Thumbnail image by Image by Jill Rose from Pixabay
By Jeff Tyminski, Club Car
A cursory glance down your neighborhood street might reveal an unexpected vista. The traditional lineup of sedans and SUVs are increasingly sharing driveways and garages with something much more efficient … and trendy.
Golf Cars: The New Mode of “Go”
No longer relegated to ferrying golfers, golf cars have burgeoned into a lifestyle hallmark, especially with active adults 55+ who are seeking more joy in the little things and a “wind in their hair” experience. In fact, Mordor Intelligence predicts that the golf car market will become a $2.5 billion industry by 2026. According to Club Car, a global leader in golf, consumer and utility vehicles, only about half of personal golf car owners use their vehicles on the course. So, what has elevated this special car to a cherished staple off the course?
The Rise of Master-Planned Communities
As master-planned developments have surged in the last decade, residents ages 55+ have flocked to communities that offer the live, work and play environment in one destination. Since these active-style neighborhoods contain a gamut of conveniences, the golf car has become the perfect option for running errands or meeting for coffee.
In addition, master-planned communities have become a hotspot for multi-generational families. Parents and grandkids who live just around the corner simply hop on their compact golf car to join a birthday party or Sunday dinner. This car is becoming the new connection point for forging relationships.
Where Functionality Meets Fun
When walking or cycling is no longer a viable option, the easy-to-drive golf car is a safe way to attend neighborhood Bunco tournaments or swing by a morning water aerobics class. The car affords independence and mobility without the hassle or risks of a full-fledged motor vehicle. Club Car’s Lifted Onward®, for example, touts a proprietary suspension system that minimizes lateral wheelbase movement for greater confidence during turns. The enhanced suspension system provides exceptional handling and performance when fully loaded. Standard LED headlights, turn signals and running lamps light the drive, make you more visible to traffic and keep the fun going after sundown.
The Cue from COVID
When cabin fever set in due to COVID, porch visits and block parties became a social lifeline, especially for the 55+ crowd with higher health risks, and golf car popularity soared as friends joined outdoor game nights or backyard cocktail hours. As quarantine tightened, courses offered socially distanced recreation surrounded by fresh air and open space, leading to a renewed love of golf, with nearly 100 million more rounds of the game were played in the U.S. in 2021 compared to 2018. In addition, golf cars sport the latest of technologies, like autonomous driving and GPS mapping, making them the easy choice for golf fans to pursue their passion.
An Eye for the Economical and Energy Efficient
Active and engaged, the 55+ demographic also keeps a close on eye on its hard-earned assets. As the cost of living increases and supply chains tighten, traditional gas-powered vehicles are rising in cost while plummeting in availability. Here, the golf car shines as an economical alternative that saves on insurance rates and maintenance costs for those on a fixed income, while also being gentler on the environment. The Club Car Onward, for example, boasts a rustproof, aircraft-quality aluminum frame that prevents corrosion and alleviates unnecessary repair.
Steadily, our society is returning to the meaningful moments that enrich our existence. A poolside party. The freedom of fresh air. A birthday cake with the grandson. And the golf car is taking centerstage as a touchstone that reconnects us with the simple joys of life.
Jeff Tyminski is the vice president of marketing and product management for Club Car. Jeff spends his days thinking about how to bring the golf car lifestyle to every home in America – on and off the course. Club Car boasts a 60+ year history of industry-leading innovation and design focused on golf cars and personal transportation vehicles. To embrace the wind in your hair, visit www.clubcar.com.
