8 Apr 2014

ELECTRIC VERSUS GASOLINE-POWERED GOLF CARTS

By Marc Gelbke In my previous editorials, we’ve covered and discussed the importance of a golf cart fleet, and last month we covered how to determine an appropriate golf cart fleet size for your facility. To continue along this all-too-important topic for managers, we will be going over what you should consider when it comes to comparing between electric and gasoline-powered golf carts, and which one to choose for your facility. Today, roughly 56 percent of golf carts in use are electric and 44 percent are gas-powered. My personal opinion is that both types, if maintained properly, will perform well and satisfy your customers. In terms of leasing and interest rates, both are going to be the same in most cases, so deciding one type over the other can be a difficult choice you have to make, and can come down to personal preference and maybe on the type of cart that has traditionally been used at your facility in the past. Some differences in the type of carts to take into consideration are that electric carts are quieter and don’t emit fumes. Electric carts are also simpler from a mechanical standpoint, but don’t provide nearly as much power as gas carts, which can be an important decision-maker when managing a facility that is very hilly. Gas-powered carts are extremely reliable, and, as mentioned before, have a higher range of power than electric carts. They also don’t require special electric hookups and battery-charging equipment, and are lighter than electric carts and are less likely to damage your course. In relation to operating costs, they are hard to compare and can depend on a variety of factors such as condition of the cart, characteristics of the course, and local differences in cost of electricity and gasoline. When taking the cost of batteries into account, electric carts can be slightly more expensive to operate on a per-round basis; however, gas carts can cost more to maintain. Both types have pros and cons and should be weighed in relation to your specific location, budget available, needs, and preferences of the facility’s members and guests. As you can see, it is important for managers to be informed, knowledgeable and confident in their decision, especially when mangers have to make recommendations to facility owners.
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TIME TO STOP TALKING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT SLOW PLAY ON TOUR
8 Apr 2014

TIME TO STOP TALKING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT SLOW PLAY ON TOUR

Seems like every time I read something about professional golf these days, the subject of slow play comes up. I was watching the Valspar Championship a couple of weeks ago, and the commentators dragged on and on about how long it was taking the last group to finish up. At the Valero Open, several discussions ensued about one of the contenders taking 15 to 20 practice swings before each shot. Can you really blame someone playing for millions or trying to win his first tournament for wanting to be absolutely ready before taking a swing? Of course not, especially if no one is going to do anything about it. If, as I read, it is such a concern, then do something. “It’s complicated,” is often the response. “It is hard to monitor all the players in the field and they play in pairs or threesomes, and why should faster players be subject to penalties when playing with a slow player?” is often the excuse. I say nonsense. I was sitting on the 16th green at Valspar, and on the giant screen leaderboard as each player would hit, I got their location and yardage to the green. Before each putt the distance was posted and percentage the player made from that distance. They were even compared to the rest of the field. A person follows each group entering such data continuously. How hard would it be to take the technology a bit further? For example, say each golfer was told they had to play a shot within a certain time limit. The group monitor could make an entry before a player’s turn to hit and record how long it takes him to play the shot. Too many bad times and the player gets hit with a penalty. I believe it could be done. There are probably many ways to speed up play. But, as I said in the beginning, either do something about it or keep quiet!
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