Champion Golf Cart Covers - Best Throw Over Covers on the Market

Looking for a Quality Throw Over Golf Cart Cover?

There are many throw over golf cart enclosures on the market; but how can you be sure that the one you are buying is the best one? Most places never have a display model, or even a throw over cover out of the box. Not to mention, as a customer, you will look rather odd opening a throw over cover box in the store, knowing full well you will never be able to get it back in the packaging it came in, you never can! So what options are we left with? DO RESEARCH!

Champions Golf Cart Covers vs. The Competition

Clear Vinyl

Champion Golf Cart Covers use heavy, 13oz Clear Vinyl for the windows of their throw over golf cart covers. This vinyl is more durable than lesser weight vinyls. Clear Vinyl at a lower ounce will tend to wrinkle, tear, and wear easier than the heavier, 130z vinyl.

Removable Front Windshield

Most people who purchase throw over golf cart covers are avid golfers, who do not own their own golf cart, but would like a cover to throw over the golf carts they rent from their golf courses. Almost all the golf carts rented from golf courses will already have a windshield on them (those that do not are typically in an area where the windshield is not needed, and if a windshield is not needed, why would you need a cover?). Seeing through clear vinyl is nothing like seeing through the plexiglass of a golf cart. Trying to see through both the vinyl and the plexiglass is next to impossible. Champion Golf Cart Covers is one of the only brands that the windshield can, not only be rolled down, but completely removed. Other throw over enclosures use zippers to allow their windshields to be opened or pushed out of the way. Our experience is that many club pros hate throw over covers that have zippers in the front because they scratch the golf cart plexiglass windshield like crazy, and they are not cheap to replace. The Champion's windshield removes completely, allowing you to get back to golfing.

Three Year Limited Warranty

Champion golf cart covers are backed by a 3 year limited warranty. A product is only as good as the company that produces it; Fore Concepts is well known throughout the golf cart cover industry as providing superior products and excellent customer service.

Definition

A golf cart, as defined in the Florida Statutes in section 316.003, is "a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes."

What is Prohibited

It is against the law in the Florida to operate a golf cart on a public street or road.

Exceptions

You may operate a golf cart on a public roadway if:

• The road has previously been designated by the state or municipality for their use
• It is required for crossing a path when a golf course is located on both sides of a road
• It is the best/ only available public road to a government location
• Crossing the roadway when a mobile home park resides on both sides of a public roadway
• You are within a private community and golf carts are permitted

Required Features

To legally operate a golf cart on state/public roadway, a golf cart/ Low Speed Vehicle must have the follow:

• Red Reflector Warning Devices in the Front and Rear
• A Reliable Steering System
• Must Have Efficient Brakes
• A Rear-View Window if A Golf Car Enclosure is Present
• Must Have Reliable/ Safe Tires

Driving Time & Age Restrictions

• A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a golf cart on a roadway in Florida
• A person may only be on a state/ public roadway between sunrise and sunset

Consequences

Violations to the regulations set forth in the Florida statutes for golf carts are a non-criminal traffic violation, punishable as a moving violation.

Resources - "Florida Senate: 2005: Senate Bill 1820"

Club Car DS has Different Models?

Yes, all Club Car DS golf carts are not the same! This can be confusing to those people who own their own golf carts and are trying to order golf cart covers or aftermarket modifications for their cart. The Club Car DS was first manufactured in 1982. This style held true until the midpoint of the year 2000 (referred to here on out as 2000+), when a new style DS was introduced. This new DS style has  a completely different canopy (roof) support system. Now, the difference between the DS Pre-2000 and the 2000+ is visually easy to spot, if you know what to look for!

The Club Car DS Pre-2000 Model (Years 1982-2000.5)

The Pre-2000 Club Car DS has an entirely different roof support system that is easy to spot when you know what you are looking for. The most obvious different is that the roof struts are made from aluminum and are silver in color. The other obvious difference is the configuration of the rear roof supports, they are arrange in the shape of a football field-goal post.

The Club Car DS 2000+ Model (Years 2000.5 to Present)

The Club Car DS 2000+ model has different roof supports than its predecessor. Its roof supports are black in color and made of square-tubed metal.

Why does the Model of My DS Matter?

This difference in roof support configuration only matters in various instances. Some aftermarket modifications manufacturers rely on the cart configuration to be specific when designing their accessories. For example, the Door Works Golf Cart Enclosure system relies solely on the roof supports of any given cart because it is a modular system. If you were to order for one model DS and actually had the other model, their product would not work on your golf cart.

This is a Club Car DS Golf Cart manufactured during the years of 1982 to mid 2000.

This is a rear view of a Club Car DS Golf Cart that was manufactured prior to the year 2000.

