How a Covid Frustration Turned Into a Game-Changing Golf Essential
A year ago, Gopher Caddy was nothing more than a problem Craig couldn’t shake.
During Covid, like many golfers, Craig found himself walking the course more than ever. It should’ve been relaxing… except for one thing:
the sand bucket.
Carrying it.
Spilling it.
Forgetting it.
Juggling it with clubs, snacks, drinks, and everything else that comes with a long walk.
It was annoying enough that he kept thinking, surely there has to be a better way.
One afternoon, after venting to a mate who felt the exact same frustration, the idea clicked — if golfers need this solved, and no one else is doing it, then maybe it’s time to build something new.
From Pain Point to Prototype
With a brand-new baby at home and a full workload, the timing wasn’t perfect. But the passion was there.
In late nights, early mornings, and stolen moments between work and family life, Craig got to work:
- researching how golfers actually use sand
- studying how current buckets fail walkers
- mapping the ideal “hands-free” course experience
- sketching, prototyping, and testing
- refining how a sand solution should feel, not just function
What started as a simple idea became something more meaningful:
a product built by golfers, for golfers.
Launching Gopher Caddy
One year ago, we hit publish on our website.
We had no idea what would happen.
But you showed up.
Golfers across Australia tried it, loved it, and shared it. You sent photos from your local course, stories about ditching your bucket, and feedback that helped us continue improving.
And that’s the part that matters most:
we aren’t here without the community.
A Year of Impact — And Just Getting Started
We’re proud to say our patent is now in, so we can keep building, refining, and innovating for all the golfers out there who want a smarter, easier way to care for their course.
What started as Craig’s personal frustration has turned into a movement of golfers who believe there is a better way — and are willing to support a small business creating it.
From the bottom of our hearts:
thank you for being part of the journey.
Here’s to year two — more innovation, more community, more course-care made easy.
And, as always, more golf.