Club Car History

Golf’s Golden Age

The 1950s and 1960s heralded an exhilarating era for golf, greatly enhanced by the rise of television coverage. Golf tournaments were broadcast into living rooms worldwide, igniting a surge in the sport’s popularity and paving the way for numerous innovations and advancements within the game. One such innovation was the development of the golf cart, which allowed players to easily navigate the sprawling courses. While the roots of golf carts trace back to the 1930s, it was between the 1950s and 1960s that brought about an explosion of innovation.

1962 was an exciting and eventful year for golf. Arnold Palmer secured his third Masters Tournament victory and consecutive Open Championship win, and Jack Nicklaus claimed his first professional victory at the U.S. Open; another significant milestone in golfing history was taking place with the founding of Club Car.

The Birth of Club Car

Club Car’s origins can be traced back to Igloo Products, Inc., based in Katy, Texas, known for manufacturing handmade metal coolers, and Landreth Machine in Dallas, Texas, a producer of hand trucks for delivery services. Orville H. Landreth, who owned a third of Igloo, designed a golf cart. In 1960, he filed a patent application for a small, relatively lightweight, and highly manoeuvrable vehicle intended for use as golf carts to transport golfers and their clubs around the course and for industrial transportation purposes. That same year, Igloo merged with the Production Tooling Company. Simultaneously, Orville left the company, taking with him the tooling and rights to the golf cart as part of his settlement, and continued on the project for two more years.

Bill Stevens Sr., owner of Stevens Appliance Truck Co. in Augusta, Georgia, recognised a niche for innovative, high-quality golf carts and acquired Landreath Machine in 1962. He relocated operations to Augusta, home to the prestigious Masters Tournament and branded the golf buggy as Club Car, ushering in a new era of golf production.

To celebrate this new chapter, Bill Stevens and his son embarked on a six-day journey to the 1962 PGA Show in Dunedin, Florida, driving their new 36-volt, three-wheel Club Car. The trip, covering 450 miles and averaging 62 miles per charge, began in downtown Augusta near the historic Imperial Theatre. “We got a lot of strange looks from people,” Bill Jr. recalled while speaking to The Augusta Chronicle. He recounted a memorable moment when a Florida state trooper pulled him over for driving too slowly. “He let us go after we explained what we were up to, but he asked us not to tell anyone he stopped us.” This remarkable drive captured considerable attention and signified the beginning of Club Car’s rise in the industry, becoming an integral part of the company’s legacy.

Club Car quickly earned a reputation for its robust and reliable golf carts. A few years into their journey, Club Car introduced pioneering features like a steering wheel and a foot accelerator, replacing the formerly used tiller and hand controls. These unique advancements quickly gained popularity, making Club Car the preferred brand for golfers and golf clubs and setting the benchmark for other golf carts.

1970s: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

The launch of the Club Car Caroche in 1970 was hailed as the “finest golf cart in the world”. It marked another industry first, as Club Car introduced a four-wheel configuration. It was the first golf car to feature both automotive-style hydraulic brakes and a mechanical braking system on the rear wheels, once again elevating industry standards.

Following Bill Senior’s death, Bill Junior sold Club Car to Johns Manville Company in 1973. It wasn’t long before it changed hands again in 1978 to eight E-Z-Go executives, including E-Z-Go founder Billy Dolan, who left E-Z-Go due to disputes and purchased Club Car.

Under new ownership, Club Car maintained its status as a leader and innovator. Recognising that golf buggies significantly eased golf course maintenance; Club Car became the first to weld a cargo box onto the back of a golf cart.

1980s: Innovation to International Prominence

In September of 1980, the Club Car DS rolled off the production line. Designed by Dom Saporito, the DS quickly gained popularity due to its ease of maintenance and remarkable durability. The DS was notable for introducing Club Car’s first 48-volt electric motor, delivering a 30% boost in power compared to its predecessors. The DS established a new benchmark for performance and longevity in the golf cart industry, equipped with advanced features like an aluminium frame, rack-and-pinion steering, and an enhanced suspension system. Its unique combination of reliability and innovation led to the DS becoming the flagship model and propelling Club Car to international prominence.