Tips In Buying Golf Gear

Buying golf gear is not as easy as you may think it is. That's because every golfer will have individual needs, and there are no set products out there that can definitely help everyone. By using this tips for buying golf gear, including following your budget, doing some comparison shopping and looking in stores that specialize in golf gear, you can make the experience of buying golf gear easier.

Budget

First, you'll need to consider what your budget for buying golf gear is. While some more expensive products may be better for your game they may not be things that are in your price range. Therefore, you should find the best gear available in which you can afford and will work for your own individual game.

Frequency of Use

Next, you should think about how often you will be using the golf gear that you will buy. The brand that you use will not matter unless you are a highly active golfer, so be sure to consider what types of gear is more important depending on how often you plan on using them.

New or Used?

Third, you should consider buying used golf gear if you are starting out. New golfers should be buying golf gear that is pre-owned because this gear will not cost as much and will be useful for helping new golfers get accustomed to the game. Also, new golfers may be wasting money if using new equipment that they may not be familiar with.

Ask Questions

The next part of buying golf gear is to talk with a sale associate at the golfing goods store that you are shopping at. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between two different brands of the same product, so by talking with an expert at your local store you can get a better idea of what the difference is between the brands. Another source, an unlimited one at that, is the internet. There are tons of people who blog concistantly about tips for new and seasoned golfers alike. You can also find tons of guides on the internet like how to buy a golf bag.

Compare Prices, Shop Around

You should look at multiple stores when buying golf gear to see who has the better deals. Sometimes the golf gear you are looking for can cost a lot of money, so it is especially important to do some comparison shopping when buying golf gear. Besides, the gear is the same no matter what store sells it.

A golfing specialty store can be a great place to visit when buying golf gear. For instance, there are stores that specialize in used gear and stores that may specialize in golfing apparel. Also, online stores can be good places to find good deals when buying golf gear.

Enlist Help of Golf Pros

The last tip for buying golf gear is to consider consulting a golf pro for direct sales information. Some more experienced golfers will be likely and willing to sell their older equipment that they will not need to use because they have newer equipment. By talking with a pro in your area you may be able to get a deal on golf gear that is even better than what your local golf gear store may be offering you. This is especially useful if you are on a budget.

In summary, buying golf gear can be easier when you follow these seven tips. By looking for used gear if you are a new golfer, looking at multiple stores and consulting an expert on golf gear for information on what you are looking for you can be more successful in buying golf gear, and you will be able to do it all within your budget.

Tips For Purchasing Golf Bags

Technology is constantly being taken to higher levels in the game of golf. New ideas and concepts are being brought to the attention of players of all levels, ages, conditions and styles. Golf bags are certainly no exception. There are many different styles out there for you to choose from depending on how you prefer to get around the course. Lite-weight with a stand might be for you if you like to walk the course, maybe a cart bag or a more traditional bag suits your golfing needs. If you are looking for something that is of the highest level of quality and durability, a good decision might be to take a closer look at Ogio golf bags or Ping golf bags. These are among the best makers of top quality golf bags, along with Izzo, Bag Boy, Callaway Golf and Datrek.

If convenience, style and durability are what you are looking for, review some of the top quality makers of golf bags. There is without a doubt one or more different styles perfect for you. Take a closer look at the extensive line of Ogio golf bags and Ping golf bags that are available to you. Ogio's popular models include Voltage, Vaporlite, T-Zone. Also check out Pings Retro, Trailblazer and their Hoofer stand bags. Whether you need a carry, cart, traditional or even a travel bag, is up to you. It all depends on your style of game. Some golfers have two golf bags, one for when they feel like walking, and another for those days when they would prefer to use a pull cart. Cart bags are usually a little bulkier than the average carry bag.

Golf bags are obviously an essential piece of equipment for all golfers. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right one for you such as, color, size, weight, material and style. There are many choices for you to choose from, and a very large selection especially made for the growing number of women golfers. Although we recommend Ping golf bags and Ogio golf bags, there are tons of others we could recommend that are just as reputable, durable and surprisingly affordable.

Tips For Picking The Right Golf Cart Batteries

The batteries for your golf cart are something you should consider carefully – remember that you will want your golf cart to last for the duration of the course, which could be quite a long walk. You do not want the batteries to run out before you have finished 18 holes, so you must make the choice carefully. The batteries for your golf cart are essentially the juice that keeps it moving, just like fuel for a car, and it is an important purchase if you want to enjoy your game.

What You Should Know About Batteries

First, you should know that the golf cart batteries are going to lose their charge quite easily even if they are just sitting in the golf cart in the off season. Because of this, you have to be sure that you are keeping your golf cart batteries charged up, even if that means coming in every few weeks to charge the batteries as they sit in your golf cart. This is important because the golf cart batteries will actually lose their ability to charge fully if you don’t charge them often. You have to charge them even when you aren’t using the golf cart.

