Feature Test: Golfboard - Surf the Earth

By: Golf Shake | Tue 19 May 2015

Golf is boring, takes too long; 'a good walk spoiled'

Well not any more! Make way for the Golfboard revolution.

Golfboards are pretty simple you step onto the board, take hold of the stability bar and a thumb throttle controller allows you to accelerate and break while the rider’s body movement controls the steering, much like a skateboard or surfboard

While using GolfBoard there is ‘bag mount/stability handle which is attached to the front of the vehicle.

Check out this video of our day using Golfboards at Essendon G.C.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CjtILaBKWA

Who and what is behind the Golfboard?

The history behind the GolfBoard is really interesting and is a collaboration of some well know sports industry members in the US. The concept of a GolfBoard was dreamed up by self-described snowboard addict Don Wildman, founder of Bally Total Fitness; He had the original idea for a electric skateboard to ride the steep slopes of his local Malibu course as a fun way to ‘get in some turns’ during the summer months. But as much as he tried, an off-the-shelf, one wheel drive skateboard wasn’t safe or powerful enough for some of the steeper fairways.

Step in surfing legend Laird Hamilton, who while on visits to Hawaii became an occasional golfing partner to Wildman when the ocean was too calm for surfing, Hamilton was interested in the concept and wanted to see the golfboard concept progress.

Enter entrepreneur Star Faraon, a surfing friend of Hamilton’s who by coincidence was developing the concept for an all-purpose and high performance electric mountain board.

Faraon, with friends Paul Hodge (CEO) and Mike Radenbaugh (Technical Director), teamed up to develop a highly robust and rugged electric mountain board that, with the influence of Wildman and Hamilton, was refined into today’s GolfBoard.

Golfshake GolfBoard Test

We sent two avid Golfshake Members along to test out the Golfboard at Essendon Golf Club on the outskirts of London on a gorgeous Spring Day. Here is their verdict:

Looks

Kevin Paver (Age 40 Handicap 16): Put simply, the Golfboard is AWESOME! It is essentially a skateboard, with 4 wheels and a handlebar that your golf clubs fasten to.

They say you can 'surf the golf course', and that really rings true as you channel your inner Patrick Swayze ala Point Break (you must have seen that movie??!!) gliding down the fairways!

Mike Gays (Age 25 Handicap 6): You turn the Golfboard by using your bodyweight, leaning into the direction you want to turn. Once you get the hang of it and trust your 'leaning' ability, it's pretty simple.

Performance

KP: After the first few tentative pushes on the thumb throttle button, you soon figure out how easy it actually is to use. With two speeds (slow and slightly faster), you

You turn the golfboard by using your bodyweight, leaning into the direction you want to turn. Once you get the hang of it and trust your 'leaning' ability, it's pretty simple.

MG: It takes a little while to get use to the motion and how to control it, especially going on side-hill routes but as your confidence grows it really becomes natural. After 6 or so holes you get used to it completely.

From a speed of play perspective its is fantastic and beats using a buggy by a mile. I wouldn't want to get caught in the rain with one though!

Pros

KP: Its a brilliant way to get around the golf course. It's much faster than using buggies as you can zip straight off to your own ball, but still makes it really sociable as you can ride along the side of your buddy having a nice chat... (not too close though!).

MG: Fast, Fun and brings a new fun element to golf. RRP for renting isn't extortionate either. Would be fairly portable so wouldn't need to be kept at the golf club.

Cons

KP: The only negative I could find with the golfboard (and it's not really a negative!), is that the turning circle is not very wide. But once you've realised this, you plan your route accordingly!

MG: Easy to tip over whilst you are not used to it.

The bottom line

KP: Without a doubt, the GolfBoard is the most fun and exciting way to get around any golf course.

Their intention is to give the game a little more speed, and make it a little more appealing to younger folk and I think they have certainly met these objectives.

The only problem those younger golfers will have is getting them off old folk like me!

MG: If you have to opportunity to use one of these then go for it. It adds a whole new dimension to the game and genuinely improves pace of play and fatigue.

Price will be out of reach of most people but there will be an increasing number of clubs hiring them out so go try one, you won't regret it!