| Most golf courses are about 7,000 yards in | | | | gasoline motors to transport two golfers, and |
| length, which equates to about four | | | | their golf clubs, around the course. |
| miles.That measurement is normally measured | | | | |
| in an almost straight line from the tee box | | | | The major manufacturers at the time were |
| to the center of the cup on each hole. | | | | E-Z-GO, Pargo, Harley Davidson and Cushman. |
| | | | The body frames, the undercarriage and |
| However, most golfers do not hit the ball in | | | | suspensions closely resemble those of modern |
| a straight line down the course from hole to | | | | automobiles. The rubber tires are similar to |
| hole. In fact, for many of us, it seems we | | | | those on cars, but the treads are designed in |
| spend our entire round zigzagging the course. | | | | a way that the cart may be driving on grass |
| Until the 1960s, most golf courses were | | | | and not damage the turf on a golf course. |
| played exclusively on foot. Golfers would | | | | |
| carry their own bags, or pull them behind | | | | Controls include a modern steering wheel, |
| them on a pull cart. | | | | accelerator and brake, where the brake also |
| | | | has a lock, to ensure that the car does not |
| For those who were fortunate enough to play | | | | roll freely on inclines. Accessories on the |
| golf at country clubs, caddies were provided | | | | modern golf cart include straps to secure the |
| to carry the players clubs, but most were | | | | golf bags, a basket (for towels, balls, |
| still looking at a five-mile walk. | | | | coolers, etc), cup holders, ball compartments |
| Additionally, because walking is such a slow | | | | and holes that golfers can slide a few extra |
| pace, many courses would have to schedule tee | | | | golf tees into. |
| times at intervals that would accommodate | | | | |
| walking. | | | | To be more environmentally friendly, many |
| | | | golf carts are now manufactured with |
| This changed in 1962 when Merlin L. Halvorson | | | | electric, battery powered motors. These |
| invented the first self-propelled golf car. | | | | batteries are rechargeable, and a charge can |
| A golf cart is something that is pulled and a | | | | normally last through several days and rounds |
| golf car is something that propels itself. | | | | of golf. |
| | | | |
| Somehow, this terminology has become confused | | | | However, there is still demand for the gas |
| and intertwined over the years but when | | | | powered golf cars, especially on golf courses |
| someone says golf cart, the normally think of | | | | where the rolling terrain may require extra |
| the vehicle that one rides in on a golf | | | | horsepower for the car to climb hills. Todays |
| course. In the 1960s, the game and technology | | | | largest manufacturers of golf cars are |
| evolved with the development of the modern | | | | Ingersoll Rand (Club Car), E-Z-Go and Yamaha. |
| day golf car. These cars were built with | | | | |