The New York-metro area’s first fleet of GolfBoards–which are like a cross between segways and surf boards,with a rack for clubs attached–has arrived at Links at Union Vale, the popular daily fee course in Lagrangeville. “GolfBoarding is safe, fun, and easy for everyone to learn,” says Robert Caeners, General Manager at the Links. “It’ss as intuitive to operate as it is fun to ride. GolfBoarding changes the golfing experience, without changing the spirit and traditions of the game.”
Powered by an environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery, the board is a four-wheel-drive, gear-driven, posi-traction transport vehicle, and an integrated thumb throttle controls the speed, while the user controls direction through body movement. Riding one is akin to snowboarding, surfing, or skateboarding, with a top ground speed of about 10 mph.
The Links at Union Vale also happens to be perfectly suited for the device. The 7,000-yard course, designed by Stephen Kay and Doug Smith, is a nearly treeless site with loads of swells and moguls where the GolfBoarder can swoop around like a carefree teenager. Getting from tee to ball takes on a whole new meaning when you’re surfing the fairway.
Caeners recommends reserving a board in advance when making their tee times. He notes that there is 15 minutes of training required before using a GolfBoard for the first time, so arrive early. Not as if that’s not a bad thing, since it means another quarter-hour of fun on the links.
