E-Z-GO Golf Dealer wins yet more business in the north east
Rickerby Ltd, the E-Z-GO golf car and utility vehicle dealer based in Hexham, has reported further sales success in the north east of England with the latest RXV golf car. Fleets of various sizes have been delivered to Burgham Park Golf Club near Morpeth, Sharpley Golf at Seaton in County Durham and Rockliffe Hall near Darlington. E-Z-GO is a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company
Burgham Park Golf Club, located in rolling Northumberland countryside, has been owned since 2001 by two Irish businessmen, John Fallon and William Kiely. Now nearing the end of 10 year improvement plan, their new electric RXV golf cars replace a former fleet of petrol powered buggies. The fleet is fitted with Golf Plus satellite course mapping, which helps speed up play and also the single point battery fill system, which ensures that the batteries are maintained in optimum condition.
"We purchased the buggies in March 2009 and income is up 60%," said William Kiely. "Obviously they are much quieter and they have been received really well by both members and visitors. The battery top up system is excellent; it takes about 30 seconds a car to check the electrolyte levels."
Sharpley Golf is a totally different entity than the established facilities at Burgham Park. Here in the undulating countryside just inland from the coast with views down to Robin Hood's Bay, owner Simon Weightman has just opened the 18-hole Pay & Play facility, which boasts some of the best drainage and greens in the north east.
Construction began back in 2002 with the official opening scheduled for May 2010. However, the course has grown in so well, that a 'soft' opening took place back in September 2009.
"We plan to make Sharpley an all encompassing leisure venue," he said, "with the golf course as the major attraction, complemented by the trout fishery that we have here. Construction of the clubhouse will begin shortly and we plan to add a covered driving range and a hotel as we grow the business.
"I really like these golf cars; I've got the electric Freedom version, which I use for getting to the fishing lakes and other areas around the complex and a couple of standard RXVs for the golfers. I agreed the purchase following the initial demonstration, where it handled the undulations here really well. The regenerative braking system, which puts power back into the batteries is a really good feature and contributes to the extended number of rounds we get per charge. The battery fill system is also a clever concept."
At the other end of the spectrum is Rockliffe Hall, situated just 20 miles from the historic city of Durham and one of the finest new resort destinations in the North of England. Set in 375 acres of stunning countryside on the banks of the River Tees the facilities include a five-star hotel, a championship golf course and one of the largest spas in the country.
Ian Knight, the resort's director of golf, is responsible for a fleet of 26 electric RXVs, a Refresher vehicle and two six-seater Shuttles, all from the E-Z-GO stable.
"Our aim is to be the premier resort of choice in the North of England," he said, "and to achieve this we must provide the ultimate experience for our guests, be it in the hotel, at the spa and on the course. That's why we've selected Rickerby as our preferred supplier of resort vehicles. They have a reputation for excellent customer service, which dovetails with the ethos here at Rockliffe."
Head professional Tom Godwin has worked at some of the most high profile golf developments in the UK and has held positions at Abbeydale Golf Club in Sheffield, at Gleneagles in Scotland and most recently at the exclusive private members' club at Queenwood in Surrey.
"The course, designed by Marc Westenborg, is one of the longest and most challenging courses in European golf," he said. "It has been designed to give tour professionals a true test, but with five tee positions it allows players of all abilities the chance to enjoy an unforgettable golfing experience.
"The electric RXVs fit well with this. They are the latest golf cars on the market with a host of features that enhance the golfers' experience. For example, the car automatically applies the parking brake when it stops; an excellent safety feature. The regenerative braking helps maximise the battery efficiency and the design is aesthetically pleasing. The Refresher vehicle enables us to provide hot and cold food and beverages out on the course and the Shuttles, which can take up to six people, are ideal for ferrying guests to and from the hotel and for viewing the show homes on the estate.
More information is available at www.ransomesjacobsen.com