Should I Buy A Remote Golf Trolley?

For many of us, golf is much more than just a sport; it is an escape. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy the company of our playing partners. There are plenty of pieces of equipment that can enhance our enjoyment of the game, but none have had quite the same impact as the remote electric golf trolley, which has completely revolutionised how we navigate the course. As technology advances, a question arises for the modern golfer: Is it time to upgrade to a remote-controlled trolley?

If you find yourself debating whether to make the leap, you are certainly not alone. Here, we're going to explore exactly what these machines are, the different options available, and the game-changing benefits they bring to your round.

What is a remote golf trolley?

Let's start with the very basics. At its core, a remote golf trolley is an electric cart that transports your golf bag around the course, but with one major distinction from standard models: you don’t have to push, pull, or even hold onto it. Operated via a handheld remote control, these trolleys allow you to dictate their movement and pace from a distance.

The philosophy behind this technology is simple yet highly effective. Brands like Stewart Golf truly believe that your time on the course should be about the freedom to focus, to move naturally, and to enjoy your round without being tethered to your equipment. Instead of acting as a chauffeur for your golf bag, you become a golfer unburdened. You can walk down the fairway with nothing in your hands, taking in the scenery, strategising your next shot, or simply chatting with your playing partners. A remote trolley transforms the traditional walk into an experience that closely mimics playing with a professional caddie.

What types of remote trolleys are available?

The remote trolley market has grown rapidly, and the technology available today is split primarily into two main categories: traditional remote-control trolleys and advanced 'follow' trolleys. To understand the difference, it helps to look at the definitive benchmarks in the industry today.

Remote-Controlled Trolleys

A classic remote trolley is steered using a handset. You dictate the speed, direction, and stopping power from afar. However, modern iterations have taken this a step further to ensure maximum stability and ease of use. Take the Stewart Golf Vertx Remote, for example. It recently broke new ground in the market by integrating an operating system known as Active Terrain Control (ATC). Rather than simply driving the wheels, the ATC system utilises a powerful microchip to constantly monitor the trolley's power requirements. This means the Vertx Remote can react to its surroundings, automatically redistributing power between its twin motors to tackle steep gradients. Crucially, ATC allows the trolley to maintain the same speed whether you are walking up a severe incline or navigating a steep downhill slope without you having to constantly adjust the remote.

Follow Trolleys

For those seeking the ultimate hands-free experience, 'follow' technology is the gold standard. Instead of actively steering the trolley with a remote, you simply clip a handset to your belt or back pocket, and the trolley autonomously tracks your movements, trailing a safe distance behind you. The Stewart Golf Q Follow is the trusted market-leader in this space, utilising class-leading 8th-generation Follow technology. The Q Follow acts as your personal caddie. It stops when you stop, moves when you move, and allows you to walk straight to your golf ball with absolute freedom. Being able to switch from the classic remote mode to the ultimate follow mode gives golfers the best of both worlds when it comes to technology currently available in remote golf trolleys.

What are the benefits of using a remote trolley?

Investing in a remote golf trolley is a premium choice, but the myriad of benefits it provides can justify the decision for golfers looking to elevate their experience.

True Freedom and Mental Clarity

The most immediate benefit is the concept of true freedom. When you are no longer physically attached to your golf bag, your posture naturally improves, and you walk the course exactly as you would if you were strolling through a park. This hands-free walk frees your focus for course management, allowing you to clearly visualise shots and maintain a competitive advantage without the distraction of manoeuvring a heavy cart.

Reduced Fatigue, Increased Enjoyment

Even the lightest push trolleys require physical exertion, especially when battling hilly terrain. Over the course of 18 holes, pushing or pulling takes a toll on your shoulders, back, and legs. Carrying your clubs has similar downfalls. We all know the feeling of reaching the middle of the back nine with a decent score going and trying to convert a strong finish, all while the shoulders and back start to fatigue under the weight of a heavy carry bag.

The fresher legs and fresher mind that comes with utilising a remote electric trolley goes hand in hand with an increased enjoyment of the game. With time to focus on the peace of the golf course and keeping a good score going, a remote electric trolley takes away the physical and mental strain of always having your bag attached to you.

Unrivalled Stability and Power

One concern golfers often have about remote trolleys is whether they will tip over or run out of battery on difficult courses. Thankfully, modern engineering has solved this. Trolleys like the Vertx Remote feature an incredibly stable, wide footprint with two non-rotating front wheels designed specifically to conquer bumpy terrain without tipping. Furthermore, battery anxiety is a thing of the past. Equipped with cutting-edge SmartPower lithium batteries, modern remote trolleys offer vast capacities - comfortably handling 27 or even 45 holes on a single charge.

Compact Practicality

You might assume that all this modern technology results in a bulky, cumbersome machine, but that is far from reality. The leading electric trolleys feature highly efficient folding systems. The Q Follow and the Vertx Remote, for instance, fold down via a neat two-step process into remarkably compact, cube-like shapes. Both even include a seamlessly integrated carry handle, making it incredibly easy to lift in and out of the car boot despite its robust build.

So, should you buy a remote golf trolley?

If your goal is to maximise your enjoyment, preserve your energy, and experience the golf course with a newfound sense of freedom, the answer is a resounding yes. While they do require a larger upfront investment compared to standard push or electric carts, the hands-free experience is genuinely transformative. By stepping away from the handle and trusting in the class-leading technology of a brand like Stewart Golf, you aren't just buying a golf trolley; you are investing in a better, more relaxing, and ultimately more enjoyable game of golf.

If you want to explore more about how a remote electric trolley can enhance your enjoyment of the game, check out Stewart Golf's range of remote electric trolleys on their website.