Golf-related gift guide for the holidays

By Chuck Stogel
GolfWeb Equipment Correspondent
 

Tis the season. The holidays are upon us, with Thanksgiving just past and the major gift-giving holidays coming up.

No matter the weather, let’s think golf.

And while you may be thinking of new-fangled drivers with square heads or putters with zirconium inserts, there are plenty of other golf-related items that would make excellent gifts.

Which is the point of this column: To help you find just the right golf-related gift for that special someone, even if it’s just you.

It might be a calendar or book or video; or maybe jewelry, a painting or unique collectible.

All the major golf associations, many individual tournaments, and plenty of well-known courses and resorts offer specialized merchandise that would make wonderful gifts, with or without a logo. Further, at this time of year, you’ll find stores, catalogs and specialty websites stocked with golf/gift items.

The following is a selection of gift ideas listed in a range of places. Not included, however, is general golf equipment, which we cover the rest of the year. Also, most apparel, such as sweaters and shirts, have been omitted. We know they make excellent gifts, and we’re sure you can handle those items on your own.

OK, it’s tee time. Let’s go shopping.

LESS THAN $25

Collegiate Putter Covers -- OK, you’ve got the animals or your favorite college covers on your driver and metalwoods. Now it’s time for the putter. Made by Team Effort of 420D durable nylon with foam padding and fleece lining. Embroidered with a choice of 38 collegiate logos, ranging alphabetically from Alabama to Wisconsin. Fits heel or center shafted putters, rightie or leftie. $9.95 for standard putter, $11.95 for mallet. 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

Choose from 38 collegiate teams.  
Choose from 38 collegiate teams.    
Golf Calendars -- Choice of “Golf Digest, 365 Golf Holes” desktop calendar or “Sports Illustrated Classic Golf Courses” wall calendar. Both are full color. Desk calendar includes golf tips, courses and photos, facts, history; wall calendar is 16 months with images of top courses, holes. $11.95 for desk calendar, $12.95 for wall calendar. 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

G-Clip -- Made by Fine Tune Golf, the G-Clip is a four-in-one product; a belt-clip with ball mark repair tool that carries two tees and has a Velcro strip for attaching a golf glove while putting or between shots; also holds a uniquely designed ball marker. $12.95 with one ball marker in clamshell package; $14.95 boxed with two markers. 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

“Club Life” Book -- Written by veteran journalist John Steinbreder, “Club Life. The Games Golfers Play” is an easy, enjoyable read for both club members and nonmembers, with insights into the social norms and abnormalities of America’s pristine private playgrounds (Taylor Trade Publishing). $19.95. At book stores, golf shops; (800) 462-6420.

Personal Golf Journal -- “Days of Glory” is a first-of-its-kind booklet with rich imagery, journal-like features, an autograph page, memorable quotes and a unique method for holding scorecards, providing enthusiasts a way to build a personal collection chronicling their best moments in golf. Holds 24 scorecards. $24.95. At Booklegger, Eclipse; www.mygolfjournal.com.

$25-$50

Personalized Scorecard Holders -- Full grain leather scorecard holder, 6 ½ x 4 ½, is laser engraved with personalization and swinging golfer logo. Designed for protection, writing surface, and looks great; also holds course yardage book, pencil, ball mark repair tool. Comes in black and cognac brown with male golfer, dusty pink with female golfer. $27.95. 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

The personalized scorecard holders go for $27.95.  
The personalized scorecard holders go for $27.95.    
“Picture Analysis” Book -- This inaugural publication from the new PGA Home Library venture is entitled: “Picture Analysis of Golf Strokes, A Complete Book of Instruction.” It was written by PGA professional and champion Jim Barnes and originally published in 1919, with a modern foreword and reprinted this year. Both historic and informational; a keepsake and a reference (PGA Home Library). $34.95. At bookstores, golf shops; www.greatgolfbooks.com.

Argyle Martini Glasses -- Set of four J.G. H. argyle martini glasses; blue base, smoked glass, crossed golf clubs embossed. But, you supply golf tees as swizzle sticks. $34.99. 800-813-6897; www.golfsmith.com.

Dotted Throw Pillow -- J.G. H. dotted golf ball throw pillow; dots in variety of colors. A dreamy gift for couch, easy chair, bed. $49.99. 800-813-6897; www.golfsmith.com.

$50-$100

Burberry Golf Cap -- We don’t normally include golf caps in this roundup, but these are a cut above. Rain-resistant cap features signature Burberry logo and nova check trim; imported fine Italian cotton and elasthanne gabardine stretch twill. In trench, red, black or white. $50. At Neiman Marcus; 800-825-8000; www.neimanmarcus.com.

