Source: Eagle Parts & Products
Many golfers develop a love for their sport of choice at an early age. They learn to play. Some excel. A few make their high school teams. Even fewer are awarded college level scholarships. Fewer still qualify and actually obtain their pro cards, joining the elite golfing ranks of the professional.
One of Charlotte’s own was on track to accomplish all of this. One day changed that, when David Box suffered a stroke caused by an aneurysm.
Suddenly the seemingly healthy, high school senior – with a golf handicap of zero (a scratch golfer) preparing to play scholarship golf at any one of several universities – was confined to his bed and unsure of what activities his future could include. There was scant hope that he would swing a golf club again.
David fought back, making consistent recovery milestones that impressed and surprised his doctors. Today, just shy of two years later, David attends Queens University, majoring in English with aspirations to be a writer, and plays golf during the week and each weekend as his studies and the weather permit.
What happened? A miracle? Maybe. Sheer determination to have his life back? For sure. Enabled by product innovation? Definitely.
David’s work toward recovery has been and still is phenomenal. However, even with the strides he has made, he still would not be able to play golf without a special piece of equipment that is designed to directly meet the needs of a player with David’s challenges.
“Golf was such a dominant part of my life that I couldn’t imagine what I would do without it. It has been a tremendous catalyst to my continued recovery and a constant source of energy release and physical challenge. Eagle’s car has enabled me to have that part of my life back again,” said David Box.
Dennis Walters, a traveling paraplegic and trick golf shot artist, personally knows David’s needs, since many needs of the stroke victim parallel several of the needs the paraplegic faces. A car that enables a person to actively golf despite significant physical challenges was Dennis’ brainchild and is the equipment that supports his mobility needs on a daily basis. Eagle Parts and Products brings a car called Single Rider, with all of the features Dennis envisioned, to the mainstream consumer market, manufacturing and distributing it from their Augusta, Georgia location.
There are several issues that were considered in first the vision for this car and then in the actual production of it. The result is a car that meets the criteria to enable the physically challenged golfer to really play golf.
Issue one: Car weight.
The Single Rider is light enough for the golfer to drive himself directly onto the green and the tee box, slide from the seat into driving or putting position and take his shot. The single rider has 8 lbs per square inch of pressure on the turf – much less than traditional golf car. This eliminates any concerns of the course superintendent.
Issue two: Ease of operation.
Single Rider can be operated with one foot and guided with one hand – or if your needs require, a car can be configured to be guided with new innovative hand controls (braking, steering and acceleration). Many other cars and similar vehicles for the physically challenged, require more control points – often utilize both feet and require “both hands on the wheel,” so to speak.
Issue three: Ease of approach.
This golf car has options for a swivel, tilt-up seat or bench seat, making it possible for users, such as David, to turn toward their intended standing position and acquire the posture they need to take their shot. The seat is locked in place until one lever is depressed to enable the swivel motion to take place.
Issue four: Comfort and peace of mind.
Single Rider has redundant braking systems. A computer activated motor brake as well as an independent hydraulic system which can be activated manually by either hand or foot controls.
The Single Rider is feels peppy and is maneuverable, reaching a speed of 12 mph and making tight turns easily. The acceleration profile can be changed for each individual car.
This product is the reason David Box can independently participate in the sport he loves without even walking from the edge of the green to putt. With features such as at-hand, simple points of control and swivel seating, David can maintain a reasonable pace of play and participate in the mainstream environment on a golf course.
Although he needs assistance to balance and set-up his shot, David amazingly drives the ball 150 yards - using one arm. He is a tremendous competitor on and off of the course, excels at his sport and pushes himself to improve with each outing.
Some interesting facts about David Box:
· 19-year-old native of Charlotte
· Graduate of Charlotte Country Day and Queens University Freshman
· Began playing at age 12
· Clubs of choice are Titleist – but he uses a TaylorMade driver. He hits Titleist golf balls
· His home course is CedarWood in South Charlotte
Some interesting facts about Eagle’s Single Rider:
· Light enough to be allowed on greens and tee boxes
· Powerful enough to keep up with (and probably surpass) traditional cars
· Easily transports average sized adults plus equipment
· Simple points of operation and steering
· Swivel seating makes it comfortable to the user to get it and out
