Keeping cars in perfect working order also means first providing ample parking space. As more clubs switch from gas cars to electric because of environmental and noise concerns, as well as the rising price of gas, this can entail either constructing new facilities or updating older ones.

When Hershey Country Club scheduled its 31,000-square-foot clubhouse and aquatic center renovation, completed in 2006, it included new storage space in the plans, even though the club didn’t purchase new cars until March 2007.
“When we went through our major $20 million renovation, we also built two car barns,” says General Manager Renee Holloman. “In them, you’ll find our power packs, and we are able to plug in the new electric cars.”

In some cases, a new facility isn’t needed. When Ames Country Club purchased 40 electric cars two years ago, the club added storage changes to its to-do list.
“We have a storage facility here,” says Jay Giannetto, Assistant Golf Pro. “It’s not new by any means, but we modified the area for the electric cars.”

Modifications to existing parking areas can include adding charging outlets, dividing areas into specific parking spaces, and posting information about cart usage and tracking. —E.B.

See related story, On the Right Path.