Cleaning Your Golf Cart’s Mat is Easy

Because it is open, a golf cart is prone to the elements. You see there’s a reason why the golf cart cover exists. We can never overstress the importance of a golf cart cover in protecting your cart when not in use.

When you take your golf cart out on the course, it can easily pick up dust; which is why rubber matting is very important. Aside from making the floor more comfortable to step on, the mat keeps that very floor from gathering dust and stains. But it, too, needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid permanent, unwanted marks.

Cleaning the mat is easy. For this you will need:

-          push broom or wet-dry vacuum cleaner

-          hose with spray nozzle

-          sponge

-          dishwashing soap

-          moleskin towel (if you have to use the cart right away)

Step 1

Don’t start cleaning the mat inside the golf cart. You will need to take it out. This shouldn’t be a problem as the mat isn’t attached to the floor. To get rid of loose dust, shake it and then lay it on a flat surface. Use push broom or vacuum cleaner to clean it even further.

Step 2

Image source: Flickr

Get the hose with the spray nozzle and turn it on. Spray on the mat to remove harder buildups of dirt. Squeeze a teaspoon of dishwashing soap into the sponge and use it to clean the mat. Be sure you utilize the soft side of the sponge. Now do it again, this time using the rough side. Rinse it afterwards.

Step 3

Turn the mat over and do the entire thing again.

Step 4

 Hang up the mat and allow it to dry. If you have to use it right away, wipe both sides with the moleskin towel. The moleskin towel is good in absorbing water, so it allows less to dry when you hang it up. Once it dries, put it back on your golf cart. If you won’t use it right away, get your golf cart cover so it is still protected.

Get Your Golf Cart a Vroom-ing

Golf carts make it easier for golfers to get around the course. Problem is that stock speed can be too slow that at times some golfers find it unbearable.

Cart manufacturers have an answer to this ‘dilemma’ as they have available increased speed gear kits which they sell separately. They include a high-speed motor, and you need to consult the manufacturer on this one as there are things that may need to be considered following the speed increase. But these modifiers can be quite expensive. Good thing there are other ways to up the speed of your golf cart, and you can do it yourself. You don’t need extreme modifications on this one. All you need is follow these tips:

Photo credit: dailymail.co.uk

Get rid of excess weight

Today, golf carts are used even outside the course. Parks, malls, villas and other locations and businesses use golf carts to get around. Especially if you are not using it at the course, you may want to remove your golfing equipment like clubs and other gears. You’d be surprised at how this simple tip can actually make a difference.

Change gearing/size of tire
You can adjust the gearing in the differential to achieve faster speeds. Also, switching to larger tires can do the trick. A good change from 18” to 22” tires can add speeds of more than 2mph. While it will be covered by the same rpm, your golf cart will be able to cover more distance because of the larger tires.

Adjust the governor
The speed of the golf cart is dependent on a device called governor, or quite aptly, speed limiter. Because the golf course is no racetrack, cart manufacturers install governors to keep the speed at low levels. The stock speed of golf carts is only around 12mph, and adjusting the governor will naturally give your cart a considerable increase in speed.Much like protecting your cart with a golf cart cover, doing these things to your cart needs utmost care. If done wrong, they can do more harm than good, especially with the governor. In future articles, we will show you how to properly and safely adjust the governor. 

Removing Odors From Your Golf Cart Cover

Your golf cart cover, which is pretty much in use this winter, should be free of odors and dirt that may transfer to your golf cart. Here are some things to check for before putting your cover to use:

Image source: Randal Rauser

Checking for dampness and the smell of smoke
A damp golf cart cover would not be useful in storing golf carts. This can destroy your golf cart since rust will develop in your vehicle. Rust spreads easily. You need to occasionally check if the cover is still dry and if there is no smoke. You would not want your cart to catch fire and dousing it with water just to save it.

Opening the entire cover and air out both sides
The sun always make things smell better. Airing out your cover after cleaning it thoroughly would not only remove any bad odor but would also remove bacteria, it is a form of sanitation of sorts. Airing out your cover would allow your golf cart to breathe if it was stored for a long time and your cover would have a proper treatment it deserves.

Using an absorbent to remove odors
Protecting your cart is not enough, you also need to avoid making it smell bad. Storage usually lets your furniture have that certain smell of age. It could turn foul when other smells are introduced like the smell of animal feces. It would be better to use natural absorbent that you can easily find at home like baking powder with a touch of lemon to remove the bad smell of your cover. You just need to brush them on the surface of the cover.

Using an essential oil or fabric softener sheet to hide the odor
Essential oils and fabric softeners are said to be good to covers. They help in preserving covers so they would not wear nor tear. They are not too expensive and they can be easily bought in your neighborhood supermarket. Caring for your cover would ensure its longevity and also usefulness. Your golf cart would be properly protected if the cover is treated well too.

How to properly store covers in the future
Covers must be thoroughly cleaned before storing it. Do not store it without cleaning it first to avoid animals festering in it. Place it in an area that is dry and not damp since it would also cause foul odor. You do not want to use a cover that smells funky. This would transfer the smell to your carts as well.

Playing Golf in the Winter? Possible!

You actually don’t have to leave your golf cart with your golf cart cover in a garage during the entire cold spell. Dust off your clubs and leave the driving range, because here are some tips in how to play your favorite sport even during the winter time:

Cover your body to stay warm.

Image source: Golf Digest

Being exposed to the weather is common in terms of playing golf. Everybody is expected to walk outside and go from one course to another. One can still enjoy the game be it summer or winter. It is just a matter of dressing for the weather. Wear something warm for a game in a chilly climate and wear something light for a hot one. Either way, it is possible to play this game in any season.

Stay hydrated.
In a cold environment, it is very easy to get dehydrated. When one is exerting energy like being engaged in a sport, it is quicker to lose water in the body. The best way to solve this problem is to drink plenty of liquid. In a golf game, when people are expected to walk and swing their clubs, water in the body quickly dries up so staying hydrated is pertinent.

Consider colored balls to set it apart from snow.

Image source: Golf Balls.net

Since the color of a golf ball is white, playing during winter can prove to be difficult with snow everywhere. It would be hard to locate the ball as well as see the direction it is going to. The best way to solve this dilemma is to choose a colored ball. Using a different color would help identify the ball in a wide area surrounded by white.

Dress appropriately, especially with shoes.
Since golf in an outdoor game, it is important to dress carefully. Most outfits for golf are best for a colder climate with thick shirts anyway so it is only a matter of wearing jackets, gloves, scarves, muffs, and of course sensible shoes.  Find shoes that are comfortable since golfers would be walking most of the time. If would also be better to find a pair that would withstand the cold weather.

Walk instead and protect your cart. 

Image source: Greenwich Time

A golf cart is used for the convenience of golfers. Walking far distances may prove to taxing hence the use of a golf cart. It can be protected with a golf cart cover during winter but since golf is considered a sport, it would be better for golfers to walk to their destination as well. This would not only protect their carts but also serve as a form of exercise.

Adjust your strategy and game.
Playing golf during winter is not something that everyone should be afraid of. The fear of slipping on ice or freezing can be addressed with proper strategy. Golfers already devised a plan on how to go about their game in a friendly weather that can be easily adjusted. It is possible to use the same strategy for winter with a few tweaks. Golf facilities can ensure the safety of the players so it is just a matter of being able to apply the usual tactic by considering some factors. Checking the course before an important game and trying out different techniques would be a good way to find those loopholes that must be addressed.