As the countdown to the 42nd Ryder Cup hits the 50-day mark, the first 350 Club Car golf and turf utility vehicles have arrived at Le Golf National in Paris, writes Ross Biddiscombe
These vehicles are just the latest of the more than 3,000 vehicles supplied by Club Car to the Ryder Cup since its association with the event began 21 years ago. Two of Club Car’s official EMEA distributors, Buggyman and AS2G, have assisted with the delivery of vehicles to the venue, and another 200 vehicles will soon join the fleet at Le Golf National, to be supplied by another official EMEA distributor, Tractor Hire.
In addition to the 550-strong fleet, Club Car – an official supplier of the 2018 Ryder Cup – is also providing both the European and US teams with seven iconic vehicles adorned in their signature patriotic branding. These unique blue and red vehicles will transport European captain Thomas Bjørn, US skipper Jim Furyk and their respective vice-captains around the 7,331-yard Albatros course throughout the week.
Marco Natale, Club Car Vice President EMEA, said: “Supplying a large fleet of vehicles is a major logistical operation, but with our experience, and the help of Buggyman, we have ensured the vehicles are on-site and ready for action at this unforgettable contest.
“Our attention to detail and dedication to producing the highest quality, reliable vehicles will help to ensure the smooth running of what will no doubt be a world-class event and a true showpiece of men’s golf.”
In addition to team vehicles, Club Car vehicles are also used for a variety of purposes, from security details and transporting VIPs, to moving television crews around the course.
Club Car has been an official supplier of the Ryder Cup since 1997 but has been involved in the golf industry since 1958 when an Augusta-based businessman, Bill Stevens, purchased a company named Landreath Machine and began producing the first golf vehicles in America. By March 2001, the one millionth vehicle rolled off the production line with the two millionth following just nine years later.
For the 2018 Ryder Cup, Club Car will supply vehicles for all on-course television crews to assist with the global transmission of the event, as well as team and match officials. In addition, Club Car has already supplied Le Golf National with a fleet of 50 Precedent i3 golf vehicles, all featuring the fully connected mobile golf information system, Visage.
Club Car is a world-leading manufacturer of small-wheel, zero-emissions electric vehicles and an Official Supplier to the European Tour and The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).
Club Car www.clubcar.com