Perhaps what we think of the least while jetting around the green trying to make par is how we do it. Though the golf cart can be an overlooked gizmo integral in streamlining the game of golf and as it is a means of transportation from one hole to the next, the quality and pure exceptionalism of golf carts made in America are arguably unmatched by anyone else in the world.

From your standard, classic electric golf cart to more custom variations, choosing the right top-quality American-made golf cart can make your golfing experience even more enjoyable.

History of the Golf Cart

Although the game of golf appears to have originated in Scotland, since the early 20^th century America has been the real center of the golfing world. As early as 1932, an American, Lyman Beecher in Florida, could not climb the hills of his local golf course due to poor health. He had a rickshaw cart custom-built that was pulled by two caddies.

Also, in the early 1930s, a golfer in California began using a three-wheeled electric grocery cart on a course in Los Angeles.

It was not until the post World War II surge in men and women taking up the sport that a company, today called Marketeer, began selling electric golf carts to the public.

America and the Rest of the World

America's use of golf carts exploded from the 1950s onward. American golfers everywhere started using carts. Most courses had carts for rent, though, eventually, many private golfers bought their own carts and kept them at their country club.

Overseas, carts were not very popular. The U.K. was one of the few locations that had a significant number of golf courses, but the use of carts never caught on, so there was no incentive for a local industry to develop.

Primary Manufacturers

In the U.S., there are three primary manufacturers of golf carts: Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha. It has only been in the last couple of decades that foreign manufacturers have entered the market.

Furthermore, since the 1990s, large American corporations have been buying out golf cart manufacturers. The access to more capital from these mega corporations has helped improve the quality of U.S. carts even further.

Club Car

Igloo Products in Houston, Texas began building Club Car golf carts in 1958. The Club Car carts only had three wheels until 1970, when the company (now owned by a man named William Stevens) built the first four-wheel cart.

In the early 1990s, Ingersoll-Rand bought the company and expanded its options and business significantly.

E-Z-GO

The E-Z-GO golf cart company started in 1954 in Augusta, Georgia. Eventually, E-Z-GO became one of the largest and most respected golf cart manufacturers in the world. Technological innovators, the E-Z-GO team has introduced alternating current motors combined with electrical powertrains that have increased energy efficiency and the ability to climb slopes for their carts.

E-Z-GOs use safety technology, too, like parking brakes that engage automatically whenever the vehicle comes to a stop.

Yamaha

In 1978 Yamaha became the first company to introduce gas-powered golf carts. Then it quickly began producing electric carts also. By the 1980s, Yamaha began full production of their golf carts at a facility the company built in Newnan, Georgia.

Yamaha rivals E-Z-GO in terms of technological innovations in the golf cart sector. In 1985 Yamaha introduced the four-cycle golf cart, along with a 36-Volt electric version.

Other Yamaha innovations include a full hard roof, tempered glass windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and turn signals. Most credit Yamaha with making golf carts popular outside of their use on the links.

Problem with Foreign Carts

In addition to quality control issues, sourcing parts and obtaining technical support for a foreign golf cart is very difficult. Technical manuals, even with ready access to the internet in most households, are hard to find. Finding technicians trained to service non-U.S. carts can be difficult.

Design and Evolution

The U.S. pioneered the use of golf carts outside of the golf course. This has provided a lot of incentive to maintain and improve the quality of golf carts.

Many retirement communities use golf carts as the primary mode of transportation. Carts are easy to park, don’t pollute, travel at relatively low speeds, are safer than cars, and cost pennies to operate.

Golf carts have become very popular with hunters and campers, and people now buy them specifically for off-road use.

Parts

Another quality advantage American golf carts have over foreign competitors are the parts. American vehicle parts have always had an excellent reputation for quality, and golf cart parts are no different. U.S. manufactured golf cart parts are plentiful and long-lasting.

Summary

American-made golf carts have developed an unmatched quality reputation over the years. The technological innovations and manufacturing excellence remain unequaled.