InTheRough
Course Botanist
I certainly hope this is not the "new normal" for very long. Unfortunately, I remember 9/11. The changes were supposed to be temporary, but they were permanent.
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Regarding carts and scooters, drunk golfers are safer in 4 wheel carts than scooters.
That's a good point.I feel like this is a strong point, and one not to be overlooked.
Single person carts means that much more work for the golf course. I don’t think it is going to be the thing going forward.
With everything going on with that thing that won't be named - most courses are having to go 1 per cart, or no carts all together. I'd have to think if they have to order more carts to compensate, or drive up the costs of carts in general to deter people from even wanting them, that it could hurt business and round times.
So - with that, are 1 person carts and things such as those golf cart scooters the way of the future, and being forced into quicker acceptance now?
If that is the case, are you for it or against it and why? One per cart/scooter to me seems like it could drastically increase play times.
Eventually they'll put a plastic shield in the middle of the cart and continue to rent two in a cart . That and a plastic windshield will become the norm versus replacing all the carts.There are just too many reasons to not go for single seat carts
Unfortunately most courses in my area don't have enough carts to allow for just single riders in every cart. Only time will tell
- If your course is hilly, forget it, they don't work with a damn
- There is too much liability. Even if you do sign a waiver before the round.
- More accidents with golfers that just can't control them. Get a few in them ... keep 911 on speed dial
- Yes you might finish the round faster but is it really worth it?
- Golf courses would probably have to charge more
I played a course a month ago, they had scooters with fat tires. Pretty cool. That said I don’t think so. Things will get back to somewhat normal in time. Perhaps when a vaccine is found.
I can't see the plastic barriers between golfers becoming a permanent thing. Maybe a temporary fix until all the hysteria dies down, but not the new norm.Eventually they'll put a plastic shield in the middle of the cart and continue to rent two in a cart . That and a plastic windshield will become the norm versus replacing all the carts.
Interesting article.just saw this on ESPN
How a pandemic could be forever altering the golf cart
With social distancing, it's not safe -- or allowed -- to have more than one person in a traditional golf cart. Suddenly, single-rider options don't sound as out there as they once did.www.espn.com
Interesting article.
I disagree with the less liability part "single riders are more engaged" and not drinking 12 beers part. I don't disagree with the more engaged, but the likelihood of an accident or injury while driving a scooter is far greater than a golf cart. I can easily write a golf cart to home policy and the cost is virtually zero per year. You try to write one of those scooters and you are talking a whole different policy and expense. I would expect the golf course would face something very similar.
I agree 100% with the increase in the speed of play. However, will individuals that are used to paying 60 per round (cart included) be ok with the new automatic rate of 75 with a scooter? As a commodity, I could see a few in many courses house. Sure, they would be really cool to try once. I just don't think many would be willing to use every round with the extra cost.
Then throw in the beer comment. I am not a drinker at all. But, I know many that will buy at least a few from the cart person or at the turn. I have to think the scooters will affect liquor sales on the course. It is not easy to drive one of the scooters around with a drink in hand versus the cart which is incredibly easy.
I think the courses would have to gain in many areas like less course management expenses, more tee times booked, more money per round, versus the loss in insurance costs, more possible lawsuits from accidents (I am sure a waiver is going to be signed, but you still have to hire an attorney to fight any case. That has a cost), loss of revenue from liquor sales, and such.
While I love the one person per cart idea, I would not be one that would be the target golfer looking to drive a scooter each round. As a novelty, sure I would definitely try it on a vacation course or once just to see it. Long term, I wouldn't be a big believer.
I wonder how many local courses (not vacation type places like Hawaii) have made the switch and feel the benefits outweigh the cons. It would be interesting to see if the pandemic changes things going forward for the local course.