Kangaroo Golf USA
OWNERS CLUB NEWS
NO. 69 SPRING 2013
Meadowbrook is located 23 miles west of downtown St. Louis
Craig Liddle was among the first visitors to Kangaroo’s booth at
the 2012 PGA Show in Orlando. As Head Golf Professional at
Meadowbrook Country Club in Ballwin, Missouri, he had his eye on a
fleet of CourseMasters. But there was one catch: What to do with 14
motorcaddies when your storage barn is full of riding carts? By the time he
left that day, Craig was satisfied he’d found his answer. And Kangaroo
had conceived of a new product.
continued on page 2
Craig Liddle
continued from page 1
As luck would have it, Craig posed his storage dilemma to Kangaroo’s Vice President of Product
Development, Tim Pope. Inspiration struck while Tim was demonstrating Kangaroo’s easy disassembly.
Holding the front wheel upright by its steel tube, Tim realized vertical orientation was the key to
compact storage.
He immediately began sketching on the back of a business card, showing Craig his concept for a steel
frame that would securely organize Kangaroo components in the smallest possible footprint. Fast forward
several months, and CaddieStand was born. The first 14 were shipped to Meadowbrook Country Club.
Since then, many more have been sold to Kangaroo Owners, who also like the idea of tidying up their
home storage areas.
CaddieStand allows four motorcaddies to fit within the footprint of one riding cart
2
Mike Whitt with Adam Alldredge, PGA Professional at Overlake
Overlake is located in Medina, a Seattle suburb that is home to Bill Gates
Mike Whitt works the Seattle Golf & Travel Show with Brian Kane, Kangaroo rep for Alberta
Kangaroo Sightings
In the Pacific Northwest
In February 2013, Kangaroo’s Mike and Becky Whitt traveled 2700 miles cross country for the aptly-named
Seattle Golf & Travel Show. It was the first time Kangaroo exhibited at this consumer event, which is the
largest of its kind on the west coast with over 200 exhibitors.
“Compared to other shows, there were more visitors in Seattle who really appreciated Kangaroo,” reports
Mike. “It was obvious there’s a strong culture of walking golf in the Northwest.” There was also an
impressive presence of young golfers in attendance.
Of course, the Whitts couldn’t leave Washington without visiting some local golf courses. Overlake Golf &
Country Club in Medina owns a fleet of Kangaroos that are available to members. Adam Alldredge, one of
six PGA Professionals at Overlake, estimates that 90 percent of golfers walk at that course!
Walking golf was the theme at all the clubs the Whitts visited, driving north from Seattle across the border
into British Columbia. Even in the cool February rain, they hardly saw any golfers in riding carts. As they
learned, most golf clubs actually discourage riding to protect the wet turf.
Aside from climate considerations, Mike says people in Seattle are generally strong proponents of healthy
living, which includes walking golf. “The outdoor lifestyle is really celebrated there. When they’re not
walking on the golf course, they’re enjoying other active outdoor hobbies, like skiing or hiking or climbing.”
HONOR ROLL
HOLE-IN-1
Rich Blizzard
Whispering Firs Golf Course
Joint Base Lewis-McChord,
Washington
Bud Stuart
Santa Barbara Municipal
Santa Barbara, California
Dan Webster
Eastwood Golf Course
Rochester, Minnesota
Angelo R. Tecchio
Niagara Frontier Country Club
Youngstown, New York
Glen Heller
The Powelton Club
Newburgh, New York
Everett Kimball
Outdoor Country Club
York, Pennsylvania
John Heckman
Belle Spring Golf Course
Mill Hall, Pennsylvania
Clarence Peterson
Lake Bluff Golf Club
Lake Bluff, Illinois
Marty Gannon
Pinecrest Country Club
Huntley, Illinois
Dale Rouse
Ben Hawes Golf Course
Owensboro, Kentucky
Howard Lewis
Winchester Country Club
Winchester, Virginia
Bruce Bingham
Mimosa Hills Country Club
Morganton, North Carolina
Richard Earles
The Pines Golf Club
Orrville, Ohio
SHOT THEIR AGE
Richard Earles, Shot 66
Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Alliance, Ohio
Jesse Undlin, Shot 74
Paradise Valley Golf Course
Fairfield, California
Travis Smith, Shot 80
North Course at Lake
Hefner Golf Club
Bethany, Oklahoma
Jerry Omari, Shot 81
Oberlin Country Club
Oberlin, Ohio
To submit your Honor Roll achievements,
email [email protected]
Or call Mike at 800-438-3011 extension 228.
MEET OUR OWNERS
Lon is Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation at Carolinas Medical Center in
Charlotte. A scratch golfer, he believes walking improves his scoring. He also
enjoys the health benefit of five miles on foot each round, without the burden
of a heavy bag on his shoulder. “Carrying a bag for 18 holes hurts my lower
back, and would likely shorten my careers as surgeon and golfer,” Lon says.
“When I play with my ABX, my back feels great.”
Dr. Lon Eskind
Matthews, North Carolina
Caddie: Hillcrest ABX
While researching remote control caddie brands last fall, he was advised by
the head pro at his home course that “Kangaroo is best.” Lon is our first Owner
at The Club at Longview, where his ABX has become an object of admiration
among fellow members.
D.J. was a physical education teacher for 33 years. Now retired, she plays
in two leagues and a weekly foursome. During long Wisconsin winters, she
escapes to golf courses in Arizona. D.J. bought her first Hillcrest AB in 2000.
“I loved my old Kangaroo,” she says. “It gave me many years of great service.”
But when the new red X-Series Sportcaddie was introduced last year, it was
time for an upgrade.
