Newest Amenity At Taupo Links May Be Golf Carts

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 70, 7 September 1965, Page 2

Newest Amenity At Taupo Links May Be Golf Carts

One of the latest amenities likely to be introduced later this week to the Taupo golf course is a "golf cart" — a small vehicle capable of carrying players and clubs. These carts have proved extremely popular in the USA and it is largely because of this that they are to be introduced to Taupo by the club professional, Mr Aubrey Dyke. Mr Dyke has had inquiries from overseas travel representatives about the availability of carts and has been assured that numbers of visitors would only come to Taupo if they could obtain the use of one. Basically, the golf cart is powered by a small petrol motor, although some in the USA use electric motors run off batteries. On a course such as Taupo where there are some small hills to be negotiated, the carts would prove useful to older golfers and those with an infirmity which prevents them from walking too far. The cart Mr Dyke proposes to have for hire at Taupo is being manufactured in Hawke's Bay and is powered by a Japanese Rabbit motor with automatic clutch. Tiller steering is employed to turn the single front wheel and while this proved a little stiff on the prototype, it is hoped to make alterations to improve this aspect. With a comfortable seat for the driver and passenger and room at the rear for golf bags, the cart may well

prove to be popular among local players. Beginning with two fullsize carts and a single for infirm players, Mr Dyke hopes to build up a fleet of the agile little vehicles as they grow in popularity.