US20160184675A1

US20160184675A1 - Golf caddy

Info

Publication number: US20160184675A1
Application number: US14/406,170
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Sykes
Original assignee: SYKES Inc LLC
Current assignee: SYKES Inc LLC
Priority date: 2012-06-05
Filing date: 2013-01-22
Publication date: 2016-06-30
Also published as: WO2013184171A1

Abstract

A golf caddy comprises a compact body including a sidewall defining a first interior cavity, an open top end and a bottom end, a base attached to the bottom end, and at least one step member extending laterally from the base. A plurality of spikes projects longitudinally from a lower surface of the base. A handle connects to the body and includes a grip portion extending adjacent to the body to define a gap therebetween. A ball holder is connected to the body and has a sidewall defining a second interior cavity, an open top end and a closed bottom end. An alignment tool is attached to the body and is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable line extending in a user-selectable direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Patent Cooperation Treaty Application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/655,642, filed Jun. 5, 2012, entitled GOLF CADDY (Atty. Dkt. No. DKT. SKSN-31273) and of U.S. Provisional Patent Applicant No. 61/675,315, filed Jul. 24, 2012, entitled GOLF CADDY (Atty. Dkt. No. DKT. SKSN-3194), the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to a portable caddy (i.e., container) for golf clubs, and more particularly, to a lightweight, personally transportable caddy that is removably affixable to the turf of a golf course to hold one or more golf clubs in an upright, readily accessible orientation.

