What is the History of the Golf Cart
In order to explore the history of the golf cart, let us define what it is first. Commonly referred to as golf carts, these vehicles are officially labeled as ‘golf cars’ by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This is because these vehicles are self-propelled, and carts are technically a trolley being pulled by a person. Increasingly, golf carts have become popular off the course, with many being used at schools, businesses, gated communities, and parks.
Golf carts were initially simply seen as a tool to help elderly or disabled people enjoy the game of golf. Many golf courses even banned or required special paperwork to use golf carts because of the loud noise they emitted. However, the technology developed throughout the years, and electrical golf carts were introduced. Today, golfers from all around the world utilize golf carts to carry them and their equipment from hole to hole in style. In fact, golf carts have become mainstream in a multitude of different industries as well.
Early History
The first golf cart was initially invented in 1932, when Lyman Beecher of Clearwater, Florida built a rickshaw-style cart for golfers that was pulled by two caddies. Beecher created this cart to assist him during his golfing sessions because of his arthritis and it helped him get around the golf course.
The initial idea for using an electric vehicle on the golf course was introduced by John Keener (J.K.) Wadley. While on a business trip to Los Angeles, J.K. noticed that people were using three-wheeled electric carts in grocery stores. Wadley then purchased one to use on his next
There was a large surge in golf cart use in the 1950s after R.J. Jackson, an oil tycoon from Texas, received a patent for a three-wheeled, gasoline-powered cart. However, this version of the golf cart was not widely adopted by many golfers due to its loud noise and inefficiency. In fact, the original version required a total of six car batteries to complete a standard 18-hole course. Elderly and disabled people who wanted to enjoy golf found them useful, but the majority of golfers remained content with walking the course with their caddies.
The Brands
The company responsible for the golf carts as we know them today is Marketeer. The founder of Marketeer, Merle Williams, was an engineer who was experimenting with electric cars during the gasoline rationing of World War II.
Marketeer began commercial manufacturing of the first electric cart designed for the golf course. Golf carts became very popular very quickly, and Marketeer soon faced many new competitors. E-Z-GO and LEKTRO established themselves in 1954, Cushman started not a year later, and Club Car joined in 1958. Each one of these companies brought new innovations to the golf cart industry. And today, the golf cart industry has exploded to nearly $2 billion dollars. Cartbarn is proud to carry all these well-established brands in our catalog.
Cushman - Cushman has built a reputation and is renowned within the US for producing high-quality utility golf carts. The rugged build of the Hauler Pro, and other variants make Cushman the choice vehicle for commercial use.
E-Z-GO - EZ GO is currently one of the premier golf cart manufacturers in the world. Here at Cartbarn, we offer a wide array of EZ GO brand carts. From the Liberty, to the Express series, to even Limited Edition models.
Club Car - Club Car is an innovator in the golf cart industry. They were the first ones to create the golf utility vehicle. At Cartbarn, we offer the latest Club Car model, The Onward. This new golf cart gives consumers the opportunity to build their own custom cart. Everything from the color, seats, wheels and extra accessories can be added.
The golf cart industry saw a massive boom in the late 1970s. Manufacturers discovered that the same carts they made for golf courses were also suitable off the greens. In 1979, Club Car introduced a golf cart with a rear cargo box, creating the first utility vehicle. Golf carts became widely adopted in multiple industries, including security, and construction. Now it's common to see golf carts in parks, gated neighborhoods, and even inside malls.
Golf Cart Technology
The basic design of golf carts hasn’t changed too much since the early 1950s. They are still typically around 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet high and weigh around 950 pounds on average. Most golf carts also sport an electric, battery-powered engine rather than a gas engine. Even though a gasoline-powered engine would have more horsepower, it never gained as much popularity due to the loud noises and environmentally unfriendly emissions. Club Car even developed a zero-emissions golf cart.
There have also been major advancements in the battery since the first electric golf cart. In the 1950s, the average golf cart could only complete 18 to 27 holes on a single charge. In the 80s, the number improved to five 18-hole circuits. And today, the majority of manufacturers state their vehicles can make seven to eight trips around a full course on one charge.
Golf manufacturers today have implemented plenty of 21st-century technology into the new golf carts coming onto the market. Improvements include better ergonomics, increased carrying capacity, and overall more high-efficiency systems. Many of the new golf carts also boast onboard GPS systems, car tracking, and more powerful battery engines.
With golf carts becoming more common in industrial industries, Cushman and other manufacturers have come out with golf carts that can handle anything from deep gravel to thick mud. Golf carts are no longer simply used to traverse the golf course but can be used in rugged terrain.
Conclusion
Golf carts have really come a long way from their initial use as tool for elderly golfers. Golf carts are now a staple in the game of golf and are used for many uses outside of the game as well. The major popularity of golf carts has led the industry to blossom to an astounding $2 billion dollars and growing.
Cartbarn is an authorized dealer for premier golf cart brands such as, Club Car, E-Z-GO, Cushman, and Evolution Electric Vehicles. We specialize in new, used, refurbished, and custom golf and UTV sales and service.