The History of Golf Cars: From Novelty to Essential Vehicle

What began as a way to navigate a golf course without wearing out shoe treads has developed into an essential vehicle for individuals and businesses. Golf cars have gained in popularity throughout history and exploded into a necessary way to get around for many over the recent decades.  As an industry expert, Aggieland Golf Cars understands your need for an environmentally friendly and fun means of neighborhood transportation. Golf cars have evolved from a simple golf course convenience to a versatile vehicle with numerous applications. How did this happen?

Early Days of Golf Cars

In 1932, Lyman Beecher crafted a rickshaw-style car to make it easier for golfers to get around the greens. Two caddies pulled this golf car while the golfers rode inside. Beecher, who lived in Clearwater and struggled with arthritis, needed a reliable way to golf without walking for long stretches. 

John Keener Wadley improved upon Beecher's idea with the first electric golf car. He got the idea when he noticed three-wheel electric carts being used in grocery stores in California and adapted the idea to golf cars. 

However, these early golf cars faced certain disadvantages. They were noisy and lacked the range necessary to do more than drive people around the golf course. While seniors and people with disabilities were early adopters of the electric golf car, not everyone was sold on the idea. 

The Golf Car Boom 

In the wake of World War II, golfing and golf cars gained a popular following. R.J. Jackson, an oil tycoon from Texas, developed gasoline-powered golf cars that solved distance issues. The golf cars he designed were three-wheeled. However, the noise and lack of energy efficiency stymied their growth in popularity.  

As environmental concerns grew and technology marched forward, the design of golf cars shifted back to electric and away from gasoline. Merle William had been tinkering with improving electric golf cars since gasoline was rationed during the war. In the early 1950s, he patented the forerunners of modern golf cars. 

Golf Cars Beyond the Green 

Golf cars have moved beyond the green and into the hearts of neighborhoods and commercial buildings. When you tour an apartment community, you ride around in a golf car, and you can't visit a beach town in South Carolina without renting one to enjoy on your vacation. Some communities, such as Peachtree City, Georgia, build miles of golf car paths for residents to get to the local stores, where they find dedicated parking or a friend's house. 

In almost any setting, golf cars offer efficiency, environmental friendliness, and accessibility, making them a viable option for the costs associated with driving an automobile. Many warehouses and commercial ventures have also adopted golf cars for these benefits. Current trends, designs, and technological breakthroughs have provided advancements in ergonomics, distance traveled on a single charge, and higher carry capacity. They've also improved their ability to navigate different terrains. 

Aggieland Golf Cars: Your Golf Car Experts

While golf cars began as an easier way to get around an expansive golf course, they've developed into an invaluable mode of transportation for private and commercial use. Technological advances have made them an economical and efficient option for use in a local area. Aggieland Golf Cars is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, and we have a rich history of meeting our customers' needs. From two-seaters to six-seaters, our line of golf cars has something for everyone. Our service team can help you keep your golf car running smoothly, or we can provide the parts you need to maintain your vehicle yourself. Contact us now.