Top five cars for golfers

While it isn’t the case at every club, the golf course’s car park can be a minefield of badge snobbery and wanton showing off, so turning up in the right car can be just as important as wearing the right shoes and remembering who has the honour by the time you get to the 16^th tee.

But just how do you strike that fine balance of standing out without being seen as flashy, while still having enough room to carry a couple of mates and their clubs? We’ve compiled a list of five suggestions to help you out.

Lexus RX

Lease a Lexus RX here: business / personal

Without wishing to stereotype, golfers seem to love a Lexus, and this one will go down a treat. Combining the quietness and refinement of the hybrid drivetrain with striking looks, premium quality and the ability to carry plenty of golf bags, the RX is arguably the ultimate golfer’s SUV.

You’ll be able to look like a thoroughly good chap (or chapess) in the clubhouse too, because Lexus’ legendary reliability and the fuel-sipping economy ought to ensure you’ve got enough to buy the next round.

Volvo V70

Lease a Volvo V70 here: business / personal

Volvo’s chief executive recently said the Swedish company was “known as the definitive estate brand”, so it’s no surprise that those wanting to cart clubs around need look no further than the big-booted V70. Not only is it roomy, but it has a distinctly premium feel to it, and the D4 diesel engine is powerful, yet frugal.

If you want to hold on a while, you can have the forthcoming (and larger) V90 from September. Using the XC90 SUV’s interior and styling, it’ll be a strong rival for the 5 Series Touring.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Lease a Discovery Sport here: business / personal

If you were tempted by the Range Rover Evoque but deemed it too small, the Discovery Sport is the car for you. Land Rover’s newfound style is underpinned by solid 4x4 credentials, a luxurious cabin and, just as importantly, bags of room. That boot is so big you can even have seats in it.

With the new 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine under the bonnet, it’s also a far quieter and more economical car than the early 2.2-litre versions.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Lease a C-Class here: business / personal

The C-Class has become a staple of the golf club by dint of its classy looks, luxury cabin and relaxing ride quality, but that isn’t the full extent of its abilities. Despite rear-wheel drive eating into the boot space, the 490-litre load bay should take all your golf equipment with ease, while the roomy cabin will take four adults in comfort.

With an engine range encompassing everything from 4.0-litre petrol V8s to 2.1-litre diesels and even a hybrid, there’s a C-Class Estate for everyone.

Jaguar F-Pace

Lease a Jaguar F-Pace here: business / personal

Jaguar’s first SUV has only just been launched, but it’s already making a name for itself as a rival to the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. Perhaps it isn’t a ‘proper’ Jaguar, but now the XF Sportbrake is a thing of the past, it’s the only one that’ll ferry four (and all their bags) in comfort and style.

In terms of powertrains, the most popular choice will be the 177bhp 2.0-litre diesel shared with the Discovery Sport, but we’d opt for the 296bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, which is faster but doesn’t sacrifice too much fuel economy.

Which car do you use for golf? Tell us in the comments below, we’d love to know.