D.J. McFarlane
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Caddie: Hillcrest MAX
D.J. appreciates MAX’s Xtreme Slope Wheel, providing stability over NagaWaukee Golf Course’s hilly back nine. And she loves her Gallery Seat, which
allows a quick breather on women’s tees where there’s often no bench. That’s
all D.J. needs to walk 18, even though her playing partners usually hop on a
riding cart at the turn.
When we first profiled Travis in Owners Club News Spring 2009 issue, his
goal was to shoot his age 200 times. Turns out he was being modest. Just four
years later, Travis reached that mark for a remarkable 500th time! It came on a
blustery January day, when he braved the elements to shoot a solid 80, with a
par-birdie finish.
Travis Smith
Bethany, Oklahoma
Caddie: Hillcrest AB
The first 100 times shooting his age was the hardest, Travis says. “The first
time I did it was 1997 at age 67. Took me another 12 years to reach number
100.” After that, he began checking off milestone numbers with relative ease.
He played 79 rounds in 2012, and missed shooting his age only eight times.
Included in that sterling record, Travis was low man at Oklahoma City Metro
Super Senior Tournament last October, where he shot 2-over par.
Thanks to all our Owners who submitted emails and letters! Your feedback is valuable, and much appreciated.
Please continue to send us your photos, questions, comments, and story suggestions.
Email [email protected], or snail mail to Owners Club News, attention: Brian Ivey.
5
The
Gimme
Two competitive low-handicap women golfers, Kangaroo Owners, are playing a round together after work, on the
way to their respective lovely homes. They stride confidently up to the tee of a wicked par 3 they both know well.
“I played with Stan here yesterday, right after we went shopping for our kitchen project,” tells Wanda of a round with
her husband. “We were tied coming to this hole. I went first. Hit my 3-hybrid onto the edge of the green, just where
I wanted it. Could tell Stan was getting a little flustered now. And then he tops his shot. Poor little white ball dribbles
down, down there.”
Linda laughs. “So you beat cool golfer man again on this hole.
Wanda honey, you’re amazing.”
oo
gar
Kan
Kan
garo
o
“Actually no.” Wanda replies.
“You didn’t? What happened…
you didn’t three-putt did you?” Linda asks.
“Are you kidding…goodness no, but right there on the tee I
decided I really wanted granite countertops.
I conceded his next shot.”
ASK THE EXPERT
Why should I buy an X-Gel Deep Cycle Battery for my Kangaroo?
Kangaroo’s X-Gel battery is the most reliable power source for your motorcaddie. I
frequently hear from Owners who purchased a cheaper battery, only to learn the cheap
ones don’t last very long, and don’t offer good value over time. Also, many stores that sell
batteries don’t know much about motorcaddies, so they may recommend the wrong thing
for your Kangaroo.
X-Gel has been golf course-tested for many years, and it’s entirely maintenance free. No
liquid or acid to add or refill. And X-Gel carries a full-year guarantee (on pro-rata basis) to
safely power you through 18 holes of golf, no matter how long or hilly the course. All you
have to do is connect your X-Gel battery to your ReadyPro Charger after each round, and
keep it charging when not in use. If you follow these simple instructions, I have no doubt
you’ll be pleased with the performance and longevity of X-Gel!
Eddie Taylor
Dennis’s custompainted graphics
include dice and
playing cards
Sunshine in Seattle
Dennis Wallick was among the visitors to Kangaroo’s booth at the Seattle Golf & Travel Show. It was a
typically rainy week in the Pacific Northwest, so Dennis logically brought the sunshine with him – that is, his
one-of-a-kind, custom-painted sunshine yellow Hillcrest AB.
Dennis and his wife Tammy are real estate agents, making their career in the Pugent Sound housing market.
They enjoy playing golf together at Meridian Valley Country Club in Kent, Washington, where they’re
members. Dennis learned about Kangaroo from playing partners at his home course. “There are at least 25
Kangaroo Owners at Meridian Valley,” Dennis says. He researched competitive brands of motorcaddies,
but ultimately decided Kangaroo was best, “because it’s built like a tank.”
So what inspired Dennis to paint his Hillcrest? “I love color, and wanted something
different from all the other motorcaddies. I decided to incorporate the gambling theme
because we have a men’s night at the club where dice and Texas Hold ‘Em are very
popular.” Dennis envisions his next custom-painted Kangaroo will feature Washington
Huskies purple and gold. He plans to auction it at a fundraiser for Drive for the Cure
Northwest in support of prostate cancer research.
Tammy & Dennis Wallick
SAVE $10 ON X-GEL DEEP CYCLE BATTERY
Order a battery online between April 15 and June 15, 2013, and
receive a $10 discount. Not valid on previous purchases. To redeem
this special offer, please visit: www.KangarooGolf.com/options.html
Add X-Gel Deep Cycle Battery to your shopping cart. Proceed to
checkout. In the “coupon” field, type: XGEL. Click the “coupon“ button.
Then follow instructions to complete your order.
7
KangarooOwner.com
Owners Club News
PO Box 607
Columbus, North Carolina 28722
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To learn more about
Kangaroo’s inspiration
for CaddieStand,
see front cover.
Introducing NEW space-saving CaddieStand.
The practical solution for your Kangaroo storage
problem. Lightweight yet sturdy. Measures 52”
high x 32” across. Stores your Kangaroo securely
until you’re ready to play again. Welded steel
construction. Takes just a few minutes to assemble.
For Hillcrest models and Model 5 only. $99
Order online 24/7 at:
kangaroogolf.com/options.html
Or call John Raines at 800-438-3011
extension 240 Mon.-Fri. 8-5 ET.