Reload with the Ballkaddie

By Matt Cooper Last updated: 1st June 2009

The brainchild of Sussex businessman Tony Read, Ballkaddie is a new gadget for the golf bag that is perfect for the golfer in a rush to re-load.

A simple concept and design, the Ballkaddie can save the fretful golfer a few moments of embarrassed fumbling for a new ball in his bag pockets after sending his first (or second) one off in the hopelessly wrong direction.

Clipped to the top of the golf bag and holding three balls, Ballkaddie is neat, light and time-saving.

During the course of a round the player can quickly and easily pull the release trigger and a ball is ejected into the player's hand, ready for the next shot without any delay - or the added frustration or humiliation of struggling to locate a replacement.

Tony Read has designed, developed and launched the product in a short space of time.

The idea was originally an integral part of a radically-new golf bag design but the dispenser generated so much interest with bag manufacturers that it was decided to further develop the concept as a stand-alone product.

"As a keen golfer I began to explore a number of design concepts for products that would make the playing experience easier and hence more enjoyable," he explained at the recent London Golf Show.

"Having taken advice from senior executives in the golf world I visited the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and met with a number of manufacturers. The Ballkaddie concept was enthusiastically received and I have spent the last ten months bringing it to life."

Available in three different colours, the Ballkaddie was as keenly welcomed at the London Show as it had been at the Orlando Show 15 months earlier.

Retailing at £11.99 it makes great gift for a friend or relative - and is proving especially popular with corporate clients.

For more information go to www.ballkaddie.com

Matt Cooper