They are going to become a common sight on golf courses all over the world: one-man golf carts which criss-cross over the fairways. The first of these South African designed tricycles, which are regarded as just what the doctor ordered to dodge the Corona virus, have been released in Gauteng and seem to be a winner!
Named Tadhole, the locally-designed cart was built in a garage by a mechanical engineer of Centurion, Dr Barend Botha, and his son, Barend Jr, a medical student. The Tadhole is a nimble, battery-driven e-bike which can accelerate to 30 km/h. Since it is a one-man cart, it enables golfers to avoid close contact: unlike the double carts which have been in use for the past fifty years.
Ironically, the Tadhole was not inspired by the Corona virus. “My son and I started with the design almost two years before Covid-19 and patented it locally and internationally in 2019. It is pure coincidence that the cart is ready for the market at the most perfect time imaginable,” says Dr Botha.
Dr Botha says the idea of a single-seat golf cart took root when Barend Jr asked him to assist him with the building of a cart for the University of Pretoria’s rag week.
In the next few months, Barend Sr started to research the requirements for such a cart. “The goal was to keep the design as simple as possible. It had to be easy to handle, reliable, light and affordable. We consequently decided to base the design on the e-bike concept, which is a fairly well-established technology, yet has a lot of potential for further development.”
A ride on one of these bikes is pure fun. The steering mechanism has two vertical handles and the accelerator is handled with one’s thumb, similar to that of a four-wheel motorbike. A double A-frame suspension and ergonomically-designed seat ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The car also has a reverse gear and, of course, a rack behind the seat for a golf bag.
Test drives with the prototype were a huge success. “Even on a soaking wet course, the cart left no trace. Barend also played eighteen holes on the Tadhole and although the maximum speed allowed on golf courses is 25 km/h, he completed the round in 21/2 hours as opposed to the usual four to five hours. This will obviously not be possible in competition golf, where golfers have to wait for the players in front of them to play their shots, but the cart does help to speed up play,” says Barend Sr.
The first bikes were placed at the Copperleaf Golf Club in Centurion last year, which is an Ernie Els course. The agreement is that the income will be shared between the club and the manufacturers. How do Barend and Barend (B&B) know if the carts have been used? A built-in GPS-system, of course!
The Bothas have registered the patent in South Africa and a local investor has enabled them to lodge applications for patents in the US, Europe and Australia. They are also in discussions with potential international investors.
David Roodt, Director of Golf at Copperleaf, speaks in glowing terms of the Tadhole. “I have never had so much fun on a golf course! In my almost thirty years of playing golf I can comfortably say this is the most innovative product I have seen. Not only is the Tadhole a lot of fun: It is also extremely efficient, safe and comfortable.”
When manufacturing is in full swing, the long-term vision is to market the Tadhole internationally. The cart fits on a standard single cab bakkie or a double cab with its tail-gate open. The Bothas have, however, already started working on a concept which will enable one to mount the Tadhole, which weighs between 40 and 50 kg, on a custom-made rack behind a vehicle.
Is Barend Botha South Africa’s next Elon Musk? “Not even in my dreams,” he laughs, “but I am extremely proud of my brain child and sincerely hope it will become a new craze.”
