The Loop

Golf bikes -- yes, golf bikes -- pick up pace of play in Scottsdale

The Kierland Golf Club at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, AZ has proven itself to be progressive when it comes to how golfers get around the course. A few years ago they introduced segways to their course, and now they're actively picking up pace of play with golf bikes.

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Made by a company called The Golf Bike, the bikes have two custom golf bags that flank the rear tire and combined can hold a set of 14 clubs. To decrease impact on the course, the rubber tires are wider than a standard bike, and the wheels have a smaller diameter. Looking at the bikes, it's hard to imagine they could affect the course more than a cart.

Nancy Dickens, the director of golf at the resort, says that guests at the resort can take the bikes out at no extra charge, and it takes about one hour to play nine holes. Although those on bikes are speedier than average groups, Dickens says there haven't been any issue with golf bikers getting slowed down. Normal decency of letting the faster group play through has allowed smooth rounds, and the resort is excited to get more golf bikes.

Of all the ideas on how to get people to move faster on the course, this is one of the few that achieves it while including a little fitness. And that's never a bad thing.