Gifts for golfers

Clubs and shoes are not surprises

Clubs are fitted to a person: height, swing speed, the shots they hit badly and the brand they trust. A driver bought as a surprise is usually a driver taken back to the shop. Shoes have the same problem, plus width, spikes and whatever their feet complain about after eighteen holes.

If someone keeps talking about new clubs, give them a lesson or a fitting appointment and let them choose. Everything on this list works without knowing their swing.

Check the ball before you buy balls

Golfers are fussy about the ball, and they have reason to be. A player who has settled on one ball judges distances and spin around it, and a box of a different model often ends up as practice balls or a donation to the pond.

Look in their bag, or ask whoever they play with. If they play a Pro V1 or a TP5, a dozen of the same is the safest gift here. If they lose half a dozen balls a round, a premium ball is a waste, and they would rather have more of something cheaper. Novelty prints like the TP5 Pix pretzel only work for someone who already plays that ball.

Laser, watch or handheld

All three give yardages. The difference is how the golfer likes to get them. A laser like the Shot Scope PRO L2 gives an exact number to the flag and suits someone who walks up, aims and wants one figure. A watch like the Garmin Approach S44 or Shot Scope G6 suits a walker who wants a glance at the front, middle and back of the green without stopping. A handheld or speaker from Bushnell suits someone who rides in a cart and likes the device on the frame.

Two things catch people out. Slope readings are not allowed in most competitions, so slope models need switching off for club medals. And watches and speakers need charging, which matters for someone who already forgets to charge their phone.

Lessons are tied to one place

A lesson is a good gift for a beginner, for someone coming back after years away, or for a player stuck at the same handicap. Every lesson here is local: one in New Jersey, one in Adelaide, a simulator session in Melbourne, and a UK voucher that covers several venues. Check where they live before you buy, and read the expiry. The UK voucher lasts 12 months, which is plenty if they book in spring and short if the winter is wet.

Winter practice and small things for the bag

For the months when the course is closed or waterlogged, a putting mat at home keeps the stroke going. The Rife mat suits a living room; the 13 ft WellPutt needs a long hallway. The SKLZ grip trainer works at the range all year.

The small stuff is where most people should shop if they do not know the golfer well. A towel, a divot tool, a ball marker or a pouch for tees all get used, and nobody has strong opinions about towels. Two of them together make a decent stocking or Secret Santa gift.

Questions people ask

Should I buy golf clubs as a gift?

Only if the golfer picked the exact model, shaft and loft themselves and told you. Clubs are fitted to height, swing speed and habits, and most golfers have strong views on brand and feel. A surprise club usually goes back. A fitting appointment or a lesson lets them choose the right club, and shoes are a similar gamble on fit.

What golf balls should I buy someone?

The ones they already play. Look in their bag or ask a playing partner which ball and model they use. Many golfers have settled on one ball and will not play another. If they lose several balls a round, a premium dozen is wasted, so buy more of a cheaper ball they like instead of one box of tour balls.

Is a rangefinder or a GPS watch better?

A laser rangefinder gives the most exact distance to the flag and suits someone who likes one precise number. A GPS watch shows front, middle and back of the green at a glance and suits a golfer who walks and wants less fuss. Both work well. Remember that slope readings must be switched off for most competitions.

What is a good small gift for a golfer?

A towel, a divot tool with a ball marker, a magnetic ball marker or a small pouch for tees and markers. These get used every round and nobody minds having a spare. A dozen of the ball they already play is the best small gift of all, if you can find out which one it is.