, and this is important if you are going to be driving on more than just flat surfaces. For hills and rough terrain, a 48 volt engine will supply you with more torque and pulling power for getting up those hills.

What Are the Best Brands and Models of Golf Carts?

There are plenty of different golf cart manufacturers and models to choose from; some of the most well-known brands include Yamaha, Club Car, and E-Z-Go. 

Selecting a well-known brand will make it easier for you to find golf cart parts and accessories when you need them. Which brand you decide on will depend on what you plan on using your golf cart. 

For instance, E-Z-Go is a brand that is known for handling rough terrain and built to be durable, making it a good choice for hunters and yardwork. E-Z-Go also offers golf carts that are powered by electric batteries or by gas. On the other hand, Club Cars have an aluminum frame that is lightweight, making them a good choice for driving around the beach or in the neighborhood. 

Conclusion

Purchasing a golf cart is a big decision and there are some important factors to take into consideration before you buy one and ride off into the sunset. The best way to make an informed decision is to think carefully about how you will be using your golf cart, as this will play a role in whether you should buy a golf cart that is new or used, gas-powered or electric and what brand fits your needs best.

Have questions? Ask me in the comments section of this Golf for Beginners blog; I bought one! Tweet me @Golf4Beginners.

Last minute golf accessories and golf gifts for Christmas

Last minute holiday shoppers with golfers on their gift list have no fear: you can still buy great golf accessories and gifts before Christmas!

Here are a few notable golf gifts ranging from kitchy to cool!


1. Axis1 Eagle golf putter:

The Axis1 Eagle golf putter was created by Industrial Designer Luis Pedraza to be perfectly balanced so that it resists being pulled open when twisted in your hands.
A lighter grip and perfect balance = less stress and fewer off-line putts.

With a long list of accolades including BusinessWeek's Design Excellence Award and 2009 PGA Show winner "Best in Show", the Axis1 Eagle golf putter will make your significant other want to get out and practice putting on the green, even in the cold of a New York winter...brrr.
Still available for Christmas by heading over to either TGW.com, Edwin Watts Golf or to the Axis1Golf.com website.
Listen to this great interview with Luis Pedraza and Phil Long about the Axis1 putter on the Golf Club Radio Show with Danielle Tucker.



2. Golf jewelry for the lady with almost everything:
From beginner golfers to those players with more than a few years under their belt, there still is the outside chance of unwittingly omitting a stroke or two after a snowman hits your scorecard.


Combining beauty with functionality, the golf score counter, a bracelet from GlamorousGolfer.com, is handcrafted with love (and crystals) by individuals with mental and physical difficulties. You will not only look great but feel good helping others at this time of year!




3. Adidas Golf aG Strike stand bag:

Adidas has created one of the most lightweight and durable golf stand bags on the market with its new aG Strike. Colorful and stylish for both men and women, this golf bag will not disappoint! There are plenty of pockets, insulated water bottle area and the new FAS-TEK system which allows a golfer to attach everything from GPS to cell phone right onto the bag.

The Adidas aG Strike stand bag will not break your budget and will give your golfer the biggest golf gift under the Christmas tree!




4. Kodak Playsport Camera:

I originally wrote about this tiny Kodak PLAYSPORT Camera not only because its really cute, lightweight and waterproof but also because it can help a golfer to analyze the golf swing at close range. Yes, there are hundreds of cameras on the market to choose from but the little Kodak is created with the golfer in mind. Playback on an HDTV or upload your golf swing onto Youtube.com for the whole world to watch and rate!


5. For those with unlimited funds, how about the Porsche of Luxury golf carts? Costing about $50K, the Garia Soleil de Minuit will make an impression on the golfer who has everything but wants more!


Don't know what to get and don't have much money to spend? A gift card can be impersonal but on the flip side, the golfer can buy anything they want.


If presents are more fun for your family during the holiday season, why not put together a package of golf balls, golf gloves (remembering to check for the correct golf hand), golf ball markers (with swarovski crystals for the ladies?) and divot repair tool from G-Clip?


Need more ideas? Just ask golfforbeginners@aol.com


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