The Evolving Appearance and Function of American Golf Carts

Throughout its long history as part of American culture, the golf cart has evolved in appearance and function. While there is some debate as to which golf cart came first, many of the earliest models would be unrecognizable to a modern day audience. From their varying energy sources and wheel count to the handling ability on different terrains, golf carts are ever-changing instruments used for just about any purpose an owner has in mind. In fact, the first versions were not intended for golf at all; hence the confusion over which “golf” cart came first.

The continuing evolution of the golf cart continues to this day. There is a constant stream of new and improved accessories available every year.

From its humble beginnings until now, golf carts have continually improved, and their use has expanded beyond the golf course.

Early Beginnings

Merle Williams of Long Beach, California, is widely credited with inventing the earliest version of an electric golf cart in 1951, but attempts to drive on a golf course first began in the 1930s.

While visiting Los Angles around 1931, JK Wadley of Texarkana noticed senior citizens driving three-wheeled electric carts to the grocery store. Rather than modifying the machine for a golf course, Wadley bought one, tried driving it between the tees, and immediately determined that this particular cart would cause far more problems on a golf course than it would solve carrying golfers and their bags for 18 holes. He decided the original purpose—driving to the grocery store—was a better use of these vehicles.

Not long after, the first electric golf cart was made in 1932, but failed to gain any sort of acceptance or following from the golf community. For the next two decades, electric carts were sold to those with disabilities who could not get around on their own. The demand for golf carts remained low without the acceptance of its intended audience.

Luckily for us, Merle Williams soon entered the scene. Due to gasoline rationing in World War II, electric cars were in high demand and were produced at higher rates than ever before. Using his knowledge of the industry, Williams began manufacturing electric golf carts. The industry took off. Throughout the next decade, other motor companies, including Harley-Davidson, Cushman, and Club Car tried keeping up with the demand for golf carts and expanded the industry further. In a 1954 article from the magazine, People Today, golfers were so astonished by the ease of driving a golf cart on the course, that one golfer reportedly coined a now-popular phrase and called it “the greatest thing since sliced bread.”

Early Characteristics

Some of the first golf carts to gain popularity would be unrecognizable today. Prior to the 1980s, golf carts were steered not with a wheel but by a tiller, or a long chrome bar shaped like an inverted mouth harp. Additionally, the number of tires had not evolved since JK Wadley first took a grocery store cart out onto the golf course. Beginning in the 1980s, however, golf carts went from three tires, to four, and the long chrome bar was fortunately replaced by a steering wheel.

Thanks to these additions, the golf cart quickly became usable on many different terrains. The older three-wheeled versions often tipped if driven too recklessly or when rounding a steep bend. Also, the steering wheel offered drivers a greater sense of control over the vehicle, since the golf cart was designed to be more sensitive with every turn. These developments helped create a widespread demand for golf carts even in places far away from the course.

Gas vs. Electric

While the electric cart was created in response to the gasoline rationing of World War II, many companies began manufacturing gas-powered golf carts after the war. One of the first gas-powered carts was known as “The Walker Executive,” created by Max Walker in 1957. Unfortunately for Walker, electric golf carts reigned supreme for two decades longer. It wasn’t until the 1970s that gas-powered golf carts gained a market share—and even then, electric carts were still considered quieter and safer for most communities, due to their low speeds.

The Golf Cart’s Place in Communities

Needless to say, golf carts have come a long way since the idea first took hold in the 1930s. In fact, some parts of the country have been dubbed “Golf Cart Communities” due to the cart’s popularity among many demographics. Those who do not need to travel far or often have an easy decision to make when it comes to buying a new car and owning a golf cart. From the difference in price to the ease of driving, golf carts are the preferred choice in many island and retirement communities.

Additionally, those who have lost their driving licenses in states like California and Florida can legally drive a golf cart in many of these small, isolated communities, giving them freedom to travel and shop.

Many of these communities encourage golf carts over cars for a variety of reasons. Since golf carts are much slower than cars, the risk of injury is much lower when in operation. Residents and animals can safely cross the street without fear of someone going too far over the speed limit.

Another big reason these communities prefer golf carts is because of their minimal impact on the environment. Gas-powered golf carts do not burn through gasoline at the same rate as cars, and electric carts have little to no environmental impact at all. Essentially, it’s a win-win for everyone and everything involved.

And, finally, golf carts are much easier and cheaper to maintain than other vehicles. New batteries might cost several hundred dollars, but in general they only need to be replaced once every few years. Residents in these communities will often see tremendous savings thanks to the golf carts they drive.

