As the Head Golf Coach at Tell Me More Golf, it’s my job to help you on your golfing journey. Together, we’re going to cover all manner of golfing topics. No matter the size of the topic, big or small, if it’s golf related, I’ve got you covered. 

In this article we’re going to be looking at golf cart brands. Specifically, we’ll be focusing on one brand, and that brand is Club Car. So let’s get into it and look at all things Club Car golf carts. 

Who Makes Club Car Golf Carts?

Club Car golf carts are made by American commercial utility vehicle maker Club Car, which has been in operation since the late 1950’s.

To be precise Club Car, which is generally considered to be number one in the golf cart industry, was founded in 1958, though production of utility vehicles, such as golf carts, did not begin until 1962. 

Club Car golf carts are considered to be some of the best golf carts on the planet. They are used at some of the world’s most prestigious golfing events, while there are thousands of models used at golf clubs all around the US. 

Where Are Club Car Golf Carts Made?

Created and produced on US soil, Club Car is based in Augusta, Georgia, which is quite fitting given that Augusta National Golf Club is widely considered to be the American home of golf. 

Much of the work that goes into making Club Car golf carts is carried out in Augusta, where the team get to work on manufacturing their various electric golf cart models, some of which are great for personal use, with others being designed for commercial use, including the Club Car DS, Club Car Precedent and the Club Car Onward.

Here are some of the most popular Club Car golf carts that are currently available, along with the top selling points:

• Club Car Onward 2 – great all-round cart with loads of accessories 
• Villager PTV – comfortable low-speed vehicle that is street-legal 
• Precedent i2 – excellent storage options, plenty of technology additions 
• Precedent i3 – very modern, lots of technology, such as built-in electronic scorecard
• Precedent 4Fun – Lots of storage and extra attachments, plus seats four golfers

Are Club Car Golf Carts Any Good?

This big question is are Club Car golf carts any good. The short answer is yes, absolutely. Club Car is known as being one of the US’ premium golf cart and electric vehicle manufacturers.

For many years, they have been at the forefront of the space and are absolutely an industry leader, designing high-end models. 

The fact that Club Car is the official golf car of the PGA of America, PGA Tour Tournament Players Club Network, plus the European Tour is testament to the high quality of Club Car golf carts. We really are talking about the best of the best here. 

In my role as a professional golf instructor and golf coach, I have naturally worked at several golfing venues and thus have experienced my share of golf carts. Club Car golf carts are certainly up there with the best in my eyes. 

For some time, my personal favorite was the Club Car Onward 2, which is just a great all-round golf cart, but in recent times, I have come to love the Precedent i3 even more, as this really is a fantastic golf cart with amazing technology built in as standard, featuring an electronic scorecard and GPS zone messaging system. 

Who Owns Club Car?

Club was originally founded and owned by Bill Stevens, but has since been taken over on several occasions.

Previously Club Car was owned by a group of former EZGO executives, who managed the brand for many years.

In 1995, Ingersoll Rand, though in 2021 the company once again changed hands when it was acquired by Platinum Equity, who at the time of writing, continue to be the owners of Club Car. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the Club Car golf cart?

Club Car golf carts are made by Club Car, which is an American producer of utility vehicles owned by Platinum Group, specializing in golf carts. 

What kind of batteries does a Club Car golf cart take?

Typically, a Club Car golf cart requires a 48-volt battery set-up, though it does depend on the model. Take the Precedent Champion for example. This particular model needs a 48-volt battery to run, you don’t necessarily need a 48-volt battery, you can utilize four 12-volt batteries, which should give you ample running time. 

How do I make my Club Car golf cart street legal?

Some Club Car golf carts are ready to hit the streets from the get-go. In other words, they’re produced to be street legal. An example of this is Club Car’s Villager PTV, which really is the perfect low-speed street-legal vehicle. 

For a golf cart to be street legal it needs to feature working lights at the head and tail, while brake lights must also be operational. A 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number is also required, as are interior and exterior mirrors, plus a horn and speedometer. 

How long does a Club Car golf cart take to charge?

It can vary from model to model, though typically, most Club Car golf carts take 8-12 hours for a full charge. Depending on how much you plan to use your golf cart before its next charge, you can get reasonable use out of it after charging for 4-5 hours, but for a full charge from zero, at least 8 hours will be needed. 

Why is Club Car so expensive?

It really is a matter of quality. If you want the best, then sadly, you must pay a high price for it. Club Car golf carts are top-of-the-range, which is why they are expensive to purchase. 

How do you tell the year of a Club Car golf cart?

If the Club Car golf cart in question was made after 1981, which in 2023 is highly likely, then there will be a serial number displayed just under the glove box. The first two digits of this serial number indicate the year of the cart. 

How fast will a Club Car golf cart go?

This of course depends on the model. Most Club Car golf carts max out at 18 MPH, though some models go slightly faster, such as the Club Car Onward 2, which reaches 19 MPH. 

Conclusion

When it comes to golf carts, you really cannot go wrong with Club Car. If you’re the type of golfer who wants top-of-the-line quality, then Club Car is for you, that’s for sure. 

For generations, this US producer of pristine golf carts has been churning out fantastic models and nowadays, there really is quite a range for golfers to choose from. From the classical Club Car DS to the street-legal Villager PTV, to the four-seater Precedent 4Fun, Club Car is sure to have something that meets your golf cart needs.