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PGA PGM Level 1 Golf Cart Fleet Management | 100% Correct Answers |
Verified | Latest 2025/2026 Version
How many golf cars in US? - ✔✔approximately 1 million
If fleet is not managed properly what effects can it have on golf course? - ✔✔Be a liability in terms of facility image, safety, customer satisfaction and the financial bottom line
First golf car patent? - ✔✔Arthritis Special. 1948 to oilman RJ Jackson. It was three-wheeled, gas- powered
1950s - 1960s golf cart usage - ✔✔1950- 1, 1960- 120,
Three golf car companies and where located. - ✔✔Club Car, EZ-Go, and Yamaha Georgia
Golfer advantages for golf cart use - ✔✔-opens game to golfers who are not physically able to walk -eliminates need to carry or pull clubs over rugged terrain or in heat -extends years of play for seniors -can speed up play if properly used -generates facility income, which can offset increases in green fees
Golfer disadvantages for golf cart use - ✔✔-violate traditionalists views of the game -less exercise -generates noise and emissions (gas carts) -inconveniences golfers and slows play if carts are restricted to paths -increases cost of round where cars are required
Golf facility advantages for golf cart use - ✔✔-generates revenue and potential profits, which can help offset facility expenses -can generate more rounds of play leading to more income from green fees, merchandise, food and beverage sales -can enhance a facility's image and customer satisfaction when properly managed
Golf facility disadvantages for golf cart use - ✔✔-can damage course or environment -poses risk of property and personal injury liability -could result in net financial loss if not properly managed
Golf Professional advantages for golf cart use - ✔✔-provide opportunity to demonstrate value to facility
-could increase personal income if compensation is tied to fleet financial performance
Golf Professional disadvantages for golf cart use - ✔✔-requires expertise & commitment to manage fleet properly
-involves additional responsibilities
What are some elements of success of a good golf car rental program? - ✔✔-attractive cars in good condition -competitive prices -emphasis on customer service and satisfaction -efficient operating policies and procedures -proper preventive maintenance, repair, and storage -properly trained staff -good safety program
To reach desired profit goals, what must a fleet manager do: - ✔✔-choose right model with right accessories
-collect fees
-provide golfers with safety and operating instructions
-direct golfer to cart that is clean, properly charged or fueled, and in good mechanical condition
The fleet manager will deal with emergencies such as: - ✔✔-dirty cars
-cars prone to breakdowns
-not enough cars available
-staff being inadequately trained in policies, procedures, or customer relations
What kind of driver qualifications should be required? - ✔✔-valid driver's license, minimum age requirement
-facility needs written policy stating it can refuse right to rent to anyone intoxicated, has known history of unsafe driving, or has damaged golf course in past
What are some policies regarding privately-owned golf carts? - ✔✔-Senior management or board of directors will make this decision -Car owners must register vehicle and provide names of people allowed to use car -proof of adequate liability insurance is a must -car should undergo an annual inspection to make sure vehicle is mechanically sound with no excessive noise or emissions -some facilities have a policy to ban privately-owned cars that suffer frequent breakdowns -some facilities require car owners to make cars available for large tournaments or outings
Privately-owned cars raise a host of questions like: - ✔✔• Should they be permitted? If so, how will they be identified and registered?
- Who can operate the cars?
- Should they be stored at the golf course?
- How much should be charged for storage?
- Should a trail fee be charged?
- What insurance should owners be required to obtain?
