Club Car Tempo Walk | Nottingham Spirk

blending tradition and technology with a robotic golf caddie

CHALLENGE: Introduce innovation into one of the world's oldest sports

SERVICES: Insights, Design, Engineering, Prototyping, Sourcing, Manufacturing

SUCCESS: Good Design Award Winner, Golf Digest Top Golf Tech Innovation

Tim Doane, an inventor and former executive from BP, and his team developed a feasibility prototype for a three-wheeled, self-propelled golf caddie called Rover — an autonomous robot whose prime directive is to carry golf clubs. The prototype wasn’t ready for real-world use, so Doane approached Nottingham Spirk for help with design and engineering improvements.

Our overhaul of the prototype began with a digital enhancement and a software-based operating system. We adopted new technologies from the defense industry which allowed for extremely accurate GPS yardage tracking as well as outstanding flexibility for a product utilized in a challenging outdoor environment. The hands-free, wireless caddie carries bags, coolers, and other accessories, enhancing the golf experience by letting the golfer focus on the game.

TEMPO WALK ROBOTIC CADDIE AWARDED GOOD DESIGN AWARD

Designers Nottingham Spirk and Ingersoll-Rand blend tradition and technology for a new handsfree, robotic golf caddie unit, providing enjoyment for golfers who walk the course. Club Car’s Tempo Walk Robotic Caddie was awarded a Good Design® Award from The Chicago Athenaeum.

It’s like a walk in the park, only better because it’s on a golf course. The wireless, autonomous caddie is designed to enhance the golf experience and also foster health and wellness.

THE FIRST AUTONOMOUS GOLF CADDIE

The initial prototype weighed more than 180 pounds, but the Rover now tops out at 95 pounds. At that weight, it can follow the golfer all the way to the green, even on wet days; golf carts can’t do that. The body was designed to tip onto its back end for repairs or storage. Three upright Rovers take up about the same amount of space as a traditional golf cart. These features, as well as reduced liability, will help golf courses keep costs down.

Club Car, a global leader in golf and utility vehicles and a brand of Ingersoll Rand®, launched Tempo Walk at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The Tempo Walk was also the recipient of a Good Design Award for blending technology with tradition. The Tempo Walk autonomous golf caddie is now available for rental at Walt Disney World's Oak Trail golf course and other courses nationwide.

“The Tempo Walk further underscores our commitment to move the game of golf forward, particularly for the thousands of golf courses that attract a significant number of health-conscious walkers.”

President, Club Car