Golfers favourite rides

Special feature by Anand Datla

January 18, 2015: It is incredibly hard to master a game such as golf. Most professionals spend countless hours reading courses and wielding clubs, seeking to learn the nuances of ball flight even as they repeatedly strike a dimpled beauty with their carefully crafted metal clubs. But after spending years honing the fine skills needed to navigate tricky courses with a bag of clubs, golfers find ample rewards and global acclaim. In this feature, we shall look at five golfers whose passion for automobiles equals their commitment to the game.

1. S Chikkarangappa – Royal Enfield

Our very own Chikkarangappa has a burning passion for bikes and the ride of his choice is a Royal Enfield Classic 500, which is a much revered bike among the community of loyal Bullet fans. The five speed gearbox with a single cylinder – four stroke engine is one of the most coveted models from the Royal Enfield stable. The vehicle delivers 27.2 BHP at 5250 RPM, packing a mean punch under its elegantly styled body.

2. Jason Dufner – customised Dodge Challenger

Dufner’s love for toys is well known. A customised Dodge Challenger and a Cadillac Escalada feature prominently among his many toys. The multi-millionaire used to ride a rickety Toyota during his college days, underlining the wealth and freedom that golf offers, provided you are willing to bend your back.

3. Rory McIlroy – Bugatti Veyron

World No.1 McIlroy can obviously afford some glitzy guzzlers. McIlroy travels around the globe in a custom built private jet and car manufacturers queue up to lend him their machines to strut around between hotel and course when he is at the venues. His prized possession though is a sparkling silver Bugatti Veyron valued at over $2mn.

4. Tiger Woods – Buick

Woods is one of the most successful golfers ever to play the game. His status as an elite golfer does come with some perks. The iconic American has driven a bevy of cars in his storied life. And the incident involving golf clubs and his Cadillac Escalade is far too well known. Seen here though is Tiger riding a customised Buick golf cart, a brand for which he has been an ambassador.

5. Bubba Watson – Mercedes SLK

Watson was in the limelight for acquiring an original General Lee for $110,000. The bright orange Dodge Charger occupies a proud place in his bulging collection. But the swanky Mercedes SLK featured here, is his vehicle of choice for regular rides. The car sports shades of pink across the body much like his golf equipment does while he is on the course.