Hmm, an electric vehicle for upright bipeds that is steered by shifting one's weight ... that sure
reminds us of something. Where this little putt-putter differs is in having four wheels, which tends to be a comfortingly large number for the sort of folk who
can't be bothered to (or just plain can't) walk when golfing. And this is definitely targeted at golfers, with the official announcement set for the Golf Europe fair in Berlin this Sunday. The machine comes with turf-saving tires (whatever those are), 18 kilometers per hour top speed, a range of 36 holes, and holders for scorecards, cups, balls and tees. You'll find another product shot after the break, along with a delightfully cheesy promo video.
posted Sep 22nd 2009 7:59AM
Oh man that looks kewl. I could carry around drinks on that as well so everyone stays refreshed while i putt putt around the PGA tour
I haven't watched the promo yet, but I wonder how this thing does going up hills. I'm sure it doesn't have a problem going down them.....
These types of Robotic Golf Caddies have been around since atleast the late 80's or early 90's. When I was in Jr. High, I saved for one but never did save enough to actually buy one.
http://www.kangaroogolf.com/Page.bok?template=caddie_command
not impressed...until it has a feature to find my ball after "where the hell did that ball go" type tee shots...no buy
This is easy get a GPS enabled ball:
http://www.switched.com/2008/05/27/intelligent-golf-balls-tell-you-exactly-where-theyve-gone/
another instance of a robot taking the job of a working man, for shame!!!
dey tuk er jerbs
... robots taking jobs in order to give people an opportunity to advance and do something new.
If I was in a suckers job (and I have been), I welcome a robot and technology. Time to go back to school and learn something new and useful.
@Michael
You do know that professional caddies pull in 3-5x more than you do (I'm assuming you have a standard 40k a year wage). Hell, Tiger's caddy made something like 2.5 million last year. Caddying, as you were implying, is not always a suckers job.
"turf-saving tires (whatever those are)"
Dude, fat tires that aren´t going to dig into your green. If they were skinny tires they could sink right into your green fudging things up.
You shouldn't be even on the green with a pull cart or a golf cart. Fairways...yes
Not just that, but the tread pattern isn't as aggressive.
Essentially, (speaking only of tread pattern) its the exact opposite of what you would want in an M/T.
Maybe it's just me, but regular people really don't know anything about tires, do they?
Well put Andrew.
I wonder how much this thing cost?
Anyway, those amateurs who are lazy enough to walk and play on a real field (and don't have a space to use that gorgeous inflatable simulator) can use cheaper stuff, for example USB Golf Simulator listed here http://www.gadgetsreport.com/top-30-of-original-and-cool-usb-devices/
Nice. Only question is whether or not this would be treated as a cart and relegated to path only on some courses. If so, then its stock is down in my book. Still neat, though.
I don't think our courses around here would allow these on the course. They want you to rent their carts or walk.
How am I supposed to talk bidness with a potential and write-off the golf game? Do I have to rent one for the other guy too? And then picture two polyester-clad golfers on these thing swapping-paint while talking bidness to the next hole. How about a fat tired electric ATV?
It has a holder for my balls? Boy they think of everything.....
That guys plaid shorts and purple shirt makes babies cry. :(
No place for the cooler ......... FAIL !!
The only way golf can be a real sport, is if you carry your bag full of clubs for the whole 18 holes.
Wow, way to take the little bit of exercise that was in golf out.
Is this thing all wheel drive?
It should help to speed up the game allowing more people to get on and off the course. Although being away from home and being able to drink beer and talk BS with buddies is a lure to the game. (Unless you are good enough to have a career at golfing.)
speed-golf anyone?
Great name... *NOT*... Do you wear a manzeer (or the bro) while rinding this?
I can see old farts at the country club falling off these things left and right, LOL, pretty damn cool though, the Segway for Golf if you will.
WAIT! Aren't "Mantys" Mens skimpy underwear!!!??!?!?!
How is this better than a golf cart?
You notice he's playing by himself? I guess nobody wants to be around him.
"....The machine comes with turf-saving tires (whatever those are),...."
This means that when the grass is wet you should not stop on a slope as you will inevitably slide down said slope as there is no traction. Which can lead to more "damage" to the grass than having traction in the first place.
As a matter of fact you should probably just wait and play on dry days and stay on the actual cart path.
Add a seat (or two) and a cover and you have a Golf Cart.
Why would I want to stand the whole time?