Carts come with excess baggage

BRYCE ALDERTON

From its humble beginnings as a device with two wheels and a seat

that caddies pulled to the current models that feature everything

from sun canopies, ice chests and propane heaters, the golf cart has

become synonymous with the game.

Growing up, I couldn’t wait until my dad took me out on the course

for the first time, which happened at age 13, and let me take the

wheel.

It was like the Autopia at Disneyland, only without the concrete

slabs to keep the cart moving along a certain path.

Granted, I only drove the thing for a few hundred yards when the

marshal wasn’t looking, quite illegal I know, but that fleeting

minute provided all the excitement needed for that day.

Then when I could legally drive, there wasn’t even a question when

asked, “Walk or ride?”

My friend and I leaped into a cart and off we went.

Courses reap revenues from players forking over cash to drive

carts.

Some venues even require taking a cart to play a round, a policy I

would like to see changed, but I’m not holding my breath.

Visit desert communities such as Palm Springs and many residents

drive their personal golf carts either on the course or through

neighborhoods.

According to www.golf-cart-guide-and-tips.com, some 125,000 carts

are manufactured in the United States each year. The “big three” are

E-Z-Go, Club Car and Yamaha, and they all manufacture two main types

-- motorized and electric.

Their history traces back to 1935 and Lyman Beecher, an electrical

engineer from Clearwater, Fla., the web site said.

Beecher constructed a contraption that resembled a rickshaw with

two wheels and a seat. Two caddies were needed to pull it.

Five years later, Beecher modified the design with a four-wheel

cart powered by electricity.

It wasn’t until World War II ended that Texas oilman R.J. Jackson

applied for and received the first U.S. patent for a cart, titled the

“Arthritis Special.”

He designed the three-wheel vehicle so “older players could

continue playing the game.”

His cart, though, was powered by something other than electricity.

Gas took its place, although the first models were noisy and

smoky, causing many courses to ban the carts.

In the 1950s, many golfers didn’t want to carry or pull their

clubs and called on caddies. But caddies were hard to find, thus golf

carts took their place, so to speak.

E-Z-Go was founded in 1954 in Augusta, Ga., where Club Car also

calls home.

It took time, but golf carts slowly melded into the fabric at

courses.

Now, they are as much a part of a venue’s operation as food and

beverage, equipment and green fees.

The ride, though, has been anything but smooth.

Remember Casey Martin, the professional golfer who sued the PGA

Tour and won over the right to use a cart during competition?

Martin, born with a circulatory disorder in his right leg, which

caused weakness in the limb, became the first player to use a cart

during competition on the tour.

Golf carts have been condemned, restricted and banned, which leads

right into next week’s Toshiba Senior Classic at Newport Beach

Country Club.

Beginning this year, PGA Champions Tour players may not use a cart

during competitive rounds at nearly all tour events, including the

Toshiba.

The decision, handed down in November 2003, has caused a stir

among some players who contend they can’t play a round without a

cart.

Defending champion Tom Purtzer has played without a cart this

year, but his back hasn’t benefited from it. Purtzer said the pain

has gotten worse to where he may need to trim his schedule.

He said a cart would help, but is leery of entering litigation

against his longtime employer.

The PGA Tour says the policy “enhances” the product both on site

and on television and focuses on the “competitive aspects” of the

tour.

Officials contend, however, the policy is not intended to weed out

players who may be gaining in age.

Could they be tired of hearing complaints from other players that

competitors who use a cart are more rested and gain an advantage?

Maybe.

But one need only look at Hale Irwin, the Champions Tour’s

all-time leader in wins -- 42 to date in 10 prior seasons -- and

earnings for a glimpse of longevity.

Walking during competition has hardly slowed down Irwin, who turns

60 in June, but could easily pass for 45. Fellow Champions Tour

players such as Purtzer have lauded Irwin for his fitness.

But the choice to walk or ride should be given every player and

not taken away.

I would hate to see a tournament lose a big name because they

can’t use a cart.

Carts have hardly taken away competitiveness, especially at the

Toshiba Senior Classic, which has seen three playoffs in its 10 prior

championships, including a senior tour record two nine-hole marathons

in 2001 and 1997.

All of that was done when golf carts were allowed.

With the choice, some players forego the carts and walk instead.

So whether Beecher imagined the golf cart would elicit such

controversies remains debatable.

Just like the question I will hear the next time I walk up to the

counter at the golf course.

Walk or ride?

I will walk.

Too bad not everyone has the choice.