New battery technology increases golf car hire revenues 36%
New battery technology that enables electric golf cars to drive 36 holes without a recharge has helped one of the UK’s leading golf venues increase rental revenues by 36%.
London Golf Club, a European Tour Destination and venue of the 2009 European Open, says the upgrade of its fleet of 50 Club Car Precedent i2 golf cars plus five utility vehicles is optimising income.
Austen Gravestock, General Manager of London Golf Club, said: “We are experiencing exceptional levels of income from golf car rentals in our key revenue streams and are well ahead of budget.
“For the first quarter of 2011, hire rates were up by 36% compared to the same period 12 months earlier – a direct consequence from the new batteries’ ability to cover 36 holes a day on what is a sizeable site.”
Mr Gravestock continued: “Throughout our existing three-year relationship with Club Car and our UK distributor, Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, which we recently had no hesitation in extending to 2014, Club Car has demonstrated it is an innovative manufacturer with its finger firmly on the pulse of the golf industry.
“This means that it has been able to develop its model range in line with the demands and expectations of both golfers and golf clubs.”
Club Car, an official partner of the European Tour, has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles since being established more than 50 years ago.
London Golf Club is also benefiting greatly, both on and off the course, from the state-of-the-art equipment fitted to the Club Car vehicles.
“Club Car is way ahead in terms of developing its electric vehicle technology,” said Mr Gravestock. “Its batteries are now of the highest quality with an extended lifespan – this means the vehicles are even more resistant to breakdowns, allowing us to maximise the return on our investment.”
He concluded: “All in all, it was an obvious choice to renew our contract with Club Car.”