BACKGROUND

During play, golf clubs are often held and transported in a golf bag that is sized to hold an entire set of clubs, and wherein substantially the entire club shaft fits into the bag. Fully loaded with a set of clubs, balls and other accessories, golf bags can be very heavy, and thus impractical to carry for long distances. As such, golf bags are usually carried on a motorized golf cart.
On many golf courses, motorized golf carts are restricted to a designated cart pathway to avoid damage to the turf of the fairways and/or greens. Thus, when a player walks out onto the course to take a shot, he/she typically leaves the golf bag in the cart and takes only a few clubs. Since the player cannot hold multiple clubs when actually taking the shot, the other loose clubs (i.e., those removed from the golf bag), are typically left on the ground or propped against a nearby tree or other structure. Not infrequently, such loose clubs become wet, soiled, stepped on, broken and/or forgotten (lost). A need therefore exists, for a device that can be easily carried onto the course to safely hold several clubs in an upright position while the player shoots.
Before each shot, golfers need to align their bodies such that their swing is lined up with the desired line of travel for the ball. For many golfers, it is helpful to have a visual frame of reference in the form of a line extending in the desired line of travel (e.g., toward the hole) disposed in front of the player (i.e., within their peripheral vision). A need therefore exists, for a device that can be provide a visual frame of reference that can be oriented by the user to indicate the desired line of travel for the ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a golf caddy comprises a compact body including a sidewall defining a first interior cavity, an open top end and a bottom end, a base attached to the bottom end, and at least one step member extending laterally from the base. A plurality of spikes projects longitudinally from a lower surface of the base. A handle connects to the body and includes a grip portion extending adjacent to the body to define a gap therebetween. A ball holder is connected to the body and has a sidewall defining a second interior cavity, an open top end and a closed bottom end. An alignment tool is attached to the body and is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable line extending in a user-selectable direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.
In another aspect of the invention, a golf caddy comprises a compact body including a rigid sidewall defining a first interior cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, an open top end and a bottom end, a rigid base attached to the bottom end of the body, the base having an upper surface facing the interior cavity and a lower surface facing away from the interior cavity, and at least one step member extending laterally from the base. A plurality of spikes projects longitudinally from the lower surface of the base. A handle is connected to the body at a first end and includes a grip portion spaced apart from the body and extending longitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gap between the handle and the body. A ball holder is connected to the body and has a rigid sidewall defining a second interior cavity, an open top end and a closed bottom end. An alignment tool is attached to the body and is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable line extending away from the body in a user-selectable direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.
In another embodiment thereof, the body has a length within the range of 18 inches to 36 inches, measured from the top end to the bottom end along the longitudinal axis, but not including the length of the spikes.
In still another embodiment thereof, the body has a length within the range of 23 inches to 27 inches, measured from the top end to the bottom end along the longitudinal axis, but not including the length of the spikes.
In another embodiment, the alignment tool further comprises an elongated shaft member having first and second ends and a central section disposed therebetween. The shaft member extends in a substantially straight line between the first and second ends. A mounting element is adapted to rotatably connect the central section of the shaft member to the top end of the body such that the first and second ends of the shaft member extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The elongated shaft member, when attached to the top end of the body, can be oriented in a user-selectable direction to visually form a line extending away from the body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.
In still another embodiment thereof, the mounting element is a center clip member connected to the central section of the shaft member, the center clip member having a pair of channels adapted to removably attach across a circular rim at the top end of the body.
In another embodiment, the golf caddy further comprises a clip disposed on one of the first and second ends of the shaft member of the alignment tool, the clip being adapted to releasably connect to a rim at the top end of the body. A securing member is disposed on the body, the securing member having sidewalls and a bottom to define a cup-like recess for releasably receiving the other of the first and second ends of the shaft member. The alignment tool can be releasably secured to a side of the body for storage.
In yet another embodiment, the alignment tool further comprises a laser producing a light beam in a visible wavelength, a lens disposed along the light beam to convert the light beam to a line of light on surfaces to which it is projected, and a mounting element adapted to rotatably connect the laser to the body such that the line of light produced by the laser and the lens can be directed at a surface adjacent to the base in a user-selectable direction to form a line extending away from the body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.
In another embodiment thereof, the mounting element is a rotating collar affixed to the upper end of the body.
In another embodiment, the rigid sidewall has a substantially constant cross section, when viewed along the longitudinal axis.
In another embodiment thereof, the cross section of the rigid sidewall is a circle of substantially constant diameter, when viewed along the longitudinal axis.
In another embodiment, the rigid sidewall is substantially unperforated by through-openings from the interior cavity.
In yet another embodiment, the rigid sidewall defines a plurality of through-openings from the interior cavity.
In another embodiment, the handle further includes a cylindrical hole formed therethrough, the hole having an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, and having a diameter within the range from 0.75 inch to 1.25 inch.
In yet another embodiment, the sidewall of the ball holder defines a cylindrical interior cavity having a diameter within the range of 1.68 inch to 2.00 inch, and the sidewall further includes at least one open slot formed through the sidewall having a width of at least 0.75 inch and extending longitudinally to within a distance of 0.5 inches from the bottom end of the ball holder.
In another aspect of the invention, a golf caddy comprises a body including a rigid sidewall defining a first interior cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, an open top end and a bottom end, a rigid base attached to the bottom end of the body, the base having an upper surface facing the interior cavity and a lower surface facing away from the interior cavity, and at least one step member extending laterally from the base. A plurality of spikes project longitudinally from the lower surface of the base. A handle is connected to the body at a first end and includes a grip portion spaced apart from the body and extending longitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gap between the handle and the body. The sidewall is formed from a thermoplastic material.
In another embodiment thereof, the thermoplastic material of the sidewall is one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic and polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic.
In another embodiment thereof, the sidewall further comprises at least two separate sidewall sections that are joined together.
In another embodiment thereof, at least one of the separate sidewall sections includes a handle slot formed on an edge thereof, and the handle includes a flange formed thereon that is adapted to fit into the handle slot and be trapped between the two sidewall sections when they are joined together whereby the handle is joined to the body.
In yet another aspect, the base is formed of a thermoplastic material, the spikes are formed of a metal material, and the spikes are partially embedded in the base.
In yet another aspect, the sidewall further comprises at least two separate sidewall sections that are joined together, and the base including the partially embedded spikes is attached to the bottom end of the two sidewall sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a golf caddy in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the golf caddy of FIG. 1 positioned on the turf of a golf course and holding golf clubs;

FIG. 3 shows the use of an alignment tool of the golf caddy in accordance with another aspect;

FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of the golf caddy and alignment tool of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a golf caddy with a laser alignment tool in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the laser alignment tool of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded diagram showing the components of a golf caddy in accordance with another embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a golf caddy in accordance with one embodiment. Golf caddy 100 comprises a compact body 102 including a sidewall 103 defining a first interior cavity 105 extending along a longitudinal axis 107, an open top end 104 and a bottom end 106. The sidewall 103 is preferably rigid, meaning that it maintains its shape and resists significant deformation when subjected to external forces. The body 102 may further include a base 109 attached to the bottom end 106 of the body, the base having an upper surface facing the interior cavity 105 (i.e., forming the lower boundary of the interior cavity) and a lower surface facing away from the interior cavity. The base 109 is preferably rigid. The body further includes at least one step member 112 extending laterally from bottom end 106 to provide a place of the golfer to push down (e.g., with his/her shoe) to assist driving the spikes (described below) into the turf (i.e., ground) of the golf course. The step member 112 is preferably connected to the base 109. Preferably, the step member 112 extends laterally from the sidewall 103 a distance (denoted d₁) of at least 0.5 inches.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sidewall 103 of the body 102 is configured in the shape of a tube or cylinder having a constant circular cross section (viewed along the longitudinal axis 107); however, bodies configured with oval, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal or other cross-sectional shapes may be used. The sidewalls 103 of the body 102 may be solid, i.e., without perforations or passages from the interior cavity 105 to the exterior (other than the open end 104), or they may be perforated over some or all of their extent. In the embodiment shown, the sidewall 103 of the body 102 is perforated by a grid 108 over portions of the upper surface.
The compact size of the body 102 is selected to provide the desired portability and light weight of the caddy 100. If the body length is too long, the weight will be too high, and if the body length is too short, then the golf clubs will spread excessively and cause instability. In one embodiment, the body 102 has a length (denoted L₁) within the range of 18 inches to 36 inches, measured from the top end 104 to the bottom end 106 along the longitudinal axis 107 (but not including the length of the spikes 110). In another embodiment thereof, the body has a length L₁within the range of 20 inches to 30 inches. In another embodiment thereof, the body has a length L₁within the range of 23 inches to 27 inches. In yet another embodiment thereof, the body has a length L₁within the range of 24 inches to 26 inches. Similarly, if the maximum width (or maximum diameter for circular cross sections) of the body 102 is too large, the weight will be too high, and if the maximum width/diameter is too small, the caddy will not hold enough golf clubs to be useful. In one embodiment, the body 102 has a maximum width/diameter (denoted W₁) within the range of 2.4 inches to 5.0 inches, measured across the top end 104. In another embodiment thereof, the body has a maximum width/diameter W₁within the range of 2.5 inches to 4.0 inches. In yet another embodiment thereof, the body has a maximum width/diameter W₁within the range of 3.0 inches to 3.5 inches.
Referring now also to FIG. 7, the sidewall 103 of the body 102 may be formed in a single piece, or it may be formed in separate sidewall pieces, e.g., 103 a and 103 b that are assembled together. The body 102, sidewalls 103, base 109 and/or other parts of the caddy 100 may be formed of plastic materials, metal materials or other suitable materials. In preferred embodiments, the sidewalls 103 and/or other portions of the caddy 100 are formed from one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic. The top end 104 of the body 102 of the caddy 100 may be an integral part of the body sidewalls 103 or it may comprise a separate top ring assembly 111 (see FIG. 7). The bottom end 106 of the caddy may be an integral part of the body walls or it may comprise a separate base plate 109 (see FIG. 7).
Referring again to FIG. 1, a plurality of spikes 110 projects longitudinally from the lower surface of the base 109. The spikes 110 are preferably formed of aluminum or stainless steel; however, they may be formed of plastic or other suitable materials. The spikes 110 preferably have a length within the range of 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches, and more preferably a length within the range of 1.75 inches to 2.25 inches. The spikes 110 preferably have a width within the range of 0.15 inches to 0.35 inches, and more preferably a width within the range of 0.20 inches to 0.30 inches. The spikes preferably have an end profile that is turf-friendly and resistant to the accumulation of dirt. The spikes 110 may be affixed to the lower surface of the bottom end 106 or base 109, or molded as integral parts of the element. As described below, the spikes 110 may be driven into the ground/sod/turf of the golf course to hold the caddy 100 in an upright position when unattended. In the embodiment shown, three spikes 110 are provided; however, other numbers of spikes may be provided in other embodiments. As previously described, one or more step members 112 extend laterally from the bottom end 106 of the body 102 to provide a place for the golfer (i.e., the user) to push (e.g., with his/her shoe) to assist in driving the spikes 110 into the ground.
A handle 114 is connected to the body 102 at a first end and includes a grip portion 115 spaced apart from the body 102 and extending longitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gap 116 between the handle and the body. Preferably, the handle 114 is provided at the top end 104 of the caddy 100. The handle 114 may be configured like a hook or inverted “J” that is joined at its upper end to the body 102 so as to define the elongated gap 116 between the handle and the body. The gap 116 facilitates hanging the caddy 100 on the rim of a golf bag (not shown) or other supporting structure. For example, this gap 116 may be configured to fit over the rim of a full-sized golf bag such that the caddy 100 can hang from the golf bag for storage or transportation on the golf cart. A cylindrical hole 118 may be formed through the handle 114 to provide a convenient cigar holder/towel holder (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Preferably, the hole 118 is a cylindrical hole having an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. Preferably, the hole 118 has a diameter (denoted d₂) within the range from 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches. Cigar holders/towel holders configured as spikes, clips, shelves or other structures attached to the handle 114 may be provided in other embodiments.
