Imagine walking down one of the beautiful golf courses in sun-kissed Tampa. Miles of greens, undulating terrain, and a challenging layout. Lovely, isn’t it? Now, imagine doing the same thing in a rush. Phew! Enter, a golf cart, the wonder ‘machine’ that has been ruling the hearts of golfers and the courses since the 1930s. These small vehicles  offer serious time saving benefits to busy golfers. No wonder, for a sizeable number of golfers, these small electric or gas-powered vehicles are almost indispensable.

Many golfers, especially those living near golf-club communities, often prefer to own golf carts for their personal use. For passionate golfers, it is easy to be all excited about owning a cart. Our advice is don’t make a move until you have taken a few minutes to learn the basics. This little effort will ensure that you don’t end up regretting your purchase. So, take your time to research. Here are some tips to help!

Go through Your Club’s Rule Book

Before you get too excited about owning your next golf-toy, check out your club’s rules. Find out whether your club permits its members to use their personal buggy on the course or not. There are many golf clubs across the US that don’t. And even if it is allowed, there may be a lot of rules, regulations and limitations of using these vehicles. Consider all these factors before buying your cart.

Choose between Electric and Gas

Considering the continuous increase in air pollution, minimizing the carbon footprint has become a big concern for most of us. If being Eco-friendly is your top priority, opt for an electric-powered golf cart. They are not only good for the environment, but are also low on maintenance. Parts in gas-powered units tend to rust faster than their electric counterparts. In addition, given the soaring gas prices, you are likely to save a lot of money if you decide to opt for an electric golf cart.

However, if you are bound for a golf course in hilly areas and want to carry a load heavier than 500 pounds, then gas-powered carts are your best choice.

Check the Batteries

If you are planning to buy an electric cart, opt for a model that uses the industry’s best battery sets. This is essential because the performance and longevity of an electric golf cart depends, to a significant extent, on the quality of its battery.  Battery life, on the other hand, is dependent on usage and the level of maintenance.  With proper care, batteries are likely to last for up to six years. Before buying a unit, check its date code, which you can find either inside one of the terminals or on a sticker.

Test Drive the Golf Cart

Would you buy a car without test-driving it? No. Follow the same rule while buying a golf cart too.  You should consider the following points:

• Smooth ignition
• Braking performance
• The flexibility of the steering wheel
• Tire performance

Selecting the right golf cart involves understanding the various features of several models. There is also the comfort factor. You might simply love driving one cart over the other. Therefore, test-drive at least a couple of types and brands before you zero in on a particular model.

There are many benefits of owning a golf cart. So head to a golf cart showroom in your vicinity, but review our tips before that. Check with your club rules as well. Don’t be surprised if you find that the golf cart guidelines followed by the golf courses in Tampa are markedly different from the ones followed by the ones in New York. Do your homework properly, and choose a vehicle that best fits your needs and budget.