In New York City, social status was determined from things like your zip code or what school your kids go to or if and where you have a summer/weekend/country house. Did you have the latest Mui Mui bag or were you still trying to rock a Coach (big misstep)?
In Discovery Bay, there are two things - and only two things, that will catapult you to the top of the social stratosphere:
Two helpers -- because anyone and everyone has one helper
A golf cart -- because mass transit is so pedestrian
Here in DB, cars are not allowed. Instead, you are encouraged to take buses, walk or drive a golf cart. I'm sure all the Americans are thinking, "Easy choice. I'd love to plunk down $3K for a golf cart instead of $30K for my SUV." Except that in Discovery Bay, golf carts cost $800,000 HKD (~$120,000USD). ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS...for a...GOLF CART. The same golf carts that you use to get the 18th hole on a course - nothing extra special going on in these.
To put that in perspective, I just did a quick eBay search and you can get the following for $1,400 USD:
Yeah, the math just doesn't add up.
In Discovery Bay, there are two things - and only two things, that will catapult you to the top of the social stratosphere:
Two helpers -- because anyone and everyone has one helper
A golf cart -- because mass transit is so pedestrian
Here in DB, cars are not allowed. Instead, you are encouraged to take buses, walk or drive a golf cart. I'm sure all the Americans are thinking, "Easy choice. I'd love to plunk down $3K for a golf cart instead of $30K for my SUV." Except that in Discovery Bay, golf carts cost $800,000 HKD (~$120,000USD). ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS...for a...GOLF CART. The same golf carts that you use to get the 18th hole on a course - nothing extra special going on in these.
To put that in perspective, I just did a quick eBay search and you can get the following for $1,400 USD:
Club Car Golf Cart: New Tires & Hub Caps, New Tinted Fold Down Windshield, New Directionals, Golf Cart Encloser keep dry from rain, Battery Charger, Front and Rear Lights, Horn, Full RearView Mirror Across Top, Have Golf Bag Holders, Cup Holders, Two Compartments, Tee Holders, Ball Holder, 36 Volts Six Batteries. No tears on seats. Inspected and road ready.
Yeah, the math just doesn't add up.
Ha, now see, it's not the actual golf cart that is costing a fortune, it is in fact the license you need to buy in order to be allowed to own one that is so expensive. Because there are only so many carts/licenses allowed, this is what drives the price up to extreme amounts!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification. Good point.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day if you want a golf cart here you have to spend $100K USD!!! Insanity!