Referring now to FIG. 2, to secure the caddy 100 on the turf 200, the golfer places the spikes 110 against the turf, then pushes down (denoted by arrow 201) on the body 102 and/or step 112 to force the spikes into the turf until the lower surface of the base 109 rests against the surface of the turf. The caddy 100 will remain upright to support several golf clubs 202 in an upright manner. A towel 204 may be placed in the cigar holder/towel holder 118 as shown.
Referring yet again to FIG. 1, a ball holder 120 may be provided at the top end 104 of the caddy 100. The ball holder 120 has a sidewall 121 defining a cup-shaped second interior cavity 123 with an open top end and a closed bottom end dimensioned to hold one or more golf balls. Preferably, the sidewall 121 of the ball holder 120 is rigid. In one preferred embodiment, the sidewall 121 of the ball holder 120 defines a cylindrical interior cavity 123 having a diameter (denoted d₃) within the range of 1.68 inch to 2.00 inches. The sidewall 121 may includes at least one open slot 122 formed through the sidewall having a width (denoted W₂) of at least 0.75 inch and extending longitudinally to within a distance (denoted d₄) of 0.5 inches from the bottom end of the ball holder. Such a slot 122 allows the golfer to insert a fingertip through the sidewall 121 to remove any golf balls stored in the ball holder 120. As shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the slot 122 need not be continuously open from the bottom to the top of the ball holder. In the embodiment shown, the ball holder 120 is dimensioned to hold two golf balls (not shown); however, ball holders with different capacities may be provided in other embodiments. As noted, one or more side openings 122 may be provided in the walls of the ball holder 120 to facilitate removal of the balls by the golfer.
Referring still to FIG. 1, and also to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, an alignment tool 123 (FIGS. 3 and 4) or 502 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is attached to the body 102 and is selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable line extending away from the body in a user-selectable direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 107 of the body.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the alignment tool 123 comprises an elongated shaft member 124 having first and second ends and a central section disposed therebetween. The shaft member 124 extends in a substantially straight line between the first and second ends. A mounting element 130 is adapted to rotatably connect the central section of the shaft member 124 to the top end 104 of the body 102 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) such that the line 125 between the first and second ends of the shaft member extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 107. The elongated shaft member 124, when attached to the top end 104 of the body 102 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), can be oriented in a user-selectable direction (denoted by arc/arrow a₁) to visually form a line 125 extending away from the body 102 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 107 of the body. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a center clip member 130 is connected to the central section of the shaft member 124, and the center clip member includes a pair of channel features 127 adapted to removably attach across a circular rim 111 at the top end 104 of the body 102. Preferably, the channel features 127 can slide around the rim 111 to allow changes in the orientation of the shaft member 124. In FIG. 3, a cigar 300 is shown in the cigar holder/towel holder 118.
Referring still to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the golf caddy 100 using the elongated shaft member 124, the caddy further comprises a clip 126 disposed on one of the first and second ends of the shaft member of the alignment tool 123, the clip being adapted to releasably connect to a rim 111 at the top end 104 of the body 102. A securing member 128 may be disposed on the lower portion 106 of the body 102, the securing member having sidewalls and a bottom to define a cup-like recess for releasably receiving the other of the first and second ends of the shaft member 124. In this embodiment, the alignment tool 123 can be releasably secured to a side of the body 102 for storage when not in use for alignment purposes.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is illustrated another embodiment of the golf caddy including a laser alignment tool. The golf caddy 500 is substantially similar to the previously described embodiment, except that the alignment tool with the elongated shaft 124 and associated elements is replaced by a laser alignment tool 502.
As best seen in FIG. 6, the alignment tool 502 comprises a laser device 504 producing a light beam (not shown) in a visible wavelength, a lens 506 disposed along the light beam to convert the light beam to a line of light 508 on surfaces to which it is projected, and a mounting element 510 adapted to rotatably connect the laser device to the body 102 of the caddy 500 such that the line of light produced by the laser and the lens can be directed at a surface 512 (i.e., the turf) adjacent to the base 109 in a user-selectable direction to form a line 125 extending away from the body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 107 of the body. The laser device 504 and/or the mounting element 510 may include one or more sight elements 514 that facilitate alignment of the golfer's line of sight 516 and the line 125 produced on the surface 512 by the laser device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the mounting element 510 includes a laser housing 518 connected to a rotating collar 520 affixed to the upper end 104 of the body 102. In other embodiments, the mounting element 510 may be a pivot or swivel or other mechanism for allowing the orientation of the laser alignment device 502 to be changed.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this golf caddy provides a compact and man-portable container for holding a small number of golf clubs in an upright position on the turf of a golf course. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