Another important thing to remember is that it is important to keep your golf cart batteries clean. Under prolonged use, dirt and debris can quickly build up and damage the golf cart. Cleaning the batteries frequently will make sure that you can keep wear and tear down to a minimum level.

When you are buying golf cart batteries you need to pay close attention to the brand. There are simply some brands that are better than others, so you have to be sure that you have researched the different brands and that you know what is best for the place in which you live. There are some brands that are better for cold temperatures, and some brands that work well in extreme heat. You have to be sure that you are buying golf cart batteries that work well with the environment, because your golf cart is going to be used outside all of the time.

When you buy your golf cart batteries, make sure that they come with a warranty, so that you can be confident it will be replaced if it fails sooner than could be reasonably expected. Golf cart batteries are expensive, and the assurance of a warranty will give you peace of mind that you are getting a good, quality product for your money.

Golf Carts Beyond Golfing

Today, golf carts are being seen doing more and more things besides hauling around golfers and golf gear on a golf course. Gone are the days where these smaller vehicles were only used by those enjoying a leisure sport on a beautiful day.

New Golf Cart Uses

Wheelchair

Many people who are confined to a wheelchair yearn to be out and about an mobile just like the rest of us. Golf Carts offer those people a fun, easy, and safe way to travel. With modifications, a golf cart can be licensed as a "Street Legal" wheel chair. This opens the world up for some people who typically do not think increased mobility is an option for them.

Snow Plow

Of all the aftermarket modifications to golf carts, snow plows are my favorite. This modification process allows for the clearing of quite of snow from parking lots, drive ways, side-streets, and other travel paths where the white flakes tend to gather. This modification allows people to free themselves from the mercy of city and municipal snow plows; they are no longer stuck in their homes until the plows clear them a path.

Transporter

As our country grows, so does its parts. Right now, thousands of people are attending universities, stadiums, concert halls, casinos, and many other large venues. Golf Carts now come in many more configurations than those predominately seen on golf courses; you can now choose between four, six, and eight passenger vehicles with additional options to carry more people. This advance in design allows companies and individuals alike to cater to their friends, clients and customers.

Workhorse

As did the Model-T, the golf cart has evolved beyond just the transportation of people; golf carts can now be purchased with truck beds attached. This, obviously, expands the usage of golf carts exponentially! A few unique ways I have seen such models used is to carry mulch across a college campus, bring food to lions at the zoo, and carry cleaning supplies for a maid at an apartment complex.

Motor-vehicle

Now, this may seem like a "duh" use of a golf cart, but let me elaborate. Did you know that there are some communities in the United States where members ONLY own golf carts. These are typically retirement communities where the patrons have no need to travel an egregious amount. There is one community in Florida where the number of golf carts per capita is higher than the number of cars and trucks per capita in other parts of the country.

Off Road Vehicle

With certain modifications, or even straight from the manufacturer, some golf cart models have the ability to drive off the cart path. These tricked out models have the suspension and power to drive through the woods and other terrain that an older golf cart couldn't even imagine.

Hunting Vehicles

A surprising number of our readers have made mention of using their golf cart for hunting. These carts, combined with a hunting golf cart enclosure is an excellent way to get to and from a blind or tree stand.

Joy Riding

Golf Carts get excellent gas mileage. Even better, many of the newer golf cart models are electric, further reducing the cost of using one. These make golf carts excellent for riding around aimlessly, purely for the enjoyment of the ride.

Do I Need to Winterize My Golf Cart?

The answer is YES! Small engine vehicles, like golf carts, need the same care and maintenance as a car or truck. Owners tend to forget that putting a golf cart away for the winter requires the same care as if you were planning to store a vehicle for an extended amount of time. Too often, carts are stored away in some corner of the garage without much thought given to how well they will start up when the weather improves. Golf cart owners figure that hiding them away in a shed or garage, clear from the winter elements is sufficient, but it isn’t. Even if your golf cart is new, it still requires some maintenance. In fact, getting them to start up trouble-free from season to season requires you follow a few points of due-diligence.

The Winterizing Process

What Will You Need?

First, gather up the equipment you will need to properly put your golf cart in storage for the winter. This equipment includes a wrench, a few bottles of distilled water, some cleaning rags, gloves for you, goggles for your eyes, a hydrometer (it measures the gravity of the electrolyte solution) and a voltmeter (to measure voltage). You may want to throw in some baking soda and Vaseline as well.

The Steps to Weatherization

The following are measures you can take to ensure your golf cart starts up again as spring comes around.

