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Golf Cart Buying Guide for Beginners

From manual push and pull carts to state-of-the-art battery-powered electric options, choosing the right golf cart can be difficult. Whether you are just entering the world of golf or a professional, you might be wondering "which golf cart is best for me?" Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to purchasing a golf cart, as the type you choose will be unique to you.

In this golf cart buying guide, we discuss the main features of each golf cart, and what you need to consider before you buy, such as the course you play on, the cart features, and practical factors like size and size. weight, to help you make an informed decision about which golf cart to buy.

What are the different types of golf carts?

There are three main types of golf carts available to buy: push carts, tow carts, and electric carts, each with its own pros and cons. Our golf experts explain the differences between them:

Push and pull carts

As the name suggests, the push and pull carts are operated manually, pushing the push carts and pulling the pull carts. The main difference between the two is in the wheels, as traditional towing carts have two wheels, while push carts include an additional wheel to allow for easy pushing. (That said, some brands even offer four-wheel options.) However, the purpose of the two types of cart is the same: to carry the weight of your golf bag so you don't have to.

Of the two options, three-wheel push carts are the most popular with golfers, as they are much sturdier and easier to maneuver, no matter what terrain you are playing on. It is also less demanding on the shoulder muscles, allowing golfers to conserve much-needed energy for their shots. But if your golf course is generally flat, a two-wheeled golf cart will be perfect for you as it is easy to carry and will not put any unnecessary strain on your body.

Also, most push carts (three-wheel options) come with accessories like foot brakes to keep them stationary while playing a hole, or to slow down if you're going downhill. You may also find that some push carts come with additional features, such as soft bearings and larger wheels, that help the cart slide on grass with ease.

Important Tip: When considering a manual push or pull cart, for the most part, your decision making should be based on how it feels to push or pull. Whenever possible, it's best to try a few for yourself initially to see what feels the most comfortable and sturdy, and how many wheels you think will work for you.

Pros:

Great for flatter courses

Affordable options are available

Compact when folded to easily fit in a car / storage

Easy to set up on arrival

No time / money required to charge the battery

It comes with great additional extras like foot brakes.

Cons:

Can be exhausting pushing / pulling across the field

Suitable for smaller golf cart bags

Electric cars

Electric golf carts use a battery to power them on the golf course to reduce the strain of carrying your golf bag or pushing / pulling a manual cart. They can be controlled via a remote control or a speed dial setting that allows the cart to follow the golfer as they walk, thus saving the most important energy for the swing. Despite being the most expensive option on the market, in the long run it will be a fantastic investment and will allow you to focus on the game at hand.

Electric cars are highly recommended if your field is particularly hilly or has multiple streets, making it difficult to transport or push / pull your car. Electric options are much easier to use than push or pull carts, as all the work is done by the battery, as opposed to your body.

When buying an electric car, the most important thing to consider is the battery power. Each brand and type of battery will be different from the next, some will last a round of golf and some will last significantly longer. So, to make sure you get the best value for money, be sure to check how long the battery lasts on a single charge (for example, if the battery lasts 18, 27, or 36 holes) and how quickly it can be recharged.

Pros:

Ideal for mountainous routes

More receptive to larger golf cart bags offering more storage space

Battery Operated - You still get a workout, but no extra strain on your body

Ensures golfers conserve valuable energy for their swings.

It comes with additional features like GPS / phone mounts and shot measurement, etc.

Cons:

The most expensive type of golf cart

They can be extremely heavy / bulky

Can be high maintenance

What golf cart should I buy?

Buying a golf cart is probably the most important purchase you will make after purchasing a set of golf clubs, so it is important that you make the right choice. If you're looking to make a purchase, a push or pull cart is a good starting point, and the basic options are also very affordable. That said, if your budget allows, it's worth looking into electrical options as well.

But above all, it is important to consider what works for you and your game. Here are some things to consider:

Golf course

The type of golf course you play on will determine what type of golf cart is best for you. Depending on your mobility, when playing on a flatter field, you may want to use a two- or three-wheeled cart. However, regardless of the terrain of your golf course, an electric cart will help you move your golf clubs from hole to hole with ease.

Performance

Golf cart performance is very important. Be sure to consider how much weight your car can support and the ability to climb if your ride is particularly bumpy.

If you opt for an electric golf cart, be sure to check the "operating range" (if the battery is ready for 18, 27 or 36 holes). This refers to the number of holes you can play with your golf cart that is still running on a single-charge battery. If you don't consider this, you may need to carry a charged replacement battery or even buy a new one that has a longer life between charges.

Size and weight

An important factor to consider is the size and weight of your golf cart and how easy it is to travel to and from the golf course. Ideally, you want a golf cart that is lightweight and easy to lift and remove from your car, plus it can fit comfortably in your boot.

For the most part, all golf carts fold to similar sizes; this is standard on all Motocaddy golf carts. However, weight is what can differ and can determine whether or not a car is right for you, particularly in electric cars where battery types and sizes can affect weight significantly. That's why Golfsupport recommends testing golf carts before you buy to make sure they work for you.

Batteries

There are two main types of batteries: lithium and lead acid batteries. Lithium batteries generally add around 5kg to the cart, making this option extremely light compared to lead-acid batteries that weigh around 11kg.

Lithium batteries can be expensive, but they are very cost effective as they can maintain their full charge capacity for more than 500 charges. However, lead-acid batteries are larger, heavier, and can take much longer to charge than lithium batteries.

Additional functions available

Most golf carts are available with a wide range of features and accessories, which may differ by brand and model of golf cart. Most carts are equipped with an umbrella holder, bottle holder, ball and T holders, as well as adjustable handles and storage options, as standard. Some makes and models even include custom color options, phone and GPS mounts, or even drop-down stools.