Electric trolleys the preferred choice for global golfers

A growing number of avid golfers are likely to regard electric trolleys as the most satisfying method of getting around a golf course and an increasing number are choosing to use them more frequently, according to independent research contained in a new report charting the history of the golfing caddie - from the knowledgeable human bag carriers to the ultimate modern powered equivalents offering high tech features, while reducing strain on the body.

Of the regular golfers surveyed in eight of the world’s top golf-playing nations, electric trolleys were used by up to two thirds of golfers in some markets. Nearly all golfers who did use electric trolleys were satisfied with this method of transporting their clubs, and satisfaction with powered models was much higher (76% very satisfied) than for golfers who used other methods (45% very satisfied).

The 2022 Motocaddy Report, a 28-page document published this month by the world’s biggest-selling powered trolley brand, reveals that the global market for the product category is forecast to reach an estimated $200m (€177m) by 2030, representing a potential 44% rise since 2020. It also includes views about electric trolleys or ‘walking carts’ in some of the world’s leading golf playing countries – the USA, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, Japan & South Korea – where most golfers say being able to walk without strain is the biggest benefit, as well as having more energy and enjoyment for the experience.

Findings from the survey* show Motocaddy is the ‘most considered’ brand for purchase in Ireland (82%), which can claim to have the highest percentage of electric golf trolley usage in the world (66%), with Irish golfers being the most long-standing trolley owners too with half having owned their trolley for more than 5-years. They are also likely to play more golf (57%) thanks to various benefits - the ability to walk without the strain of carrying a bag (85%); making golf more enjoyable (63%); having more energy at the end of the round (62%); and maintaining a good pace of play (50%).

Additional research shows the majority of Irish golfers (85%) have more energy to hit the ball better when using an electric trolley and 31% say they’re in a better place mentally. Almost a third (28%) believe they swing more easily and 27% have a more consistent swing, while 34% also say they’re either very or quite likely to buy a new trolley in the next 12 months. Currently, more than a third of Irish golfers (35%) can be found on the fairways operating a Motocaddy model, with 45% selecting Motocaddy as their favourite trolley brand on the market, whilst Motocaddy owners are the most likely to recommend their brand of electric trolley to a friend.

“These findings are very positive and demonstrate the important part that powered trolleys play for Irish golfers,” said Marketing Director, Oliver Churcher. “It is great to see the difference that electric trolleys are making to their performance and enjoyment of the game as well as the really positive attitudes towards our products and the strength we have as a brand in Ireland,” he added.

Findings from the survey were overwhelmingly positive for Motocaddy, with three of the features on the brand’s compact M-Series models regarded as the most important considerations for Irish golfers when purchasing a new trolley: descent speed control, GPS and options for customisable extra features. Each of these desirable modern features is incorporated within the M5 GPS DHC.

In addition to its #1 status in Ireland, Motocaddy is regarded as the most considered powered trolley brand in the USA, UK and France, plus among the top three brands in Germany and Australia. Golfers in Asia are likely to prefer ride-on carts or human caddies.

On a global basis, most golfers using electric trolleys own rather than rent them and almost half are very likely to buy another model in the near future. More than 10% of powered trolley owners in France, Germany, Australia and the USA have owned them for less than a year.

Improved scoring and performance can often be attributed to the use of an electric trolley, with nearly half playing more often (46%) and nearly a third playing better when using one. Equally importantly, electric trolleys are credited with helping golfers sustain the same amount of play when fatigue or injury might have otherwise stopped or reduced their playing time. With 93% of electric trolley owners being ‘very or quite’ satisfied with their purchase, they are also likely to believe that an electric trolley represents a better investment in their game than buying a new set of clubs. This is highlighted especially in America, where just under half (49%) of powered trolley users wish they had switched to an electric walking cart sooner.

*The research was conducted among Irish men and women golfers in July and August 2021 by leading sports research company Sports Marketing Surveys, with the aim of understanding how, when and why different groups use electric golf trolleys to convey their clubs around the course.