A Brief History of the Modern Golf Cart

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A Brief History of the Modern Golf Cart

Apr 28, 2023

Golf carts have been a fixture on golf courses for as long as most of us have been alive, helping golfers save their stamina for the hole ahead. Find out more about the history of the modern golf cart and how these machines have become such a key part of golfing culture.

The Beginning

Golf is one of the oldest sports around, so you might think that golf carts have been around for a long time as well. According to GolfLink, the first motorized carts started showing up on courses during the 1940s. As people learned how to make better engines in more compact sizes, the idea of using a golf cart to get around the course became more feasible. However, this was only the beginning.

The Inspiration

The idea for the motorized golf cart can actually be traced back to Los Angeles, where there were three-wheeled carts being used to transport elderly people with limited mobility. A businessman from Arkansas took this idea and began working on a cart of his own.

The Gas Upgrade

During the 1950s and 1960s, the first gas carts became available on golf courses. Unlike previous electric models that had limited battery life and power, these gas carts offered a convenient alternative for people who didn't want to walk the course. However, these carts were still banned from many courses because they were loud and produced a lot of smoke.

The Electric Revolution

As gas golf carts grew in popularity but presented obvious problems, the idea of an electric golf cart became more popular again. By the 1960s and 1970s, electric carts were used on golf courses across the country by elderly players and people who simply didn't want to walk the course while they played 18 holes. During the 1970s, people also discovered that these carts that were typically used for golfing were also great for getting around, from retirement communities to rural properties and more.

There are a lot of ways to use a motorized golf cart, which is one of the reasons they've been so popular for several decades. If you're thinking about investing in a golf cart to get around your small community or sprawling property, give Matt's Custom Golf Carts a call, and we'll help you find what you're looking for.

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If you think golf carts are just for riding around 18 holes, think again! Today, golf carts are considered to be versatile vehicles that can benefit you in a variety of ways. Let's look at a few reasons why street legal golf carts can improve your day-to-day life. Improved Sustainability One of the most significant ways a golf cart can improve both your life and your community is through improved sustainability. A golf cart is a great transportation option for anyone trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Electric-powered golf carts are easily accessible and give you the benefit of traveling locally without producing any carbon emissions. According to GolfCarts.org, electric golf carts can travel as far as 40 miles on a single charge! Easy and Safe Travel If you live in a neighborhood or community designed for golf cart use, you can simplify your travel tremendously! Many communities are making cart paths more and more accessible to residents. This helps people get where they need to go without ever needing to traverse busy roads. Affordable Commute Many people consider their work commute to be a significant monthly expense that cuts into their income. If you purchase a street legal golf cart and work locally, you can create a low-cost -- or no-cost -- work commute. This can have a tremendous effect on your monthly budget! Recreational Uses As you've been learning, street legal golf carts aren't just for the golf course, but they can certainly be used for golf and other recreational purposes. If you are a golf enthusiast, having your own cart can end up saving you a lot of money in rental fees. You'll always be ready to start swinging when you come prepared with your very own golf cart! Handicap Accessibility Driving a golf cart may be much more accessible for handicapped individuals than driving a traditional vehicle. Getting in and out of a golf cart is much easier than traditional vehicles, as there is no need to worry about opening and closing doors. This can make a busy day of errands a lot more convenient! If you're ready to invest in street legal golf carts , contact Matt's Custom Golf Carts in Naples Florida today! Choose from custom builds worked on by our certified technicians. We'll be happy to show you our inventory and help you find the right vehicle for your needs.