SUTCLIFFE GOLF CARS
“A True Family Business”
story by LINDSEY LENOIR photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY-STANGE
Sutcliffe Golf Cars is a family-owned and operated business rooted in the belief that honesty and reliability are of utmost importance. For over 60 years, the Sutcliffe family has dedicated themselves to, “Providing the best and most reliable services to the residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties.” In 1955, the Sutcliffe brothers opened their doors to the community in the form of Sutcliffe Brothers Furniture. The store would eventually become known as Sutcliffe Furniture Co. and would remain as such until 1989 when Terry Sutcliffe decided to change tracks with the family business. Terry recognized that Beaufort County was rapidly growing. A large number of golf courses and neighborhood developments began popping up, where golf carts were becoming more commonplace as a means of personal transportation.
Terry saw a need and decided to fill it in the form of golf cart ownership. A revelation such as this doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes years of hard work, an ear to the ground about the ever-changing needs of the community, and the willingness to adjust and reconfigure to meet those needs. After faithfully serving the community for over 34 years, Sutcliffe Furniture Co. would become Sutcliffe Golf Cars. In the early years, the family offered furniture, along with golf carts, but as cart sales increased, they eventually phased out of furniture sales and focused solely on golf cart sales and service. 
Today, owners Terry and Elaine Sutcliffe have a trustworthy and knowledgeable staff of family and friends; to include their son Shawn and his wife Tonya, their granddaughter Haley, and their 16-year-old grandson Patrick. If you stop by, chances are you will also meet the hardest working Sutcliffe family member, River, the families’ yellow Labrador. River spends most of his time riding on golf carts and dressing up to have his picture taken any chance he can. According to Tonya Sutcliffe, everything is about family, “It’s always a big family production for us. We not only have a family business, but we also run a family farm.” There are horses, donkeys, pigs, and a 20-year-old camel named Bubba. The animals have all come to the Sutcliffe family in need of rescue and rehabilitation, “When they come to the farm, they become family,” Tonya says, “We just love animals and sell golf carts.”
It is the hope at Sutcliffe Golf Cars known for being a “Trusted business partner, providing peace of mind to our customers, knowing that they can always count on the Sutcliffe family for honest and expert service.” Whether you are looking to purchase the latest model, pre-owned, or a reconditioned cart, Sutcliffe Golf Cars carries an extensive line to fit your budget and specific needs. Sutcliffe’s is an authorized dealer selling, “high-quality carts from industry-leading brands including; Yamaha, and Bintelli.” They also provide their customers with a full line of parts and accessories. They offer considerable service capabilities with a state of the art service department and modern equipment, along with providing customers with “Trustworthy and knowledgeable customer service for the life of your cart.”
Whether using a cart for your business, golfing, leisure or just for the occasional trip to Fripp Island, the Sutcliffe family and Sutcliffe Golf Cars strive to meet your needs. They also offer golf cart rentals if you need a one-time, or short-term-use. Sutcliffe Golf Cars service the Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton county area, as well as the surrounding islands. Carts are available for rent year-round with delivery and pick up options. Delivery fees apply depending on location. The family would love for you to drop in and check them out, maybe even pat River on the head, and do a little golf cart shopping while you’re at it.
Sutcliffe Golf Cars is located at 1351 Ribaut Rd. in Port Royal. Office hours are M-F 8-5 pm; and Sat. 8-1 pm; closed on Sundays. For more information, visit their website at www.sutcliffegolfcars.com, or call 843-524-6502. Sutcliffe Golf Cars, “A true family Business,” serving Okatie, Sun City, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lady’s Island, Port Royal, Jasper, Ridgeland, Hardeeville, Dataw, Fripp Island, Harbor Island, and more!
