Starline’s Ben Kushner says the golf industry is going electric, but clubs must modernise their electrical infrastructure to support and optimise this operational shift
By Ben Kushner |
Since cart barns and maintenance buildings are not directly engaged with or frequently seen by golf club members, they often receive far less investment and routine upkeep than more visible facilities such as clubhouses, locker rooms and pro shops. However, much like a laundry room – unglamorous, yet indispensable – these spaces are critical to daily operations. The condition of the course and the mobility of golfers both depend heavily on the reliability and functionality of these behind-the-scenes facilities.
At the same time, the industry is experiencing a collision between modern technology and ageing infrastructure. Equipment manufacturers have made their direction clear: the future of maintenance fleets is electric. In recent years, significant advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have enabled a transition not only for handheld tools, but also for larger, high-powered equipment. In addition to these technical improvements, electric fleets reduce both air and noise pollution, contributing to a cleaner, quieter environment while supporting broader sustainability goals. As a result, electric and hybrid equipment are being increasingly adopted across all aspects of course maintenance.
Despite this rapid technological progress, a critical issue is often overlooked – whether existing electrical infrastructure can support the required charging necessary for this transition. Many storage and maintenance facilities were not designed with large-scale charging demands in mind. Converting a golf cart or maintenance fleet from gas to electric is not simply a matter of replacing equipment; it often requires a complete reimagining of how power is distributed within a building, whether newly constructed or retrofitted.
Gradual adoption of new electric equipment – often as superintendents replace ageing equipment over time – can mask the growing strain on electrical systems, delaying the realisation that existing infrastructure may not be equipped to handle increased demand. Early investment in expanded power distribution often proves to be essential for long-term scalability and operational efficiency.
Modular power distribution systems, such as busway, offer a more flexible alternative to traditional conduit-based installations. These systems allow facilities to scale power infrastructure in line with operational needs, rather than requiring a full redesign upfront. Compared to conduit, busway can be installed more quickly, with less disruption and reduced electrical labour. It also provides the flexibility to relocate or add outlets as facility layouts evolve.
Starline’s products in use at Indiana University’s Pfau course (Photo: Starline)
Once a club begins transitioning to electric fleets or battery-powered maintenance equipment, this flexibility becomes especially valuable. Modular systems minimise downtime and adapt more easily to tight or multi-use spaces, enabling clubs to expand charging capacity without interrupting daily operations.
The long-term advantage lies in scalability. As clubs continue to introduce electric equipment, they can incrementally add charging points rather than committing to a full fleet conversion all at once or undertaking repeated, piecemeal electrical upgrades. This adaptability is equally important for maintenance teams, allowing them to integrate battery-powered tools while maintaining consistent workflow and efficiency.
A real-world example highlights how these challenges and solutions play out in practice. Butler Country Club in Pennsylvania, located north of Pittsburgh, was operating with an antiquated charging system that had become both inefficient and potentially unsafe. Their existing infrastructure limited their ability to charge their full 60-cart fleet simultaneously, creating operational challenges during large events and invitationals. By upgrading to a more flexible power distribution approach, the club was able to resolve these limitations, enabling efficient charging for their entire fleet, as well as for automated caddies and maintenance equipment.
As the golf industry continues its transition toward electric cart and maintenance fleets, the conversation must extend beyond equipment alone. Without the right infrastructure in place, even the most advanced technology cannot deliver its full value. By rethinking how power is distributed within maintenance and storage facilities, clubs can better position themselves for the future – improving efficiency, reducing disruption and ensuring they are fully prepared for the next generation of equipment.
Ben Kushner is a product manager at Starline, a brand of Legrand