What did Americans with Disabilities act of 1990 require golf courses to do? - ✔✔-stating golf facilities need to provide disabled golfer with special cart to play -some facilities purchase single-rider swivel seat carts, and others have formed partnerships to share with other courses
- many managers oppose this as it has a big lack in demand and has economic and liability risks
What should golfers sign before taking out golf cart? - ✔✔-rental agreement that includes statement affirming renter knows how to operate golf car
-first time drivers should be instructed in proper operation of the vehicle
-renter should be informed of facility's operating and safety guidelines as well as any restrictions that limit where car can be driven
When cars go out staff should: - ✔✔-collect fees or charge members account
-require drivers to sign a rental agreement
-explain operating rules and procedures to first-time drivers
-direct golfers to next properly-staged car in rotation
What are the three categories of potential golf car risks? - ✔✔Car hitting objects, poor facility design and maintenance, and inadequate warning
Examples of car hitting objects - ✔✔-holes, uneven or soft ground -exposed tree roots, stumps, pipes, or large stones -retaining walls, fencing, guardrails, roping, and large poles near car paths -objects that are not clearly visible from a distance, such as retaining wall immediately following a sharp turn
Examples of poor facility design and maintenance - ✔✔-car paths on steep slopes, near ravines, cliffs, water, or wetlands -"s" curves and sharp or hairpin turns in path -paths with loose gravel, rocks or sand -vegetation that obstructs view of path or large objects -inadequate barriers or guardrails on bridges -public roads intersecting or close to cart paths
Examples of inadequate warning: - ✔✔-no warning sign near potentially dangerous area -no signage for motorist where public roads intersect paths -no directional signage on path -no speed limiting signs or features such as speed bumps -lack of mirrors or warning signs near blind areas -failure to block access to dangerous areas
A formal safety committee should do what: - ✔✔-formed from key personnel who can drive carts
- Where golf cars should be driven
- Who is allowed to drive them
- First-time golf car driver instructions
- Car maintenance and mechanic training programs
- Enforcement procedures and warnings
- Alcohol and substance abuse policy
- Storage facility safety measures
- Accident reporting procedures
Good golf car safety precautions are: - ✔✔-limit car to 2 golfers and 2 bags -hands and feet inside car at all times -only authorized person allowed to drive -cars driven in designated area only -when leaving vehicle, parking brake will be locked -drive car straight when going up and down slope -drive slow around corners -do not start vehicle until both riders are seated -remain seated when car is moving -be aware of alarm signal indicating reverse
What are the critical action-steps if an accident occurs (7 Steps) - ✔✔1. Take care of people first (anyone injured)
- Call for help if there are injuries or significant damage
- Do not assign fault or admit fault by facility
- Inspect vehicle for damage or equipment failure and inspect scene
- Obtain names and statements from those involved and any witnesses
- Notify insurance company immediately
- Notify golf car dealer and vehicle manufacturer if required
An accident investigation should begin with the following questions: - ✔✔• According to those involved, what caused the accident and, if applicable, the injury? Was it something specific about the golf car and/or the course?
- Is there any actual defect in the golf car or unsafe condition on the course?
- Is the claimed defect the actual cause of the accident?
if leasing, this may be included in contract
Fleet manager: - ✔✔responsible for administering overall golf car operation - from fleet planning to rental procedures to preventative maintenance. Must be familiar with and meet safety requirements and guidelines by OSHA and any other state or local agencies
Fleet supervisor: - ✔✔Often the assistant golf professional, helps the fleet manager in all areas, including car rental, training, and scheduling other staff members and keeping records
Maintenance supervisor: - ✔✔staff member is responsible for supervising fleet mechanic and helping perform all daily maintenance procedures. Keeps records that detail preventive maintenance procedures and overall condition of cars
Attendants: - ✔✔Transfer golf cars from storage area to staging area, load clubs for players, install score cards and pencils and return cars to storage after play, clean cars and ensure proper car rotation
Maintenance Staff: - ✔✔Consists of mechanics, makes cosmetic and mechanical repairs as needed, maintains supply of repair parts and told, troubleshoots any mechanical problems and perform recommended maintenance
some facilities have a part-time me chance or share one with other facilities, others rely on one provided in maintenance or service contract
An effective maintenance program will result in: - ✔✔-lower operating costs -lower maintenance and repair costs -less downtime for cars
- increased revenue and higher return on investment -longer lifespan for cars -higher trade-in value (if purchased) -fewer accidents and safety risks
The elements of a good preventative maintenance program include: - ✔✔-qualified staff -ongoing training including trouble-spotting procedures -detailed records on every car -regular inspection and maintenance routines -proper tools & equipment -adequate storage
All fleet staff should be familiar with daily maintenance checks, such as: - ✔✔• Torn seats, dents in the body, or other external damage
- Damaged or missing bag straps
- Cuts, tees, or nails in the tires
- Low tire pressure, fuel level, or battery charge
Staff should always be on lookout for obvious signs of mechanical problems such as: - ✔✔• Sticking switches
- Jerky acceleration or cruising
- Rough, noisy, or faulty steering
- Bad brakes or brake release
- Difficult forward/reverse shifting
- Rattles or unusual engine noises
What are a facility's options when deciding who will take care of serious mechanical problems? - ✔✔- build maintenance into a full-service fixed-rate lease -purchase a service contract from a local dealer, if cars are owned -employ its own technician -pay a local golf car dealer's technician by the hour
What types of maintenance records should be kept? - ✔✔-car rotation -daily maintenance
