For those seeking apparel ideas, the buzz words now are “performance” or “organic.” Most new shirts are now
made with some sort of “performance” or “wicking” quality, and quite frankly, these are terrific both to wear and to
wash. Most frequently known lines like, Ashworth, adidas, Nike, Cutter & Buck, and more will carry these new
features. In the same line of items, a good rain suit is a nice choice, and some, like one’s by Sun Mountain,
come in a small carry bag that can be easily left in the pouch of the golf bag.
Speaking of golf bags, the latest ones are lighter than ever, and have more pockets and places for your
accessories. On the higher end, companies like Sun Mountain and PING, make waterproof bags, and well-
made carry bags. For those looking for a less expansive brand, companies like Taylor Made, adidas, Daytek and
Bag Boy make very reasonably priced bags.
Lightweight golf bags are the popular trend, especially among the junior golfer (they walk in high school
tournaments). Some of the newest bags weigh less than five pounds and have double straps that make it much
more comfortable to carry. Make sure the legs of the bag have rubberized bottoms. PING, Sun Mountain and
Ogio make solid lightweight bags. For a small extra fee, most of these bags can be customized with the golfer’s
name embroidered on the side of the bag.
When shopping, don’t forget the young junior golfer. It is rarely too early to hook a child on golf. US Kids makes
an excellent lightweight starter clubs, which can be purchased individually or in sets, and are size, weight and
level of play appropriate for juniors.
In the ladies market, there are some wonderful vibrant colors in golf shirts, along with the soft performance
fabrics, that are easily washable. Popular brands for ladies are Ashworth, Tail, E.P. Pro, Tehama and Ralph
Lauren/Polo. In today’s golf market, if it’s available for a man, there is a similar product made for the lady golfer –
just ask your golf professional to show you.
Many ladies like the new three-wheel PUSH carts. Many ladies are walkers, but few carry their own bag, so these
push carts allow for clubs to the “pushed” rather than the old-fashioned “pull carts.” These ingenious carts can
be pushed on the course, and are very helpful to someone who wants to walk but might have back or shoulder
ailments.
For those looking for smaller gifts, a golfer can always use an extra dozen golf balls. It always seems that some
water hazard or fescue is eating away at our golf balls, and we always need more. The range for balls is
generally from $15 up, with you paying close to$50 for a box of Pro V1s or Pro Vx balls by Titleist. My only
thoughts on balls is to stay away for the large box of three dozen golf balls sold through places like Costco or
Sam’s clubs. Buy your groceries there, not your golf gifts!
In terms of books, your local Pro Shop and bookstores will have a variety of new golf books. There are some
lovely “coffee-table” style books that will run you over $50, but also some new fiction or your standard favorites
like - Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book, Rotella’s Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect, Hogan’s Five Lessons, Nicklaus’
Golf My Way - for less.
For the shopper looking for something different or higher end, the GPS systems are always a great choice. The
Skycaddie and UPro systems are very popular, although you need to download the specific courses on many of
them. Busnell rangefinders are extremely popular, and are now allowed in many club tournaments and other
events. Garmin makes a nice rangefinder at a slightly lower price point than the Busnells.
A good training aid is another item to consider – and they run the from under $10 (check out the new Thumb
Caddy) to a more intense swing performance trainer, like the Swing Solver, which costs just under $300 (www.
swingsolver.com, You Tube, keyword, Swingsolver).
Finally, a very convenient gift that can easily be mailed to you (with free shipping) and you don’t need to deal with
the crowds in the store or parking the car in a crowded mail, is the Passport to Golf/ The Ultimate Golf Pass
(www.passportnjgolf.com), featuring nearly 150 courses to play next season at discounted rates.
Almost 100 of the courses are in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, or popular destinations like Ocean
City, Maryland and ones along Interstate 95 if you are driving south next year. If you haven’t considered it, give it a
second thought. It’s a practical gift and one that most local golfers will appreciate whether it’s for the holidays or
another special occasion.
(Note: This is only a small sample of gift items. Not all stores will carry every item and prices may vary, they are
merely a guideline).
SUPPORT YOUR PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL & LOCAL PRO SHOPS!
made with some sort of “performance” or “wicking” quality, and quite frankly, these are terrific both to wear and to
wash. Most frequently known lines like, Ashworth, adidas, Nike, Cutter & Buck, and more will carry these new
features. In the same line of items, a good rain suit is a nice choice, and some, like one’s by Sun Mountain,
come in a small carry bag that can be easily left in the pouch of the golf bag.
Speaking of golf bags, the latest ones are lighter than ever, and have more pockets and places for your
accessories. On the higher end, companies like Sun Mountain and PING, make waterproof bags, and well-
made carry bags. For those looking for a less expansive brand, companies like Taylor Made, adidas, Daytek and
Bag Boy make very reasonably priced bags.
Lightweight golf bags are the popular trend, especially among the junior golfer (they walk in high school
tournaments). Some of the newest bags weigh less than five pounds and have double straps that make it much
more comfortable to carry. Make sure the legs of the bag have rubberized bottoms. PING, Sun Mountain and
Ogio make solid lightweight bags. For a small extra fee, most of these bags can be customized with the golfer’s
name embroidered on the side of the bag.
