Sport 2011

As a golfer who's technically challenged when it comes to gadgets and devices that aren't on the end of shaft, I uttered a huge sigh of relief when asked to review the new PowaKaddy Sport.

Some other trolleys I've tried are too sophisticated for their own good and as for remote control models that you point a 'troller' at and send off like a robot butler to wait for further instructions on the next tee, don't get me started!

I don't trust them not to irritate my playing partners and get me into trouble by moving within their peripheral vision.

The PK Sport has a similar Digital Distance Function (DDF) facility which enables the user to send it off on 15, 30 or 45-yard journeys before stopping automatically. But it's not as intrusive as the fully remote versions that sneak up on you or move in the background just as you're poised over a delicate chip or crucial putt.

I don't fully trust the PK Sport not to trundle on into a hazard or off the course completely while I turn my back but I'm 90 per-cent there!

This model is extremely user-friendly with an ergonomic, tactile handle and roller speed control that suits either a left or right-handed touch. And I soon discovered that despite the undulating nature of my local course, setting the accelerator to 5 or 6 suited my walking pace perfectly and enabled me to clean the face of the club I'd just used as I strolled to my next shot. Anything less was too slow, anything more and I'm racing to catch up.

But, apart from the easy folding of the lightweight but robust frame, the functions that pleased me most were the velcro straps that held my bag in place. I've lost count of the bungee straps I've misplaced trying to keep my bag square on a trolley or the inadequate plastic buckle clips that have broken.

PowaKaddy simply attached an elasticated strap at the bottom and two velcro straps that come together at the top to securely lock the bag in place.

Verdict

It's still pricey compared with some other powered trolleys at £429 for the 18-hole lead acid battery version I tested but PowaKaddy is the market leader and have obviously put much research and engineering into this 2011 version. And compared to some other powered trolleys it's as quiet, elegant and economical in action as the Red Kites that soar over  the Rutland countryside where I play much of my golf.