Building on the success of the welded cargo box on a golf buggy, Club Car developed a dedicated utility vehicle that set the modern standard for the category. Introduced in 1985, the Carryall II came with numerous industry firsts, including an all-aluminium frame.  This innovation not only enhanced performance but also allowed Club Car to expand into new markets, broadening its reach and customer base.

1990s: Takeovers to Tournaments

In the early to mid-1990s, there were a significant number of organisational changes. In 1993, Club Car made waves by going public and listing on NASDAQ, marking a new chapter in its growth. Then, in February 1995, the Clark Equipment Company swooped in, acquiring Club Car Inc. for $237 million. This news sent Club Car’s shares skyrocketing from $8.078 to $24.703 a share! Clark Equipment purchased all outstanding stock, solidifying its hold on the company. But the drama didn’t end there; later that same year, Ingersoll Rand, a powerhouse in industrial and commercial products, launched a bold hostile takeover of Clark Equipment for $1.5 billion! Under Ingersoll Rand Club Car would remain under their ownership for 26 years.

In 1997, the Ryder Cup stood on the edge of a thrilling new chapter.  Since its inception in 1927, the prestigious tournament had exclusively taken place in Great Britain, Ireland, and the United States. While Europe had been part of the competition since 1973, it had never graced the fairways of continental Europe until now. The historic 1997 Ryder Cup unfolded at the prestigious Real Club Valderrama in Spain, marking a pivotal moment for the tournament and Club Car. Having gained international acclaim in the 1980s with its ground-breaking DS golf car, Club Car joined as an official supplier. The owner of Valderrama, Mr. Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, firmly believed the future was in green energy, and Club Car was able to align with his vision.  To power the 1997 Ryder Cup approximately 200 electric cars were sent to Spain, The partnership between the Ryder Cup and Club Car continues to thrive setting the stage for future competitions.

Club Car soared to the top as the leading golf buggy brand in 1999, surpassing all competitors to dominate the golf buggies and utility vehicles market.  

2000s: Milestones to More Market Innovations

By 2001, the company celebrated a remarkable milestone: the sale of its one-millionth vehicle, a Club Car DS, proudly carrying one of the “original eight” investors as it rolled off the production line.

In 2004, the Club Car Precedent debuted, again revolutionising the golf buggy landscape with a blend of performance, style, and comfort. After five years of meticulous development known internally as “Clean Sheet”, the Precedent was designed with the insights and needs of industry professionals and golfers from around the globe in mind. The result? A golf vehicle that not only met but exceeded expectations, leading to a remarkable 25% surge in orders across all Club Car models!

That same year also marked the introduction of the Carryall 295, Club Car’s first 4WD utility vehicle, equipped with an electric motor to tackle rugged terrains and demanding tasks, from landscaping to park maintenance.

Club Car introduced the IQ Plus system in 2006 across all its electric Carryall, Turf, and Villager models, significantly enhancing their performance. This system boosts power, lowers running costs, extends range, and minimises environmental impact.  Remarkably, IQ Plus also allows users to customise their models for specific needs, further improving standard performance.

The Club Car Villager 2+2 LSV hit the American market in 2008, revolutionising local travel! The stylish, low-speed, street-legal vehicle offers a comfortable way to navigate neighbourhoods and gated communities, riding the wave of their growing popularity.

In 2009, GPS Industries partnered with Club Car to launch the innovative Guardian Satellite Vehicle Control system, revolutionising fleet protection on golf courses. This cutting-edge technology allows courses to manage vehicle access, control speed, track the history of golf cart journeys, and monitor vehicle performance seamlessly.

