The Evolution of Golf Cart Design

Did you know that the fastest golf cart ever recorded went almost one hundred miles per hour? It is extremely hard to believe that a golf cart, which is a small, compact motorized means of transportation, could even reach ninety eight miles per hour; however, it did! With that in mind, it is incredible how the design of the golf cart has evolved over the years. In order to fully understand the concept of golf carts, one must develop a background in the overall development of golf carts throughout the years, the importance of Harley-Davidson’s impact on the evolution of golf carts, and have a basic apprehension of the simpler engine components involved.

“Golf carts, which were originally created for golfers with disabilities, were introduced to the country in the 1940’s” (The History of the Golf Cart). During World War II, Merle Williams decided to experiment with electric carts, due to the rationing of gasoline at this time. His company, called Marketeer Company, had originally built “buggies” that were used by women when they went grocery shopping in order to aid them in carrying all of their groceries. “After the development of the “buggies” and some fine tuning, Marketeer created the first electric golf cart at its headquarters in Redlands, California. These first golf carts were powered by electrically charged batteries” (The History of Golf Carts). By the 1950’s, golf carts had caught onto the entire golfing community and some of the retirement communities. The first early electric golf cars were the first electric vehicles that people could buy allowing whole communities to embrace this.

Although they were first created for the golf course, “over the years, these same golf cars have moved from the golf course to mainstream ...

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...golf carts are usually charged at night since they require around 10 hours of charging time. Depending upon their size, most electric carts can travel about 25 miles, making them a more energy-efficient and cost-effective option, even if gas prices remain low” (“Golf Carts”). The electric car is almost as common on the road as it is on the golf course.

The golf cart truly is a work of art as it is addressed in the paper. There is now an initial concept in the development of the modern day golf carts, the importance of the development of Harley-Davidson on the modern day golf cart, and the basic comprehension of the gas and electric engines involved in the process of making the modern golf cart. The design of the modern day golf cart has changed immensely since its introduction seventy years ago. “He who has the fastest golf cart never has a bad lie.” –Mickey Mantle