There was a time when using a motorized golf cart was something of a luxury. Most players back then used either their shoulders to carry their clubs or a three-wheeled buggy looking thing that you pulled behind you. Ah, those were the days.

In most places it's not like that anymore. Golf carts are fairly common and almost the norm. You rarely see people walking the course, which, in a way, seems sad to me. I've played courses in the last few years that more resembled bumper car games at the circus than a golf course. But there is something to be said for them. Over the years golf has become a very popular game and the average course has far more players today than it did ten years ago. With that many more players on the course, the golf cart has certainly helped in moving play along, resulting in less wait time on the tee.

In general there are two ways to have a golf cart at your disposal. You can rent one from the pro shop, which is what most people do, and this is a very good option for it keeps you from having to keep up with the maintenance of the cart. The other option is to buy your own, which can be costly at the outset but it lets you avoid those rental fees.

Buying a golf cart is a little like buying a car. You get them new or used. If you want to buy a new golf cart be prepared to pay anywhere from $4500 to $10,000 depending on the model, the seating capacity and whatever added options you may want. You will need to decide if you want a gasoline engine or an electric engine. You will need to consider a trailer (to get the thing from place to place) as well as some type of towing hitch to connect the trailer to your vehicle.

Safe and reliable used golf carts can be found in any price range, but they usually run around $2000 for a good one. This price may or may not include the trailer and hitching balls. If you are planning to buy a used golf cart, you can approach it the same way you would buying a used car. Examine the cart carefully, both topside and underneath and inspect the engine for oil leaks or frayed wires. Take it for a spin and make sure that the recharge equipment is in working order.

The Internet offers a lot of places selling both new and used golf carts. If you don't have a dealer near you, you can do a search through Google or Yahoo and come up with hundreds of dealers.

As stated earlier, golf carts have become the norm in many place and owning your own can be reasonably affordable if you do some shopping first.