The History of Golf Carts
The humble golf cart has been around for a little less than a century, although the game of golf is hundreds of years older than that. Golf was created in the 15th century in Scotland, where golfers made use of wide swathes of green grass to play the game. For most of its history, the game of golf was played on foot, with golfers walking the course accompanied by caddies who hauled their clubs and other equipment for them.
A revolution began in the 1930s, however, because of the recent boom in the automobile industry. Here is a brief history of the golf cart so you can learn how they became so commonplace and popular.
Before 1950
The first golf cart was likely created in 1932 in Florida, by golfer Lyman Beecher. Beecher suffered from chronic health conditions that precluded him from walking the golf course, yet he still wanted to be able to play. His first cart was more like a rickshaw, pulled by two caddies as he sat inside it. His invention debuted in Asheville, North Carolina, at the Biltmore Forest Country Club. With the addition of two more wheels and a whopping six car batteries, Beecher’s golf cart was able to operate independently for short bursts of time.
While other electric golf carts were created during the 1930s, their bulk and limited power didn’t prove popular with golfers, who simply found it easier and more affordable to continue walking the grounds. The main users of early golf carts were people with disabilities, for whom golf carts were a true boon.
1950 to 1970
R.J. Jackson, a Texas oil tycoon, created a gas-powered golf cart with three wheels in the 1950s and gained a patent for his design. His cart was also primarily used by disabled golfers and he dubbed it the “Arthritis Special.” Golf courses began to ban the cart, though, due to the smoke and noise it produced.
Both gas and electric golf cart companies began manufacturing the vehicles during the 1950s and 1960s. As the price came down and some of the kinks were ironed out, golfers soon discovered how useful the carts were. Also, golf courses discovered a new source of revenue by purchasing carts to rent to their clients. Soon, golf carts were everywhere!
1970 and Beyond
Nowadays, we have dozens of golf cart manufacturers on the market offering their gas and electric carts at reasonable prices. This is because many golf cart businesses started to see success during the 1970s, thanks to increased usage of the carts outside of the golf course itself. Users discovered the benefits of driving golf carts on the beach, at island retreats, across campuses, through airports and around retirement communities, because golf carts provide a more energy-efficient and compact means of transportation in these areas.
You can find golf carts in both electric and gas engine styles, and each type has numerous features and different seating options to help you customize your cart however you choose.
Looking to buy a golf cart? Stop by our dealership in Wilmington, North Carolina, to check out our wide stock of new and used golf carts for sale. You can also discuss your financing options with our friendly sales team. Revel 42 of Wilmington serves the cities of Leland and Carolina Beach, NC.