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If someone you love is a golf enthusiast then you’ve probably thought about purchasing a golf-related gift. However, if you don’t personally play golf or know much about the sport, then the sea of choices can seem overwhelming, including the cost of many of the items. I’m here to help you out because I’ve spent years purchasing golf gifts for family members and friends and I’ve learned a few tidbits along the way about what golf fanatics love—and what can quickly end up in the junk drawer.
What to consider when buying golf gifts
As someone who is constantly purchasing golf equipment, accessories, and gifts, I’ve quickly learned (through trial and error) it’s helpful to consider the following as you’re making your gift selection.
Budget
It’s no secret golf is often considered a more expensive sport. From the pricey equipment, to the high cost of a round of golf, the expenses quickly add up. Before you start your search for the best golf gifts, establish a budget and then stay open-minded about what you may or may not be able to afford. The good news is, you can find useful, fun, practical golf gifts available in almost any budget.
Skill level
When purchasing a golf gift, it’s important you keep the golfer’s skill level in mind. If they’re a beginner golfer, then their needs will look totally different than someone who plays every week and consistently turns in low scores. This applies not only to golf equipment and accessories, but even the courses they play, since some courses are better suited for certain skill levels.
If you’re unsure of their skill level or how often they play, then you can always choose a gift where it doesn’t matter—such as clothing, golf gloves, or even golf lessons.
Brand preference
Another observation I’ve made over the years from buying golf gifts is how particular golfers are about brands. This is true whether it’s for golf shoes, balls, clubs, gloves, clothing, you name it. Once a golf enthusiast finds a particular brand they play well with, they’ll remain loyal for years. Golf is full of major brands, such as Titleist, Callaway, FootJoy, Nike, Bridgestone, and so many others, but you can get a sense of what your golfer likes by taking a look at what’s inside their golf bag or the brand of clothing they prefer on the golf course.
Keep in mind, one brand is not particularly better than another, it’s simply what your golfer prefers and works well for them.
Our top picks for best golf gifts
Best personalized golf gift: Maxfli 2023 Straightfli Personalized Golf Balls
Maxfli 2023 Straightfli Personalized Golf Balls
Personalized golf balls are such a fun way to celebrate your favorite golfer. Not only can you choose from five different colors and endless personalization options, it’s a budget-friendly option. They’re sold in boxes of 12, making it easy to gift for a round of golf or as a keepsake.
Price on publish: $22.99
Get it here: Maxfli 2023 Straightfli Personalized Golf Balls
Best golf sunglasses for everyday wear: Oakley Portal X Sunglasses
Oakley Portal X Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential with golf since it requires long hours outdoors. However, sunglasses can get a bit cumbersome when you’re wearing a golf hat, plus the issue of needing total clarity. The Oakley Portal X Sunglasses make an ideal gift because golfers can maintain clear, crisp vision thanks to the Prizm Lens Technology. They’re sleek and comfortable with a minimalist design, and look sharp both on and off the golf course. Golfers will also love the nosepads and earsocks that keep the sunglasses in place.
Price on publish: $167 - $177
Get it here: Oakley Portal X Sunglasses
Best golf watch: GARMIN Approach S62
GARMIN Approach S62
The GARMIN Approach S62 tells you how far you are to the pin, the wind speed, and it even suggests what club to use to hit the pin based on the wind and your swing. It works great off the course too, providing data such as oxygen levels, sleep monitoring, and pulse rate. While it is more expensive, I can personally recommend this watch for any serious golfer and it will be the watch they wear 24/7.
Price on publish: $499.99
Get it here: GARMIN Approach S62
Best golf subscription box: The Mully Box
The Mully Box
Any golfer, of any skill level, will appreciate The Mully Box, which is expertly curated with golfers in mind. Every three months, members receive a hand-selected box of golf gear up to 50% off of pro-shop prices. A box typically includes a collared shirt, glove, golf accessory, and training aid. You can select as many months as you like and can cancel at any time.
Price on publish: $119 per month
Get it here: The Mully Box
Best budget golf gift: SlopeMaster ProGreen Reader Golf Hat Clip Ball Marker
SlopeMaster ProGreen Reader - Golf Hat Clip Ball Marker with High Precision Green Reading Aid Golf Accessories for Men Women(Black)
It’s no secret golfers love their gadgets and tools when they’re on the course and the SlopeMaster ProGreen Reader Golf Hat Clip Ball Marker makes a budget-friendly option for any golfer reading the greens. It works within five feet of the hole and they can use it for more accurate slop reading with putts. It’s compact too, coming in smaller than a poker chip, easily fitting into any golf bag.