Ventilation - ✔✔-electric fleet battery charging produces hydrogen gas -gas vapors and carbon monoxide are concerns for gas cars -air in building should be turned over a minimum of 5 times per hour. Exhaust fans should be put at highest point of roof
What are some factors that will help you decide fleet size and type? - ✔✔-Facility mission -Customers' expectations and preferences -Characteristics of golf course -Power Source (Electric or Gas) -age profile of members
What are some physical features of the golf course that may influence fleet requirements? - ✔✔-Yardage -including distance between holes -Terrain - hilly, elevation changes? -must get cars with good suspension -Climate - Affects demand and need for roofs, fans, etc -Car Paths - Lack of continuous paths could decrease car usage, bc most courses limit use on course in rainy conditions
Features of electric cars: - ✔✔-quieter and do no emit fumes -heavier so they offer smoother ride -simpler mechanically -uphill power and regenerative braking systems to control downhill speed while also charging battery -they are harder on course bc they are heavier -require more storage space for battery charging -batteries have to be disposed of properly -lower purchase price per car -smoother ride -limited rounds of play per charge
Features of gasoline cars: - ✔✔-reliable and have more range than electric cars -no electric hookups or charging equipment -less damage to course -initial price of gas golf car is higher -trade-in value is higher -cost to run depends on price of gas -perform better in cold weather -more day-to-day maintenance -require more experienced technician -some noise and exhaust emission -more expensive to maintain
What helps determine number you need in fleet? - ✔✔-past records of play -any private cars on course? -a full 18 hole course would require 72 carts, so good starting number is usually 75 -figure 75% of fleet being rented out daily with 25% available for peak demands -is riding mandatory? -buy fewer than your facility will need, always easier to add more later
Average price and variables: - ✔✔-4,000 to 5, -depends on market competitions, type of equipment (Accessories), freight charges, applicable taxes, preparation charges, fleet size
What should you look for in a golf car manufacturer or dealer? - ✔✔• Reputation for customer service and follow-up
- Price and terms offered
- Promptness and process for delivery
- Location (local or nearest to the facility is best)
- Availability of parts, service, and warranties
In this case, the equation would look like the following:
For example: (Total Rounds) × (.25) × (Rental Fee) = Gross Revenue (42,000 rounds) × (.25) × ($30) = $315,000 Gross Revenue
If cars are properly serviced, what trade-in value could come back: - ✔✔25%-40% after four year period
To estimate expenses, a facility will need to account for: - ✔✔• Acquisition Costs: This includes purchase price plus interest & associated fees on loans, or the leasing price for the entire fleet. Acquisition costs may also include the costs of warrantees. For a purchased fleet, there may be tax advantages that offset some of the expense of procuring the cars. The question of leasing or purchasing a fleet is discussed in more detail later in this lesson.
- Operating Expenses: Actual operating expenses depend on many variables: cost of gas or electricity, local labor rates, cost of parts and repairs for a given car model, etc. Insurance, storage costs, tools and equipment, utilities, car path maintenance, and other miscellaneous expenses will be factored in as well. To fit easily into projection equations, operating costs are often calculated on a per-round basis (total operating costs ÷ total number of golf car rounds). Another approach to operating expenses is to estimate them as a percentage of gross income. If the facility purchases a service contract or works maintenance into a leasing deal, it will have solid numbers to work into the budget. Car manufacturers should also have detailed maintenance projections for each car model.
- Other Costs: These are costs charged to the fleet budget from the perspective of overall golf operations. For example, the time spent by the head or assistant professional on planning and operations might be charged to fleet operations as a percentage of their salaries. At some facilities, the fleet program may also be charged for expenses connected with construction and/or maintenance of golf car storage facilities or car paths. Other costs include fees for registration or state and local taxes— depending on the state and local requirements.
Acquisition cost: - ✔✔Includes purchase price plus interest and associated fees on loans or leasing price for entire fleet. May also include warranties. For a purchased fleet, there may be tax advantages that offset expense of procuring cars
Operating costs: - ✔✔cost of gas, electricity, labor, parts, repairs, etc. Insurance, storage costs, tools and equipment, utilities, car path maintenance, etc.
per round basis calculations total operating costs /total number of golf car rounds
Do majority of US golf facilities lease or buy? - ✔✔Lease but depends on: -cash flow & tax consequences -current economic conditions (like interest rates & supply/demand for golf cars) -the type of deal it can negotiate
Advantages and disadvantages of leasing: - ✔✔-leasing can free up money to invest in other parts of golf operation, conserves capital -Lease payment is usually less than the principal and interest payments on a loan, so lower monthly payments -Leasing can reduce facility's maintenance responsibilities because servicing is included in many leases -when carts show normal wear and tear it is time for new fleet -facility can usually expand fleet during term of lease, giving it more flexibility to match its needs
Types of leases available: - ✔✔Operating, capital, municipal, adjustable payments, staggered delivery
Operating lease - - ✔✔"true" lease, leasing company retains ownership of equipment during lease period. No predetermined buyout option and payments are considered an operating expense. Typically have lower payments and bring better tax benefits to fleet owner. At the end, cars are returned or lease can be extended
Capital lease - - ✔✔Gives facility option of owning fleet when lease expires. Facility can purchase cars for market value at the end of lease or for a predetermined option amount negotiated at beginning of lease. Facilities have less cash flow, but own cars while gaining some advantages of leasing
