INNOVA Award Winner for the May/June 2004 Issue
Automotive-Styled ‘Precedent’ Packs Long List of Features, Benefits for Course Owners, Managers and Golfers
Club Car has introduced the 2004 Precedent, which represents the most significant product introduction in the company's history.
“We asked golf professionals, course owners and all types of golfers, as well as ourselves, what we should do to make a quantum leap in golf car design and performance,” said Phil Tralies, president and CEO of Club Car. “Five years later, Precedent is the answer.”
The immediate difference most people will notice between Precedent and previous models is its styling. The car has a rounded front cowl that gives it an updated look and invites the first comparisons to an automobile.
Precedent is offered in two models: the Professional and the Champion. The models are distinguished by different option packages and have different price points, similar to the way automobiles are marketed. Precedent Champion options include aluminum wheels, metallic nameplate, tinted-winged windshield, club protector, canopy storage net, upgraded steering wheel and a choice of eight body colors. Both models are available in electric and gasoline powered versions. There is also a four-passenger model in both gas and electric.
Precedent's AlumiCore chassis has an automotive ladder-style aluminum frame. The chassis is attached to a fiber-reinforced, friction-bonded underbody, which provides added torsion rigidity and enhanced protection for the wiring, brakes and pedals. In addition, the car's 360° bumper provides wraparound impact protection, while DuPont Surlyn Reflections body panels with molded-in colors resist damage and eliminate maintenance associated with clear-coat and paint.
Four higher capacity 12-volt Trojan batteries have the same daily capacity (three rounds of golf) as six eight-volt batteries.
The aluminum frame and reduced battery weight combined with steering and suspension enhancements in a feature called SportDrive, gives golfers a driving experience that is more nimble with improved accelerating, turning, climbing and braking ability. Club Car's exclusive self-adjusting center take-off, double-ended rack-and-pinion steering and superior suspension geometry helps the car's tires maintain contact over bumps and uneven terrain, delivering a smooth ride.
The electric Precedent features Club Car's IQ System, a computerized controller that optimizes vehicle performance to meet specific course needs for acceleration rate, motor braking and top speed. The solid-state controller also continuously monitors key system components and conditions.
Developed using ergonomic software, Club Car's ergo seat features added back support and a contoured seat bottom for comfort. There's also more room between the steering wheel and the armrest. Other enhancements include the monsoon top, a canopy with a built-in drainage system. The unique design, which channels water off the top through the rear supports, is capable of handling 12 inches of rain an hour. The car's bagwell provides more room for two full-size golf bags and to hold them more securely. FlexiDrink two-tiered cup holders provide a snug fit for all kinds of beverage containers.
From concept to launch, Precedent was five years in the making. The development process started with input gathered from customer surveys and focus groups representing more than 700 golf courses. Once prototypes were developed, testing began and continued for four years at facilities in Detroit and at Club Car's nine-acre test track to simulate all kinds of golf course conditions.
More than 600 Precedent cars were sent to a number of golf courses and distributors throughout the US beginning in early 2003 for testing under different geographic and playing conditions. Feedback from course owners and managers, golf pros, superintendents and technicians helped Club Car fine tune Precedent in preparation for its formal introduction at the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando earlier this year.
Brady Godfrey, head professional at Harbor Hills in Lady Lake, Fla., said, “It's like comparing a Mercedes to a Yugo. It just glides. You go over bumps and rough terrain and you don't feel a thing.”
Guy Wimberly, head professional at Arroyo del Oso in Albuquerque, said golfers immediately liked Precedent's updated look and began asking for one of the new cars when they checked in. He now considers the Precedent fleet a competitive advantage. “This car has brought us some business. Ridership is up. Our overall business is 10 to 12 percent down and our pro shop is even with last year but car fees are up 7 percent.”
The 2004 Precedent is now in full production at Club Car's headquarters plant, which has been transformed with a new multi-million dollar production line. Club Car officials expect Precedent to generate more demand than any vehicle in its 45-year history.
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