May 2020 May 2020 | Page 16

c k y W o rL D Wa oF s f G L C R The a When you purchased your first golf car, did you have any idea that you were becoming part of a multi- billion dollar industry that would revolutionize transportation? I person- ally had no idea. In 2008, I bought my first golf car for my family to cruise around our neigh- borhood. That same year, I started WHEELZ Custom Carts as an experiment to see if golf car parts and accessories would sell online. I could never have dreamed that the need for golf car parts would support my family for the past 12 years. On average, the global golf car industry has been growing at a rate of 4% each year. The latest market report released in early April 2020 predicts that the growth rate will rise to 5.5% through to 2025. The growth can be attributed to a few different channels. Golf Course New Construction Although Europe’s golfing culture is dwin- dling, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as a prominent player in the golf course industry. There are reportedly over 100 new golf cours- es underway in the world and 30% are located in Asia. It follows that the Asia Pacific golf car market share will climb considerably. 16 WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM Looking Ahead: Golf Car Market Analysis By Julie Starr, Owner WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories The USGA conducted a survey that reported that 44 percent of golf courses have a fleet of 50-75 golf cars and 30 percent have more than 75 golf cars. Adding 100 new worldwide golf courses demands new golf cars. Existing golf courses refresh their fleets on a yearly basis. Increased Use of Golf Cars in Tourism In recent years, golf cars are increasingly making their way to beach clubs, luxury resorts, airports, RV resorts and other common tourist attractions. Ac- cording to data from 2019, 64 percent of global golf course projects include resort development. The ex- plosion of the short term rental industry has also con- tributed to an increase in golf car use, as more and more listings on Airbnb include the use of a golf car as part of the rental. It is commonly expected that if you vacation in a resort or golf course community, a golf car will be available to you. Master Planned Communities Although golf car laws and ordinances are constantly in flux, master planned communities are experienc- ing 3 percent year after year growth. And what is the most popular means of transportation in master planned communities? Golf Cars, of course!