Cost: $4,850 each. Tested by: Steve Keipert, Golf Australia Deputy Editor (GA handicap 4.0)

MODEL USED: Golf Skate Caddy 2016 V2.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: This was an entirely new facet to playing golf for me. I’m no surfer and I haven’t been on a skateboard in years, yet judging by the simplicity of the Golf Skate Caddy’s operational features, it didn’t look like it would take long to learn how to successfully manoeuvre it.

HOW IT PERFORMED: I really enjoyed cruising the fairways on the Golf Skate Caddy 2016 V2. Granted, it took me a few holes to get a feel for how it moves but the longer I was on board, the more comfortable I felt.

The mechanics behind it are simple – with the V2 you have a choice of a thumb-driven toggle to stop and go or the same hand-held remote control that came with the original version. I tried both options but slightly preferred the remote control.

Once you settle on a pace that feels comfortable, steering is the main area to concentrate on. I made the mistake of initially trying to rock my feet to change direction but at times that didn’t allow the Golf Skate Caddy to turn sharply enough. By instead repositioning my feet on different parts of the board, it became far easier to manoeuvre. And, if you do get stuck, there’s a reverse option or the whole thing is light enough to simply lift it and turn.

The V2 was tweaked to now come with the option to accelerate and brake using either a thumb slide or the remote control. It loves hilly courses and the braking system means the V2 is now even easier to ride

The aspects that impressed me most were how smoothly the Golf Skate Caddy climbed and descended slopes and how easily it transitioned between surfaces. At one point I rode it up a grassy mound that became bare and dusty at the top and I didn’t sense it reacting to the terrain change. Likewise, any bumps in the fairway are disguised by the suspension.

 

VIDEO: WATCH A WORLD RECORD ROUND UNFOLD ON A GOLF SKATE CADDY

 

THE SPECS

KEY FEATURES: Three-point tuned suspension system, low-impact all-terrain tyres, water resistant computer management system, flexible ABS mudguards, cooler box, quick-release seat, heavy-duty bag strap, ergonomic handle, umbrella mount.

TECHNOLOGY & SPECIFICATIONS: Dual 1,000w whisper-quiet, high-torque, brushless motor with soft-start. The 30Ah quick-release lithium NMC (LiNiMnCoO2) battery lasts more than 18 holes and charges in 1.5 to three hours. Golf Skate Caddy carries riders weighing up to 120 kilograms, plus golf bag. Total weight is 39 kilograms plus the seven-kilogram quick-remove battery. Dimensions are 122 x 56 x 56 centimetres. Four speed settings with maximums of five, ten, 15 and 20 kilometres per hour (and these can be speed-limited).

GOLF SKATE CADDY SAYS: “The V2 was tweaked to now come with the option to accelerate and brake using either a thumb slide or the remote control. It loves hilly courses and the braking system means the V2 is now even easier to ride. Four pre-programmed speed settings allow golfers to decide whether to ride it like a sports car or a limousine.

“Golf Skate Caddy V2 demo units are available for immediate trial."

Contact Golf Skate Caddy on 1300 556 979 or visit www.golfskatecaddy.com.au