Claims

1. A golf caddy comprising:

a compact body including

a rigid sidewall defining a first interior cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, an open top end and a bottom end,

a rigid base attached to the bottom end of the body, the base having an upper surface facing the interior cavity and a lower surface facing away from the interior cavity, and

at least one step member extending laterally from the base;

a plurality of spikes projecting longitudinally from the lower surface of the base;

a handle connected to the body at a first end and including a grip portion spaced apart from the body and extending longitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gap between the handle and the body;

a ball holder connected to the body and having a rigid sidewall defining a second interior cavity, an open top end and a closed bottom end; and

an alignment tool attached to the body and selectively reconfigurable to produce a visually perceivable line extending away from the body in a user-selectable direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

2. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the body has a length within the range of 18 inches to 36 inches, measured from the top end to the bottom end along the longitudinal axis, but not including the length of the spikes.

3. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 2, wherein the body has a length within the range of 23 inches to 27 inches, measured from the top end to the bottom end along the longitudinal axis, but not including the length of the spikes.

4. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the alignment tool further comprises:

an elongated shaft member having first and second ends and a central section disposed therebetween, the shaft member extending in a substantially straight line between the first and second ends; and

a mounting element adapted to rotatably connect the central section of the shaft member to the top end of the body such that the first and second ends of the shaft member extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

whereby the elongated shaft member, when attached to the top end of the body, can be oriented in a user-selectable direction to visually form a line extending away from the body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

5. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 4, wherein the mounting element is a center clip member connected to the central section of the shaft member, the center clip member having a pair of channels adapted to removably attach across a circular rim at the top end of the body.

6. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 4, further comprising:

a clip disposed on one of the first and second ends of the shaft member of the alignment tool, the clip adapted to releasably connect to a rim at the top end of the body; and

a securing member disposed on the body, the securing member having sidewalls and a bottom to define a cup-like recess for releasably receiving the other of the first and second ends of the shaft member;

whereby the alignment tool can be releasably secured to a side of the body for storage.

7. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the alignment tool further comprises:

a laser producing a light beam in a visible wavelength;

a lens disposed along the light beam to convert the light beam to a line of light on surfaces to which it is projected; and

a mounting element adapted to rotatably connect the laser to the body such that the line of light produced by the laser and the lens can be directed at a surface adjacent to the base in a user-selectable direction to form a line extending away from the body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

8. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 7, wherein the mounting element is a rotating collar affixed to the upper end of the body.

9. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid sidewall has a substantially constant cross section, when viewed along the longitudinal axis.

10. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 9, wherein the cross section of the rigid sidewall is a circle of substantially constant diameter, when viewed along the longitudinal axis.

11. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid sidewall is substantially unperforated by through-openings from the interior cavity.

12. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid sidewall defines a plurality of through-openings from the interior cavity.

13. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle further includes a cylindrical hole formed therethrough, the hole having an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, and having a diameter within the range from 0.75 inch to 1.25 inch.

14. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the ball holder defines a cylindrical interior cavity having a diameter within the range of 1.68 inch to 2.00 inch, and the sidewall further includes at least one open slot formed through the sidewall having a width of at least 0.75 inch and extending longitudinally to within a distance of 0.5 inches from the bottom end of the ball holder.

15. A golf caddy comprising:

a body including

at least one step member extending laterally from the base;

a plurality of spikes projecting longitudinally from the lower surface of the base; and

a handle connected to the body at a first end and including a grip portion spaced apart from the body and extending longitudinally adjacent the body to define an elongated gap between the handle and the body; and

wherein the sidewall is formed from a thermoplastic material.

16. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 15, wherein the thermoplastic material of the sidewall is one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic and polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic.

17. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 15, wherein the sidewall further comprises at least two separate sidewall sections that are joined together.

18. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 17, wherein:

at least one of the separate sidewall sections includes a handle slot formed on an edge thereof; and

the handle includes a flange formed thereon that is adapted to fit into the handle slot and be trapped between the two sidewall sections when they are joined together;

whereby the handle is joined to the body.

19. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 15, wherein:

the base is formed of a thermoplastic material and the spikes are formed of a metal material; and

the spikes are partially embedded in the base.

20. A golf caddy in accordance with claim 19, wherein:

the sidewall further comprises at least two separate sidewall sections that are joined together; and

the base including the partially embedded spikes is attached to the bottom end of the two sidewall sections.