When shopping, don’t forget the young junior golfer. It is rarely too early to hook a child on golf. US Kids makes
an excellent lightweight starter clubs, which can be purchased individually or in sets, and are size, weight and
level of play appropriate for juniors.
In the ladies market, there are some wonderful vibrant colors in golf shirts, along with the soft performance
fabrics, that are easily washable. Popular brands for ladies are Ashworth, Tail, E.P. Pro, Tehama and Ralph
Lauren/Polo. In today’s golf market, if it’s available for a man, there is a similar product made for the lady golfer –
just ask your golf professional to show you.
Many ladies like the new three-wheel PUSH carts. Many ladies are walkers, but few carry their own bag, so these
push carts allow for clubs to the “pushed” rather than the old-fashioned “pull carts.” These ingenious carts can
be pushed on the course, and are very helpful to someone who wants to walk but might have back or shoulder
ailments.
For those looking for smaller gifts, a golfer can always use an extra dozen golf balls. It always seems that some
water hazard or fescue is eating away at our golf balls, and we always need more. The range for balls is
generally from $15 up, with you paying close to$50 for a box of Pro V1s or Pro Vx balls by Titleist. My only
thoughts on balls is to stay away for the large box of three dozen golf balls sold through places like Costco or
Sam’s clubs. Buy your groceries there, not your golf gifts!
In terms of books, your local Pro Shop and bookstores will have a variety of new golf books. There are some
lovely “coffee-table” style books that will run you over $50, but also some new fiction or your standard favorites
like - Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book, Rotella’s Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect, Hogan’s Five Lessons, Nicklaus’
Golf My Way - for less.
For the shopper looking for something different or higher end, the GPS systems are always a great choice. The
Skycaddie and UPro systems are very popular, although you need to download the specific courses on many of
them. Busnell rangefinders are extremely popular, and are now allowed in many club tournaments and other
events. Garmin makes a nice rangefinder at a slightly lower price point than the Busnells.
A good training aid is another item to consider – and they run the from under $10 (check out the new Thumb
Caddy) to a more intense swing performance trainer, like the Swing Solver, which costs just under $300 (www.
swingsolver.com, You Tube, keyword, Swingsolver).
Finally, a very convenient gift that can easily be mailed to you (with free shipping) and you don’t need to deal with
the crowds in the store or parking the car in a crowded mail, is the Passport to Golf/ The Ultimate Golf Pass
(www.passportnjgolf.com), featuring nearly 150 courses to play next season at discounted rates.
Almost 100 of the courses are in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, or popular destinations like Ocean
City, Maryland and ones along Interstate 95 if you are driving south next year. If you haven’t considered it, give it a
second thought. It’s a practical gift and one that most local golfers will appreciate whether it’s for the holidays or
another special occasion.
(Note: This is only a small sample of gift items. Not all stores will carry every item and prices may vary, they are
merely a guideline).
SUPPORT YOUR PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL & LOCAL PRO SHOPS!
This site is the © 2006 - 2010 of www.golfers-tee-times.com. Unless otherwise stated.
Great Gifts for the Golfers in your Life
By Bill Hannum
Golfers seem to have a habit of wanting that new
item that will help improve their game so that even
if they can’t become the guy or gal they see on
television, they’ll at least be able to beat their
buddies on those Saturday morning or
Wednesday afternoon games.
Of course, the golf companies are more than
happy to constantly change their product, and
come out with the latest and greatest innovations,
but given our current economy, many consumers
are sticking to more practical and economic
choices.
Fear not golfers, there are still plenty great gifts
for those of you looking for ideas to give a loved
one for a gift or secretly want them to buy for you in
the upcoming weeks – may it be the holidays,
Valentine’s Day, an upcoming birthday or some
other special occasion.
When shopping for a golfer, the first thing that
comes to mind is buying golf clubs – whether
buying a full set or an individual club, but be
careful – golf clubs are a very personalized item
and might be easier to stay away from. If you really
want to go this route, give them a gift certificate to
the pro shop or golf store they frequent most, and
let them pick out the club that they like the best.
But aside from clubs, there are dozens of great
gift ideas for golfers, and the price can range from
small stocking stuffers (under $10) to having a
putting green installed in their backyard or office
(probably a few thousand dollars).
By Bill Hannum
Golfers seem to have a habit of wanting that new
item that will help improve their game so that even
if they can’t become the guy or gal they see on
television, they’ll at least be able to beat their
buddies on those Saturday morning or
Wednesday afternoon games.
Of course, the golf companies are more than
happy to constantly change their product, and
come out with the latest and greatest innovations,
but given our current economy, many consumers
are sticking to more practical and economic
choices.
Fear not golfers, there are still plenty great gifts
for those of you looking for ideas to give a loved
one for a gift or secretly want them to buy for you in
the upcoming weeks – may it be the holidays,
Valentine’s Day, an upcoming birthday or some
other special occasion.
When shopping for a golfer, the first thing that
comes to mind is buying golf clubs – whether
buying a full set or an individual club, but be
careful – golf clubs are a very personalized item
and might be easier to stay away from. If you really
want to go this route, give them a gift certificate to
the pro shop or golf store they frequent most, and
let them pick out the club that they like the best.
But aside from clubs, there are dozens of great
gift ideas for golfers, and the price can range from
small stocking stuffers (under $10) to having a
putting green installed in their backyard or office
(probably a few thousand dollars).
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