Saunter up the sixth on a super swanky Segway!
Golf Son Gual in Mallorca has just announced that they’ve ordered an entire fleet of Segways to help golfers plot their way around the course. I’ve seen the two-wheel transporters used all over the place and I’d be lying to say that I didn’t want a go on one. It does however raise some important questions.
Buggies are now everywhere and it’s not a special thing anymore for clubs to have tons of them. In fact, it’s almost expected now but people do like to whinge about them. There’s a sort of macho thing about walking around a course and carrying your clubs. People that do carry are usually pretty smug about it complaining that everyone else is lazy and they’re going to have a field day with the Segway!
I don’t agree with the nay-sayers. I love buggies, electric trollies and any gadgetry like that. I particularly like buggies because if you’re having a shite round of golf, you can still enjoy bazzing round like a loon in the buggy. Let’s face it, they’re also quite dangerous which totally adds to the thrill of driving one.
Only last week we had a bit of lock-up as we were on a very steep cart path and it started to rain, the back-end skidded out and we nearly smashed into the buggy in front. Great fun! It’s a prime example – my golf was crap but I loved driving the buggy.
On paper the Segway is a perfect match for the golf course. Unlike buggies, everyone can head off in different directions which will keep play fast. You’ll still be able to race your pals down the fairways too which appeals I’m sure. It does however seem that you will look a complete plonker using one of these. All the photos show people wearing helmets which are never a good look. Do you really need to wear a helmet? They only go 12mph flat out and I can run faster than that.
The other thing to consider is wheel spin. It’s ok at Golf Son Gual in a hot climate where the ground is bone dry but what of their use in good old blighty? How do they cope when the ground’s a bit soggy and the wheels want to spin? You could have golfers falling all over the place arriving back at the clubhouse covered in mud. You see…it’s a great idea. Lol.
So OK, you’d look like a plonker using one but once all clubs start to use them, everyone will get used to the idea I’m sure.
Golf Son Gual has bought 20 of the X2 Golf Segways which you can hire for €20 a piece. For me, it’s almost enough for me to make the trip out there to play their course. Who cares what the hotel or golf course is like? I can have a blat on a Segway…and the best bit? No-one I know will be there to extract the michael.
Golf Son Gual’s managing director, Andreas Pamer, said: “Anybody interested in taking a Segway out on the course can enjoy a free lesson in its use from one of our experienced team and get their ‘Son Gual Segway licence’. ”That entitles them to pay just €20 to take the Segway out on the course. It adds a whole new dimension to the game and just adds to the enjoyment of a round at Golf Son Gual.
“We are always looking to give our clients something extra and I believe this is another way we have achieved it.”
Golf Son Gual, which recently hosted the inaugural Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open won by former Ryder Cup captain Mark James, has a burgeoning reputation as the holiday island’s best course and is the chosen destination of many of Mallorca’s best-known visitors.
For more information, email info@son-gual.com or visit www.son-gual.com
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