Some cool new tech has rolled in to Walt Disney World Golf. (Looking for more info on golfing at Walt Disney World? Check out our full guide here.) If you’re a fan of walking while playing golf but not a fan of carrying your bag, the Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddie will solve that problem for you. Andrew grew up walking whenever he played and still prefers to do so. However, 18 holes in the Florida heat does wear golfers down, especially during the summer months. Andrew recently was able to test out a new Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddie for a round. He has all the details on using the robotic companion (whom he nicknamed WALL-E). Plus check out some video footage of his new friend in action at the end of the article!
Andrew with his new buddy Wall-E.
About the Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddie
Tech Specs
The unit, made by Club Car, weighs about 95 pounds and to get an idea of the size, four of the Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddies will fit in the footprint of a regular golf cart. There are also sensors on the front of the robot that senses the small switch worn by the golfer and provides an audible warning when it loses the signal. It also comes to a complete stop until the signal is re-established. The Robo-Caddie is also very quiet putting out less noise than a regular golf cart.
Features
Besides carrying your golf bag, the Robo-Caddie includes great built-in features to assist your round. We were surprised to see how many features there were including:
On-board GPS yardage system for Oak Trail
Cooler (with a clipboard on top to hold a scorecard)
Sand Bottle
Cup Holders
Another cubby for items like a phone
A pair of USB Ports
Lots of spots for drinks and such.
The power button shows how much power is left.
USB ports and GPS Unit.
Cooler w/ scorecard clip on top of lid.
Getting Started
Upon arriving and checking in at the clubhouse, Andrew was directed out front next to the bag drop to pick up his Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddie unit. Once his robot was brought up, he was given a quick two minute tutorial. This may seem like too short of a how-to lesson but that is how easy this was to use.
Golfers clip a small box on the back of their pants that is a sensor with an on/off switch, so the Robo-Caddie knows exactly where you are and can be controlled at all times. It is programmed to stay about four to six feet behind the golfer which is what we experienced. The sensor is about the size and weight of a pager.
For a quick video tutorial and what to expect when using the Robo-Caddie, click here to watch a video on the Walt Disney World Golf website.
You can see the Robo-Caddie outside the main entrance.
Golfers wear this small unit to control the Robo-Caddie.
The Test Drive
Even though Robo-Caddie is more meant for Oak Trail (a walking only course), Andrew decided to challenge the heat and use the Robo-Caddie on the Palm for a full 18-hole test drive. The goal was to run it through its paces to see what it is really capable of.
Using the Robo-Caddie
It took a few minutes to feel comfortable and then Andrew was able to walk with ease knowing the Robo-Caddie was right behind him. Once Andrew arrived at his destination, whether it be the tee box, the ball in the fairway, or around the green, he would walk until the Robo-Caddie was even with the ball then turn it off to make his shot. (Quick tip: make sure the unit has come to a complete stop before turning the switch off as it does come to a hard stop if it is turned off while still in motion.)
Speed and Maneuverability
When it comes to how fast the Robo-Caddie goes, it pretty much keeps pace with the golfer. For example, if Andrew started to walk faster, it sped up to match his speed. It was also capable of moving at a crawl if needed. When it comes to maneuverability, the Robo-Caddie is capable of moving backwards and doing a 360 turn in place.
The Robo-Caddie was always right behind Andrew.
Agility Over Terrain
As part of running the Robo-Caddie through numerous scenarios, we had it come to a stop with the front wheel against a curb then had it climb up and over. It was able to handle this without a problem. We did the same thing with the rear wheels against the curb and it performed just as well.
Andrew made it a point to take it over various terrain including side hills, uphill, and downhill and it handled all three with no issues. He didn’t take it to too much of an extreme with the side hill but we did run the Robo-Caddie on steep uphills and downhills and it did very well. The robot did a good job of keeping a good speed going down hills and Andrew never felt it was going to run into him. It’s good to note you should NOT take your Robo-Caddie into bunkers, tees, and greens.
Getting Stuck
One of our concerns going into this was what would happen if we got the Robo-Caddie into a sticky situation like up against a tree or too close to a bunker. Luckily, there is a design feature where the robot can be put into neutral and moved by hand. Even though it weighs 95 pounds, it is very easy to maneuver out of trouble by hand.
Battery Power
The manufacturer specs state that the Robo-Caddie is capable of covering 36 holes per charge. This is an understatement as Andrew’s had over 90% battery left after 18 holes. We could see where it would require more battery power on a hillier course as the Disney courses are about as flat as can be but it would still be able to easily handle 36 holes on any course.
The Robo-Caddie ready for a day on the Palm course.
Andrew followed by his Robo-Caddie.
Cost
Tempo Walk Robo-Caddie are mainly offered for the Oak Trail Golf Course, which is a 9-hole walking only course. The cost for 9-holes is $10 plus tax. Considering a regular push cart costs $7 per 9-hole round, the Robo-Caddie really is a great deal. There is not currently a published price for golfers that want to use it for the Magnolia or Palm Golf Courses. However, we were informed that the GPS system will eventually be upgraded to include those two courses.
Andrew and his new friend “Wall-E” made a great team…
Andrew’s Thoughts
As someone who enjoys walking instead of riding, using the Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddie is a great way to get plenty of exercise while not having to carry your bag. There were certain times, especially early on in the round or when Andrew was around obstacles that he tended to really pay attention to the location and track of the Robo-Caddie. However, after a few holes, Andrew started to really get the hang of it and it became second nature as to where the robot would be.
It also makes it much more enjoyable. The difference Andrew felt after completing 18 holes using the Robo-Caddie compared to carrying his bag is quite noticeable. Unless it is really hot, Andrew may stick to carrying his bag for a quick 9-holes but anything more than that and he will go with the Robo-Caddie. It just makes it a little more enjoyable. To reserve your Tempo® Walk experience when playing Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, please inquire with Disney Golf Reservationists when booking your next Tee Time by calling (407) 939-4653.
Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with Walt Disney World Golf. All thoughts are our own.
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