Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf, situated just two miles from the centre of Durham has purchased five electric RXVs for use on their three 9-hole courses - the Princes, Bishops and Cathedral, - which make up the 27-hole complex. Each course has its own individual features, but all blend well with each other, and allow different ‘Courses of the Day’ to be played.

Robin Smith, Director of Golf says, “We run a mixed fleet here, but we always put the RXVs out first because we know that we can get a least two and even three rounds from a single charge. Once they have gone out we use our other buggies, knowing that if the demand warrants it we can send out the RXVs for a second or third time. They really are cost-effective to operate.

“The fail-safe braking system is excellent and the onboard chargers are simple and easy to use, especially as we have an underground storage facility. I particularly like the club covers; they are a very neat feature.

“My final comment relates to the Rickerby team; the sales and service support has been absolutely first class. We have been treated like valued customers throughout all of our dealings. Long may it continue.”

Brancepeth Castle Golf Cub near Durham features an 18-hole parkland course designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1924, the same year as Wentworth, another famous Colt course. The original plan was for residential properties to be built beside the fairways. Previously owned along with the castle by Lord Boyne, the estate passed to the Duke of Westminster, from whom the members purchased the course and clubhouse in 1961 for £13,500.

“Although most of the course is relatively flat, there are some steep but short banks and the traction from these new cars is excellent; the braking system is second to none and they are particularly good for our older members, as they can still enjoy their game and will continue to support the club,” said Arthur Chadwick, the club’s Hon Secretary.

“We have the buggies on a three-year contract hire deal and the terms were very good, tailored to our budget requirements. These are excellent vehicles and we’ve even had favourable comments from the golfers, which is unheard of!”

Westerhope Golf Club is an attractive, tree-lined course set within gently undulating parkland, close to Newcastle airport. It was formerly owned by Newcastle City Council and opened in 1941 as a 9-hole course, was extended to 18 in the early 1950s and was purchased from the Council three years ago. It now boasts over 700 members and will host the Northumberland County Cup in 2010.

David Souter, the Club Secretary, has recently taken delivery of a small fleet of RXV golf cars and says, “We previously ran E-Z-GO TXT buggies powered by LPG, but with a new contract hire agreement in place we have upgraded to the latest RXV models. This makes perfect sense for the club and suits our financial requirements as we have known costs every month, with no hidden surprises. Managed well, as they are, they are a welcome contribution to our bottom line.

“The onboard chargers and automatic battery fill system make them easy to maintain and we have a dedicated parking bay for storage and overnight charging. They are a far superior buggy to any other on the market and are very popular with the members.”

About Textron Inc.
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