Golf Carts

I was playing golf over the weekend and I saw someone with a motorized golf cart. The cart was moving by itself and was controlled by a remote control. I was researching some models and found that the New 2008 Bag Boy Navigator was similar to the one I saw. It has a remote control and an on-board compass to keep the cart moving straight. I could see how this cart might be helpful for senior citizens, but I didn't see any benefits for any other types of players. This gave me an idea for a new product by combining some existing technology.

I wanted to make an artificial golf caddy. It would combine the motorized golf cart with a GPS system measuring distance from the pin and also use Doppler technology to measure how far your golf ball went. I also wanted this product to have an on-board ball locater that will keep track of where your ball went. After helping you locate your ball the golf cart will also suggest certain clubs and different strategies for your next shot. I also want to add a device that will keep your score for you while you play. This golf cart will actually simulate everything a real caddy does.

I wanted to market this motorized golf cart bundled together with a high-tech golf bag. So if you decide to not use the motorized golf cart, you can still detach the bag and still use some of the features. This golf product would be extremely expensive to manufacture and only the most dedicated of players who have a lot of disposable income would want to purchase this product. Is there enough market potential for this product to even be considered?

According to the Golf Economy Report:
Consumer Spending on Golf Equipment in 2000 ($ millions)
Low: $3,805 Best: $4,096 High: $4,388

There seems to be a lot of potential in the golf market industry for new products. Even though most of the spending is associated with golf clubs and balls, there has to be a great amount of money being spent elsewhere. Since golf clubs are a durable good the demand will tend to stay relatively constant throughout time without much change. Golf is gaining more popularity and the market base is increasing everyday. If people are willing to spend close to $2,000 for a motorized golf cart then why not bundle it with some unique features that some people might find very valuable. The cost might be higher than some of the motorized golf carts on the market today, but I want to target the the golfer with the deepest pockets--someone that is an early adopter of new products. If people like the product and the functions it could create positive network externalities that might help boost sales as well. A lot of people tend to recommend products for their friends, and one look at this unique product might make people want to purchase it as well.

I was thinking of something like this for my product...



















Maybe the R2D2 is a bit too much...but you get the idea.