Golf Ball Display Cabinets are available in 30-, 60- and 100-ball capacities.  
Golf Ball Display Cabinets are available in 30-, 60- and 100-ball capacities.    
Magnetic Bracelets -- Fashionable and potentially healthful; some believe magnets aid in blood circulation. Sabona Nails Head Duet Magnetic Bracelet comes in silver color with gold accents; combination of matte and polished high-quality stainless steel finish; 18K gold-plated screws; magnets of rust resistant samarium cobalt. Sizes M, L, XL. $64.95. 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

Golf Ball Display Racks -- In oak or cherry finish. Racks in different sizes, hold 30, 60 or 100 balls. Fine wood construction; open design with rows for display; felt backing; for wall mounting or self standing. 100-ball racks, $69.95 in oak, $79.95 in cherry ($49.95 to $59.95 in smaller sizes). 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

Ben Hogan DVD Collection -- The Ben Hogan Collection features three DVDs containing just-released 8mm and 16mm films, produced and distributed by McTee’s Champions. “The Ben Hogan Legacy” is an in-depth documentary; “The Swing Revealed 1” and “The Swing Revealed 2” feature extensive analysis from teaching pro Jim McLean. $89.95. 800-871-5568; www.BenHoganCollection.com.

$100-$500

Framed Artwork -- New this season, Augusta National Framed Art offers four selections: Hole No. 12, Hole No. 16, Amen Corner, Azalea No. 13; 24 x 30 inch size. Colorful reproductions in warm brown frame with gold trim; double-matted hunter green and burgundy crescent board; lightweight Plexiglas; back sealed with dust cover. Great for home or office. $129. 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

The SkyCaddie GPS SG3 model goes for $299.95.  
The SkyCaddie GPS SG3 model goes for $299.95.    
Special Edition Sunglasses -- PeakVision Sports Special Edition sunglasses come in five stylist colors: white mercury, Ceylon blue, purple haze, monza red, forest camouflage, featuring Dual-Zone lenses for both sun protection and playability. $169. 888-856-3419; www.PeakVisionSports.com.

Wrist Watch Plus -- MIO Golf XE is a wrist watch that employs biofeedback to help improve your golf game. Monitors heart rate plus logs stats such as fairways hit, sand saves, putts per hole and more, to be reviewed and evaluated after a round. Developed by Physi-Cal Enterprises. $179. 877-566-4636; www.miowatch.com/golf.

Golf Ball Earrings -- Ball and tee earrings made in sterling silver; balls are 10mm, set with c.z.; earrings are 1 ¼ inches long. Matching pendant available. $250 for earrings. 877-731-9911; www.dumasgolf.com.

SkyCaddie GPS -- One of GolfWeb’s most popular equipment accessories, SkyCaddie uses GPS technology to provide yardages to front, center and back of green, plus hazards, doglegs and more, for more than 11,000 courses that have been precision-mapped. SG3 and SG4 are latest models just introduced, with larger viewing screens and added menu items. $299.95 for SG3 model, $349.95 for SG4. At participating courses; 866-925-5050; www.shop.pgatour.com.

MORE THAN $500

Remote Caddie Cart -- The Stewart Golf X1R is a remote-controlled golf cart with microprocessor-driven electronics and cruise-control settings. Storage for bag, balls, tees, sunglasses, towel, scorecard, pencil, drinks. Weighs 26 lbs, folds for car trunk storage. Personalized with serial number and engraved nameplate. $1,995. 877-783-9872; www.stewartgolfusa.com.

E-Z-GO's 2007 Freedom personal golf car is available in either gas or electric models.  
E-Z-GO's 2007 Freedom personal golf car is available in either gas or electric models.    
Bronze Sculpture -- “Sweet Shot” is a cast antique bronze golfer swinging on marble base, 13 x 8 x 4 inches. Personalized with custom engraving. $2,090 (other sizes and metals, from $347 to $7,040). By Malcolm DeMille artisans. 800-350-5050; www.mdemille.com.

Personal Golf Car -- E-Z-GO’s 2007 Freedom personal golf car is available in either gas or electric models, offering convenience, comfort and dependability on- and off-course (in housing developments, where allowed). Dual halogen headlights, brake lights, turn signals, storage baskets, canopy top, wood-grain dash, fold-down windshield. In 16 color options, including patriot blue pearl, flame red, bright silver metallic, black. Starting at $7,250. 800-241-5855; www.ezgo.com.

UNLIMITED BUDGET

The high-tech simulator is housed in a 15 x 22 foot booth.  
The high-tech simulator is housed in a 15 x 22 foot booth.    
High-Tech Simulator -- With the latest in sensor and microwave technology, and golf software design, About Golf’s as-real-as-it-gets simulator is housed in a 15 x 22 foot booth, complete with hitting bay, screen, putting area, full electronics. For play, practice, teaching & learning; tracks launch data, clubhead speed, trajectory. Variety of courses available with 3D-like action. $40,000, includes setup. 419-868-6091; www.aboutgolf.com.