Club Car Precedent
sets new standard
for golf cars
TravelGolf.com Staff Report
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Jan. 27, 2004) -- Club Car's introduction of the 2004 Precedent represents not only the most significant product introduction in the company's history, but also the most dramatic transformation of the golf car since three wheels and a tiller gave way to the modern electric golf car
more than 30 years ago.
Precedent sets a new standard for performance, styling and comfort in a golf car that has almost as much in common with the family automobile as it does anything that ever transported golfers down a fairway.
"We asked golf professionals, course owners and all types of golfers, as well as
ourselves, what we should do to make a quantum leap in golf car design and
performance," said Phil Tralies, president and CEO of Club Car. "Five years
later, Precedent is the answer."
The 2004 Precedent is now in full production at Club Car's headquarters plant,
which has been transformed with a new multi-million dollar production line
focused on ensuring consistent quality and reliability.
The immediate difference most people will notice between Precedent and previous
models is its styling. The car has a rounded front cowl that gives it an
updated look and invites the first comparisons to an automobile.
Golfers will appreciate Precedent's long list of amenities and improvements that
makes their ride more comfortable and enhances the golf experience. Developed
using ergonomic software, Club Car's Ergo Seat features added back support and a
contoured seat bottom for comfort. There's also more room between the steering
wheel and the armrest to make it easier to enter and exit the driver's seat.
Other enhancements include the Monsoon Topä, the first golf car canopy with a
built-in drainage system that eliminates standing water that can spill onto
players and into golf bags and sweater baskets. The unique design, which
channels water off the top through the rear supports, is capable of handling 12
inches of rain an hour. The car's bag well has been engineered to provide more
room for two full-size golf bags and to hold them more securely.
FlexiDrinkä two-tiered cup holders provide a snug fit for all kinds of beverage containers.
Because of the aluminum frame and reduced battery weight, the Precedent is even
lighter than the DS model, which until now has been the lightest golf car in the
industry. The weight difference -- combined with steering and suspension
enhancements in a feature called SportDriveä -- gives golfers an unparalleled
driving experience: more nimble with improved accelerating, turning, climbing
and braking ability.
The development process started with input gathered from customer surveys and
focus groups representing more than 700 golf courses. Once prototypes were
developed, testing began and continued for four years at facilities in Detroit
and at Club Car's nine-acre test track here to simulate all kinds of golf course
conditions.
More than 600 Precedent cars were sent to a number of golf courses
and distributors throughout the U.S. beginning in early 2003 for testing under
different geographic and playing conditions. Feedback from course owners and
managers, golf pros, superintendents and technicians helped Club Car fine tune
Precedent.
Brady Godfrey, head professional at Harbor Hills in Lady Lake, Fla., said: "It's
like comparing a Mercedes to a Yugo. It just glides. You go over bumps and
rough terrain and you don't feel a thing."
Guy Wimberly, head professional at Arroyo del Oso in Albuquerque, said golfers
immediately liked Precedent's updated look and began asking for one of the new
cars when they checked in. He now considers the Precedent fleet a competitive
advantage.
"This car has brought us some business. Our overall business is down this year, but cart fees are up 7 percent."
Precedent is offered in two models: the Professional and the Champion. The
models are distinguished by different option packages and have different price
points, similar to the way automobiles are marketed.
Club Car, Inc. provides fleet, turf, hospitality and financing solutions for
golf, agricultural, recreational and industrial markets. Based in Augusta, Ga., Club
Car is part of worldwide Ingersoll-Rand (NYSE: IR).
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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