LPG Golf Buggy Case Study

Golf clubs across the UK are looking to maximise the usage of their fleets of golf cars whilst at the same lime running them cost effectively. As a result, more clubs have already begun to recognise the benefits of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) as an alternative form of fuel.

One club that has turned its back on petrol and electric golf cars is Dewstow Golf Club in Monmouthshire. Dewstow became a customer of Calor's when it recognised the significant cost and convenience advantages to be gained by running
its fleet of 20 golf cars on LPG.

Having run his fleet on petrol for a number of years, Mark Harris, Head Green Keeper,
at Dewstow Golf Club, is now extremely happy that he changed to LPG. "We were using over 100 litres of petrol a week, so travelling back and forth to the nearest station was proving
very inconvenient and costly. When Calor recommended running our fleet on LPG with an onsite refuelling facility. I could instantly see this was an excellent alternative."

LPG golf cars offer a number of distinct advantages. Firstly, the running costs are considerably cheaper as LPG is duty exempt for off road usage. Secondly. the onsite refuelling facility for LPG provides convenience and peace of mind as it allows bunkered fuel storage and reduced risk of pilferage and spillage. Petrol on the other hand incurs restrictions on storage and can be damaging to greens should spillage occur.

Mark also had the option of switching to electric but dismissed this as electricity is expensive and the charging equipment incurs additional costs.

We were deterred from using electric as there were expensive set up costs involved and would require someone to oversee the lengthy charging process which is not practical" says Mark.

With the decision made to switch to LPG, Paul Madge, Commercial Sales Specialist, at Calor recommended the installation of a 2,000 litre refuelling unit at Dewstow Golf Club.

The delivery of gas to the golf club takes place every eight weeks, depending on usage and the weather. Average usage at Dewstow is 20 litres per day but the weather does play an important role in the amount of gas that is used.

"When comparing the costs of LPG with petrol, LPG rates about 25% cheaper over a three year period," said Paul. Its a greener fuel that offers outstanding performance benefits, so ifs no wonder that more and more clubs are now beginning to take advantage of this alternative fuel."
The golf cars were purchased through Textron dealer, R.S. Birds, based in the Vale of Glamorgan. As one of the leading companies in the UK to provide gas powered golf cars, the 20 E-Z-Go vehicles became the perfect solution for Dewstow's mobile requirements.

For Dewstow Golf Club, working with Calor means that it is now able to provide clean and efficient golf cars for golfers, whilst at the same time running them all cost effectively. Prior to this, it was something that was just not possible and was costing the club a considerable amount more in terms of time and money.

Mark says: The only regret we have is that we didn't recognise the enormous benefits of gas powered golf cars before. We are very pleased with their performance and look forward to maintaining the excellent working relationship that we have with Calor."