More on the Environment and How Golf Carts Save Money

Recently in Toledo, Ohio a county facilities director decided to buy three electric vehicles that were designed to look and act like high-powered golf carts. The director’s goal was to see if he could save money on his county’s operating costs by switching from gas-powered trucks to these small electric vehicles. At the end of his study, he concluded that the three golf-cart-like vehicles will save his county $7,000 each year and will be able to complete the required tasks just as quickly. This figure does not even include an estimate of the amount of gasoline that Toledo will save!

Overall, the electric vehicles can be a great way to reduce emissions.

How the Golf Cart Revolutionized the Sport

As all golfers can attest, golf clubs are heavy. Thanks to the invention of the golf cart, athletes can play eighteen holes without the strain of walking several miles with dozens of pounds strapped to their shoulders.

The golf cart has redefined the game because it allows an athlete to be focused and accurate without any outside interferences or physical fatigue brought about by carrying a heavy club bag for 18 holes. Golfers now concentrate solely on the lie of the ball, the selection of a club, and the swing. Back strains or other pains or injuries caused by carrying clubs are a thing of the past.

Not Just Golf Carts, Anymore

If traveling to South Florida is in your plans, you will quickly discover that golf carts are as common a sight as the palm trees that line the beach. And, while it may seem that they would be restricted to only isolated areas, golf carts can legally hit the streets as long as they follow a few regulations.

To drive a cart on the road, a cart must be registered and have a license plate, and must include all of the following safety features: seat belts, rear and side mirrors, headlights, tail lights, a parking brake, a windshield and wiper, and a horn. Most communities restrict golf carts to roads where the speed limit is under thirty-five miles per hour.

But why is there such a demand for golf carts in Florida? Throughout the state, you can legally drive a golf cart at fourteen. This gives young teenagers the opportunity to go more places on their own without begging their parents for rides.

Additionally, several beach communities have created special parking spaces for street-legal golf carts. These spaces are much smaller than the typical slots for cars, and can also be shared with other motorized vehicles like scooters and motorcycles. This ultimately results in less complaints about lack of parking spaces.

The parking lots have been known to create a kind of camaraderie among those who have chosen to drive low-speed electric vehicles over a gas-guzzling alternative.

Modern Day Accessories

If only Merle Williams could see how far his invention has come. Could he have ever imagined Golf Cart Communities rising up across the United States? Would he have predicted the popularity that golf carts would find outside of the very sport they were intended for? Probably not. But with today’s modern accessories, there are a lot of things Mr. Williams would not have imagined going hand-in-hand with the thing he created. Consider the following list:

1. Speakers: Golf carts aren’t just meant for the game anymore. They are intended to be fun and convenient ways of getting around, and Madjax offers several accessories to help you enhance your experience, from USB and RCA adapters to Millenia Marine Grade speakers. Golfers in the 1950s described the golf cart as the best thing since sliced bread. But what about installing speakers on a golf cart? This just might take the cake.

1. Floor Mounted Gun Racks: Are you using your golf cart to hunt? Madjax offers floor mounted gun racks to not only keep your firearms safe but to give you easy access when needed.

1. Hubcaps and Wheel Covers: You’ve seen them on cars, why not add them to your golf cart? New hubcaps offer a way to separate your golf cart from all the others. Don’t just drive. Drive in style.

1. Trailer Hitches: Thanks to the power of modern day golf carts, hitches can haul trailers and other accessories. While Williams may have designed the first cart to hold the weight of two people and some golf equipment, today’s carts are capable of completing big tasks by getting the necessary tools to and from a job site or home.

1. Cart Seat Covers and Seat Cushions: Not only do seat covers keep a golf cart clean, but they are also a good way to make an impression. Just as hubcaps create a unique feel to your vehicle, Madjax seat cushions come in many different colors and designs.

1. Mirrors: If you’re thinking about taking your cart out on the road, or if you just want a little more visibility while driving around on the green, Madjax side mirrors are a must-buy. The LED blinkers also show those behind you which way you’re turning.

1. And the list goes on! From battery chargers to voltage reducers, and seat belts to windshields, the modern-day golf cart may be more unrecognizable to past generations than the earliest version would be to us.

Final Thoughts

Since JK Wadley first saw them in grocery stores throughout the 1930s, golf carts have steadily evolved to become the machines we know and love today. Just as the sport and its athletes have changed over time, the cart has kept up, and, in many ways, surpassed the very sport it was intended to aid.

Throughout the United States you will find golf carts used for various functions and by many different people to get through a given day. Thanks to the electric cart’s long battery life, the golf cart has become one of the most environmentally-friendly and safe motorized vehicle choices around.