The following year, Club Car raised the bar even higher with Visage, an exciting blend of vehicle and technology designed to tackle critical revenue and expense challenges while boosting customer satisfaction. Visage leverages cellular, wireless, and GPS technologies, delivering a suite of features right to golfers’ fingertips. With its intuitive 10.2-inch touch screen, 3-D flyovers complete with audio, precise tee-shot distance stats, and comprehensive scorecard and tournament management tools, Visage transforms the golf experience for golf club operations and the golfer.

2010s: 60 years of innovation and excellence

On Earth Day 2010, a remarkable milestone was achieved when the two-millionth car, a zero-emissions LSV, rolled off the Club Car production line. This achievement came just nine years and one month after the company celebrated its first million cars, highlighting Club Car’s rapid growth.

The most comprehensive model launch in the company’s 56-year history occurred in 2014. The Precedent i3 golf cart introduced the “Internet of Things,” connecting the golf car fleet to the golf operation via computer, smartphone, or tablet, as well as with golfers throughout their round. Club Car also unveiled a new line of Carryall utility vehicles, showcasing a reengineered and restyled design that features a more powerful engine and a high-efficiency charging system.  Additionally, the line-up included the new Transporter 4 and Transporter 6 flexible transport vehicles designed to accommodate four to six passengers along with extra cargo.

The Onward made its exciting debut in early 2017, revolutionising how people personalise their rides! Customers can mix and match colours, seats, wheels, and accessories to create their dream Club Car.  

In 2018, Club Car celebrated 60 years in the business with the launch of the Club Car Tempo, a ground-breaking golf car that enhances the golfing experience through advanced technology and customisation. The Tempo features a sleek design and connectivity with Tempo Connect, which includes the Visage platform for streamlined operations and the Shark Experience for premium in-car entertainment, developed with Greg Norman Company and Verizon.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, Club Car created a unique Special Edition Woody Carryall 500.  The charming and versatile one-off model captured the nostalgia of 1950s styling, featuring custom green paint, retro wheels, and a natural wood stake side kit. It was auctioned off to benefit the Environmental Institute for Golf, making it a remarkable piece with a meaningful purpose.

During the PGA Merchandise Show in 2019, Club Car unveiled the Tempo Walk, a hands-free robotic golf caddie. This innovative, wireless caddie enhances the golfing experience for those who prefer to walk the course, promoting enjoyment and wellness. It offers a unique alternative to traditional push carts and is an eco-friendly option for course operators.

2020s: New Models to Strategic Acquisitions

In 2020, Club Car unveiled a new version of its bestselling, industry-leading Villager buggy. The updated model builds on the Villager’s renowned reputation for durability and performance, incorporating modern styling, superior ergonomics, and enhanced amenities to transport people with both style and comfort.

Ingersoll Rand Inc. completed the sale of its Club Car to global private equity firm Platinum Equity in 2021 in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.68 billion. Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity manages over $25 billion in assets and has a portfolio of around 40 operating companies worldwide.

In April 2022, Club Car expanded its presence in Europe by acquiring Danish electric vehicle manufacturer Garia from the Lars Larsen Group, aiming to diversify its product portfolio in the growing consumer and utility markets.

Club Car launched the CRU for the American market in 2022, a street-legal lifestyle vehicle set to disrupt the low-speed vehicle (LSV) market. The CRU expands Club Car’s electric vehicle portfolio into a new category of Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles (NEV), catering to consumers seeking a fun and sustainable option for short trips. Designed with BMW Designworks, the CRU features a sleek shape, superior handling, space for six occupants, and a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

The Club Car Difference

Bill Stevens Sr. set Club Car apart from its competitors through his unwavering vision of quality and innovation. He recognised that golf carts had to endure the rigours of daily use on the course, and this commitment to excellence resonated with golf course managers and golfers. Bill Stephens’s underlying ethos continues to this day, and this is what makes Club Car stand out: this is the Club Car difference.

A Continuing Legacy

Today, Club Car continues to innovate and lead the industry, positioning itself as the world’s largest manufacturer of small-wheel, zero-emissions electric vehicles. With a strong history of pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, Club Car is poised to lead the electric vehicle industry market for years to come.