Price on publish: $5.97 - $16.99
Get it here: SlopeMaster ProGreen Reader Golf Hat Clip Ball Marker
Best backyard golf gift: Himal Outdoors Golf Net
Himal Outdoors Golf Net,Golf Net Backyard Driving,Golf Driving Range,Golf Swing Net,Heavy Duty Golf Practice Net,Golf Practice Hitting Net,Quick Setup Golf Net with Carry Bag (Black)
Training aids like the Himal Outdoors Golf Golf Net make excellent gifts because not only do they help a golfer work on skills while off the course, but they can be fun for the entire family. This particular practice hitting net can easily be set up in your backyard, living room, garage, or wherever you have space. It only takes minutes to assemble or take down and can help your golf enthusiast improve their swing with consistent practice.
Price on publish: $89.99
Get it here: Himal Outdoors Golf Net
Best golf clothing gifts for women: CALIA Women's Soft Scuba 1/4 Zip Golf Sweatshirt
CALIA Women's Soft Scuba 1/4 Zip Golf Sweatshirt
No matter what skill level a golfer is, they have to be comfortable on the golf course and this CALIA Women's Soft Scuba 1/4 Zip Golf Sweatshirt will ensure both comfort and style. It’s a modern approach to traditional golf clothing and looks great both on and off the course. It comes in sizes XS to 3X and nine colors too, so you can pick her favorite.
Price on publish: $35.38 - $59.98
Get it here: CALIA Women's Soft Scuba 1/4 Zip Golf Sweatshirt
Best golf clothing gifts for men: Adidas 3-Stripes Quarter-Zip Pullover
Adidas 3-Stripes Quarter-Zip Pullover
Adidas continuously makes quality clothing for the golf course with modern designs and uncomplicated washing instructions. The Adidas 3-stripe Quarter Zip Pullover offers a budget-friendly clothing option for cooler days on the course and it will hold up after numerous washings and wear (from personal experience). It also comes in a few colors and several sizes from S to XXL
Price on publish: $70
Get it here: Adidas 3-Stripes Quarter-Zip Pullover
Best golf gear gifts: Voice Caddie Portable Golf Launch Monitor and Swing Analyzer with Real-Time Shot Data Tracking
Voice Caddie SC200Plus Portable Golf Launch Monitor and Swing Analyzer with Real-Time Shot Data Tracking - 12-Hour Battery Life
For the serious golfer, the Voice Caddie Portable Golf Launch Monitor and Swing Analyzer helps you break down the details of your golf swing—one of the most important skills you can work on in the sport. It provides a number of critical data points, including swing speed, ball speed, and distance. Added bonuses are it’s portable, can fit in a golf bag, and it’s a great price point for a launch monitor.
Price on publish: $279.96
Get it here: Voice Caddie Portable Golf Launch Monitor and Swing Analyzer with Real-Time Shot Data Tracking
Best golf gift for dad: Perfect Practice V5 Standard Putting Mat
Perfect Practice V5 Standard Putting Mat, Men's
Dad will love this putting training aid, the Perfect Practice V5 Standard Putting Mat. From personal experience, I can tell you it truly helps with learning correct putting alignment. The best feature is it automatically returns to you and the wood keeps the golf ball from going too far over the hole. The foldable design makes it ideal for the home, office, basement, or garage, so Dad can take it anywhere.
Price on publish: $179.99
Get it here: Perfect Practice V5 Standard Putting Mat
Best gift for golf enthusiasts: Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater
Mr. Heater F242010 4000 BTU Portable Radiant Propane Golf Cart Heater
For the die-hard golf enthusiast who never misses a round of golf whether it’s rain or shine, the Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater is a must. You can easily place it in the cup holder of any golf cart (yes, they all have cup holders!) and keep warm no matter the temperature outside. It’s even wind-resistant and has a one-touch startup button for a user-friendly design. Your golf enthusiast will love you when they’re feeling warm and toasty in cold conditions.
