Golfers may soon replace carts with jetpacks

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World number 6 golfer Bubba Watson has joined forces with a New Zealand-based company to show off what's been dubbed the 'world's first golf jetpack.'

CHRISTCHURCH (Reuters) - Caddies could soon be out of a job.

Jetpacks might one day be the best way to get around the golf course.

World No.6 Bubba Watson took part in this stunt to celebrate golf's return to the Olympics after more than 100 years.

The vehicle is a customised version of the petrol-powered Martin Jetpack P12, which has undergone thousands of hours of tests.

The updated rotary engine P14 model goes on sale later this year, reportedly for US$200,000 (S$270,711).

It will fly for up to 30 minutes at a top speed of 74km per hour, and altitudes reaching 1000m.

It's primarily aimed at emergency responders and search and rescue missions.

But Watson said an aerial golf buggie would be a perfect way to get his bag and equipment around the course.

Aerial views of the fairway, he said, would also give a new perspective when planning his next shot.

Olympic golf landed in the rough recently after several big stars pulled out.

But if jetpacks one day replace golf carts, interest in the sport could be sky high.

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