1. Read the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Guide

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t try to tinker with the small engine if you’ve never handled one before. If you notice anything unusual, take your golf cart or mower to the nearest dealer for an inspection. Don’t wait until spring to have your small engine checked.

2. Remove the Battery

Before storing your golf cart for the winter, remove the battery and disconnect it from the battery cable. Store your battery in a safe place, away from heated elements, gas or furnace. Wipe it clean and brush off the battery terminal with a metal brush. Check for any cracks or broken elements. If the manufacturer recommends special cleaning solutions for your battery, give it a good cleaning before putting it away. If there are no special instructions, distilled water should do the trick. Avoid using corrosive cleaning chemicals. Most golf cart problems are due to poorly maintained batteries so be sure you know everything there is about buying and maintaining golf cart batteries.

3. Store in a Safe, Covered Location

Store your golf cart away from heaters, furnaces and gas containers. Also ensure that it is not place near any open windows where water damage may occur.

4. Put Your Cart Away Clean

Clean your cart before storing it. Wash off any leaves, grass, residual soil, dried or wet mud, and moisture pockets from both the main exterior and underneath. Wipe off grass and dirt from around the base boards using a long-handled brush. Do not use your bare hands!

5. Remove Remaining Fuel

You should finish off any fuel that is remaining in your tank (if it uses fuel) or add a fuel preserver before storage. Read the instructions for the fuel preserver carefully before using. After adding it, start your cart and let the engine run for a few minutes. This should give the fuel preserver enough time to go through the carburetor. One good thing about fuel preservers (also called stabilizers) is that they keep the fuel fresh in the engine for as long as half a year. You can now turn off the engine.

Follow these simple steps for storage and your golf cart or mower will start up in a snap.

The Different Types of Golf Cart Enclosures & Covers – What to Buy, and When

The New Age of the Golf Cart

Today, golf carts are used in a much larger capacity than they were in the years past. Today, some golf carts are used a variety of things including grounds keeping, some for transportation, and others are still used for golf. In fact, there are some communities where the number of golf carts per capita is greater than the number of cars and trucks per capita. With a golf cart, however, certain limitations are inherent. Golf carts have, at most, a canopy for protection from the elements. Thus, the aftermarket, golf cart enclosure industry was born. And, as with any other widely had product, a certain level of customization occurred to help a few differentiate themselves from the rest.

Types of Golf Cart Enclosures

Solid Frame

Solid frame golf cart enclosures are the top of the line enclosures. These enclosures tend to be more expensive than any other enclosures on the market, but for good reason. Solid Frame Enclosures come with a metal frame that attaches to your golf cart. This frame builds out the foundation that the enclosure will wrap around. After the frame is in place, vinyl or fabric is then wrapped around the frame, sealing the golf cart. This solution is the most permanent golf cart enclosure type and, in our opinion, will last the longest.

Track Style Enclosures

Track Style Golf Cart Enclosures are simple solutions to affix to your golf cart. However, these enclosures require that the track piece that the enclosure attaches to be screwed or bolted onto the roof of the golf cart. If you decided to change from one type of enclosure to another, these holes could be unsightly. Track style enclosures are the most interchangeable enclosures because all the panels are individually attached to their corresponding track, making it easy to replace a single panel, or the entire enclosure. Track enclosures tend to look more bulky and less tailored to your specific golf cart due to the nature of the track.

Throw Over Golf Cart Covers

Looking for a golf cart cover solution that is not permanent? Throw over golf cart covers are excellent ways to cover a golf cart and then remove that cover later. These are particularly useful to the avid golfer who doesn’t mind playing in the cold but the golf course he prefers does not offer enclosures on any of their rental carts. Throw over enclosures can be transported and carried easier than a set of golf clubs. They often come with their own carrying cases and are, generally speaking, the least expensive option for an enclosure.

Three-Sided Golf Cart Enclosures

Three Sided Golf Cart Enclosures are very similar to Throw Over Covers with a minor twist. Three sided enclosures typically are thrown over the roof of the golf cart, but also attach to the golf carts roof supports. This semi-permanent enclosure is typically tailor made to a specific cart model and fit better than a throw over golf cart enclosure, but must sacrifice the ease of removal to do so.

Conclusion

Industry is a wonderful thing. Have no fear; if you have a golf cart, there is an enclosure on the market that will suit your needs perfectly. To help you choose the best golf cart enclosure that is right for you, be sure to have a few things answered prior to shopping. A few of those questions are as follows:

How much am I willing to spend?

Do I need a permanent, semi-permanent, or throw over solution?

Do I have someone to help me install my enclosure if I need help?

How long do I want my enclosure to last (realistically)?

How often do I use my golf cart?