Price on publish: $83.39
Get it here: Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater
Best gift for adult beginners: Wilson Profile SGI Complete Golf Club Set
Wilson Profile SGI Complete Golf Club Set
Beginner golfers can easily get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices for clubs, but a set like the Wilson Profile SGI Complete Golf Club Set can cut through the noise and give you everything you need to get started. It includes the driver, fairway wood, hybrid, irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge, putter, stand bag, and matching headcovers, so your golfer can immediately get started (and at a reasonable price).
Price on publish: $399.99
Get it here: Wilson Profile SGI Complete Golf Club Set
Best gift for kids beginners: U.S. Kids Golf Ultralight 42 4-Club Complete Set
U.S. Kids Golf Ultralight 42 4-Club Complete Set
If you’re buying a beginner set of clubs for kids, I highly recommend the U.S. Kids Golf Ultralight 42 4-Club Complete Set. It has everything your beginning junior golfer needs and is lightweight enough they can carry the bag themself. Keep in mind you can purchase longer lengths too, which is based on the golfer’s height.
Price on publish: $179.98
Get it here: U.S. Kids Golf Ultralight 42 4-Club Complete Set
Best golf tech gift: Bushnell Golf Wingman View Golf GPS Speaker
Bushnell Golf Wingman View Golf GPS Speaker
For your tech-loving golfer, the Bushnell Golf Wingman View Golf GPS Speaker will be their new favorite golf toy. The speaker not only plays their favorite music while on the golf course or off, but it provides audible distance readings from over 36,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman View. It also includes a built-in USB charging port in case your smartwatch or phone gets low on battery.
Price on publish: $199.99
Get it here: Bushnell Golf Wingman View Golf GPS Speaker
Best book for golfers: Putting out of Your Mind, by Bob Rotella
Putting out of Your Mind, by Bob Rotella
Putting out of Your Mind, by sport psychologist Bob Rotella, PhD, is a must-read for any golf lover, especially if you know anyone who struggles with the mental aspect of putting (which is quite common). Dr. Rotella offers tried-and-true advice for conquering the biggest obstacles with putting.
Price on publish: $27
Get it here: Putting out of Your Mind, by Bob Rotella
How we selected the best golf gifts
Choosing these golf gifts comes from years of personal experience and what I’ve observed the golfers in my family have responded to the most. A wide variety of price points and options were considered, so you can choose something for virtually any golfer on your gift list.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What do you get a golf lover for Christmas?
Christmas is a fantastic time to find great major discounts on golf gifts, ranging from clothing and golf bags, to training aids and more. If you know the golfer enjoys a particular golf course, you can always gift them a round of golf and many courses have holiday specials too. If you know their golf ball preference, a box of golf balls is always a welcomed gift.
How do you buy a round of golf as a gift?
You have a few options for buying someone a round of golf. If you know the course you’d like to purchase from, you can call the course directly and ask for either a gift certificate or pay for a round over the phone. You can also purchase a gift card through a service like GolfNow, where someone can choose from hundreds of courses across the U.S. and book their own tee time. Another option is purchasing a generic gift card, such as a Visa, and earmarking it specifically for a round of golf since most courses accept credit cards.
How do I choose a golf ball for a gift?
Purchasing golf balls as a gift can be slightly tricky because choosing the right golf ball is based on so many personal factors of the golfer (such as their distance, speed, and handicap). Getting a little intel on their preference can make a huge difference. If you have access to their golf bag or know someone who does, you can always see what ball they currently have and purchase the same one online or at a sporting goods store.
If you don’t know the golfer’s preference, you can use a golf ball recommendation tool, such as the one with golfballs.com, to find something that matches their skill level or frequency of play.
How many golf balls does a golfer need?
The bottom line is, a golf enthusiast can never have too many golf balls, as long as they’re the right kind of ball best suited for their skill level. Not only do golfers lose golf balls in the water or woods, but eventually you need to replace a golf ball simply due to its use. From personal experience, avid golfers may replace a golf ball once there are any visible signs of use, such as a scuff mark, which means frequent replacement.
Are golf clubs a good gift?
Golf clubs can make a fantastic gift and getting fitted for the correct clubs can have a positive impact on a golfer’s game. However, golf clubs often come with a higher price tag, so if an entire set isn’t in your budget, you could ask the golfer if there’s one club in particular they need, such as a wedge or an iron. Purchasing one golf club is much more cost effective than an entire set and your golfer can get plenty of use out of it.
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