Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
By the year 2032, it is estimated that the size of the golf cart market will be $3 billion dollars. Why is this happening? More and more country club members and golfers are purchasing golf carts to make country club life all that much better. If you are new to country club life and ready for your own golf cart, here are some things you should know. As a golf professional, membership director, and country club member with my own golf cart, I can tell you everything you should know about country club life.
Is Having Your Own Golf Cart Necessary?
Having your own golf cart is not necessary, but it is convenient and sometimes even more affordable. With your golf cart, you have a place to keep all of your golf gear, another means of transportation (other than a car), and a great vehicle for leisurely rides around the neighborhood.
The bottom line here is that golf carts are fun, customizable, and convenient.
Country Club Golf Carts: Quick Facts
- A basic new golf cart ranges from around $8000 to $12000
- Premium golf carts with advanced features can cost more than $20,000
- The used golf cart market is huge, and prices start around $2000
- Golf cart customization has become incredibly popular, with options for lights, bag attachments, coolers, sound systems, and even GPS.
- Not all golf carts are designed for on-course use; country clubs have restrictions based on weight, wheel size, color, overall height, and type of cart.
- The top three most popular golf cart brands are Club Car, EZ-Go, and Yahama.
- 4 seater golf carts are among the most common as they work for use on and off the course
Benefits of Personal Golf Carts for Country Club Members
Are you on the fence about whether or not a golf cart is the right fit for you and your country club life? I’ve found nothing but positives with owning a cart, and I feel like you really can’t go wrong if you play a lot of golf.
Convenience
Owning a golf cart makes life more convenient. Jump in the cart and head to the first tee, or even take it to your friend’s house for dinner. In addition, your golf clubs can live on the back of your cart, ensuring you always have all the gear you need.
Great Way To Get Around The Neighborhood
When you purchase a golf cart, you will likely find that you don’t use your car nearly as much. The golf cart is so much more convenient, and you get to spend some more time outside.
Customization and Personalization
Golf carts are not what they used to be. Today, you can customize and personalize a golf cart so that it becomes exactly what you want it to be. The customization process includes everything from drink holders to colors to Bluetooth speakers.
Saves Some Wear and Tear On The Car
Again, you will find that your vehicle is parked much more often as soon as you purchase a golf cart. Taking the cart can save the car from racking up unnecessary around town miles.
Pay One Price For The Year – Unlimited Golf
When you have a golf cart, you will likely pay a trail fee allowing you to play unlimited golf using your golf cart. The trail fee prices depend on if it’s just you, you and a partner, and what type of country club you belong to.
Expect rates to be anywhere from $1000-$3000 for the year. Golf cart rental fees are usually $25 to $35 per person; a little bit of math will tell you if this is a good deal or not.
Great For The Whole Family
Golf carts are a great way for the whole family to enjoy time together. We put our kids on the back of the cart to play nine holes, eat dinner at the marina, or run to the local playground. It’s a great way to enjoy the neighborhood with the whole family.
Negatives of Personal Golf Carts for Country Club Members
As I mentioned, I don’t have many complaints about owning a cart, but we should state the obvious here so you are aware.
Something Else To Take Care Of
If you purchase a golf cart with lead-acid batteries, expect to have to add water monthly. Golf cart tires need air, the windshield might crack, it needs to be cleaned, etc. Overall, golf carts are very simple to take care of, but they do require some maintenance.
Added Costs for Insurance And Upkeep
Upkeep and overall insurance costs for a golf cart are low, but you will still want to make sure they fit in your budget. If you purchase an electric cart every few years, you will need new batteries, which can cost anywhere from $700 to $2000, depending on the type.
Don’t Always Get To Take It To Play Golf
One little-known negative of country club life with your own cart is the fact that you don’t always get to take your cart out to play. Most courses only allow two carts per group. If you head out to the first tee and there are 4 carts, you may have to leave yours parked and hop into someone else’s cart.
Costs Associated with Golf Cart Ownership for Country Club Members
The cost to own a golf cart will vary depending on the country club you belong to and how private cart ownership is viewed. In the neighborhood where I live, I would estimate that 90% of golf members own their golf carts.
As you shop for a cart, remember that there are more expenses than just the cost of the cart itself.
| Expense | Description & Estimated Costs |
| Purchase Price | The initial cost of buying a new or used golf cart. Prices vary based on brand, model, and features. The range is $2000-$25000 |
| Maintenance | Regular upkeep, including battery replacement, tire replacement, oil changes (for gas carts), and general repairs. |
| Charger | The cost of an electric charger to recharge your golf cart’s batteries. (About $200-$500 for a charger) |
| Insurance | Optional but recommended for liability and damage coverage. ($75-$300 per year) |
| Accessories | Customization, including features like enclosures, headlights, windshields, GPS systems, etc. |
| Storage or Parking | Fees for storing your golf cart in a secure location, especially during the off-season. |
| Trail Fees | Some golf courses charge a trail fee for using your personal golf cart on their property. (Ranges in price from around $500-$2500) |
| License and Registration | Some areas may require registration and licensing fees for your golf cart.(Minimal fees: $25-$100) |
| Gas (for Gas Carts) | The cost of fuel if you own a gas-powered golf cart. |
| Tires | Replacement or maintenance of tires as they wear out. (New tires range in price from $100 to $300 or more per tire) |
| Repairs and Service | Costs for unexpected breakdowns or regular servicing. |
| Depreciation | Over time, your golf cart may lose value due to age and usage (batteries usually only last 4-8 years). |
Final Thoughts
Country club life is made even better by owning a golf cart. If you move to a community that allows homeowners to travel around by golf cart, it really makes sense to analyze all of these benefits and advantages. Buying a golf cart and living the country club life is something you won’t regret.
