For us golfers, winter represents two options. If you stay in a climate that gets cold, winter means the end of the golf season. It usually hits right when you've finally gotten your swing in a groove, then the cold snaps come and the clubs – and your swing – go into hibernation.
Or, you can follow the path well-worn by clever snowbirds: Go somewhere warm, whether for a short vacation, a season or to live out your life without ever having to wait out a snowstorm to go back to the greens.
If you love someone who daydreams of reorganizing their life around the golf course (and believe me, they're not alone), these gift ideas should be high on your shopping list for the holidays. I included a mix of price points here, and, as someone who makes a living, in part, playing two to three times a week, traveling to see new golf courses and seeing one to two Top 100 courses a year, I can tell you that each option will improve their game and enjoyment of it.
An indoor golf simulator
If you have the space, money and time, this might be the best moment ever to invest in a simulator for your home.
There are many brands to consider, so don't just default to Trackman or Full Swing because you see their names the most (though those are great options!). There are also many ways to set up a simulator to get the most bang for your buck and make the best use of your space. To narrow down these options, talk to the pros at The Indoor Golf Shop to find a setup that will fit your budget.
The best advice I can offer is that camera-based systems are often better than radar-based systems, but the technology is getting better and better each year, along with the graphics. Don't skimp on a projector and get a high-quality hitting mat. Expect to spend at least $7,500 on a quality setup.
Top option: The Indoor Golf Shop
Seriously great irons
You don't have to be a golf equipment nerd to pick out great irons anymore. All of the manufacturers ensure you have great clubs in your hands these days. Similar to cars, there aren't many lemons anymore. You just need to pick an iron that performs well for you.
The new T series irons by Titleist are this year's winner for me. My shots have never flown farther or higher than with these irons. The key is that somehow Titleist keeps finding ways to lower the center of gravity in their irons, which creates launch conditions that make even a moderate swinger like me launch the ball fast and high. These come in at $1,500 per set.
Top option: Titleist T-250
An epic driver
Aside from hitting a home run in Little League baseball, nothing has ever felt better in sports than a well-struck drive. That feeling happens more often than not with TaylorMade's latest driver, the Qi-35, which is now $100 off.
In terms of gifting, you may want to make this one where they unwrap a photo of the gift, and then you both go in person to pick out the physical gift from the store. That's because the driver comes in three different models to suit your game, but a good fitter can help you find the right combination of head and shaft that works for your game and swing. Do not buy one off the rack. Make sure you get fit.
Top option: TaylorMade Qi-35
A lightweight golf bag for walkers
I'm a walking golfer and believe the game is best played on foot. I certainly prefer hoofing it with my clubs thrown over my back to putting on a weighted vest and walking through my neighborhood. But you want a lightweight bag.
At only 4.3 pounds and about $339, the Lux Air is my bag these days. It has plentiful pockets to stow balls, tees, and some sunscreen, as well as a nice full-length pocket to accommodate a sweater or vest. The bag comes in a six- or 14-way top. Its kickstand legs are carbon fiber, and its backpack mechanism is self-balancing.
Top option: Lux Air from Vessel Golf
Golf shoes that don't pinch
One of the fastest-growing brands in golf is Payntr Golf Shoes. One reason they've taken off is that they are incredibly comfortable and some of the best shoes on the market. The new Sport Classic LE, a spikeless shoe, is so comfortable that a recent madcap scramble in Hartsfield-Jackson (is there any other kind of transfer at that airport?) was as comfortable as walking in houseshoes – on carpet.
The entire lineup of shoes is worth checking out. The underlying technology is designed to let golfers utilize ground forces more efficiently, which translates into faster swings and more power when hitting the golf ball.
An ortholite footbed provides great cushioning, and the waterproof uppers mean early morning rounds won't leave your socks steeping in dew or someone's spilled coffee on the commuter train. A pair costs $160.
Top option: Payntr Golf Shoes
Refined athleisure to outfit your golfer
Sun Mountain is known for creating the modern-day golf stand bag (and the Eclipse is a good choice), and they have recently stepped into apparel and improved their waterproof rain jackets.
My picks this year from Sun Mountain include: For women, the Teigan Quarter-Zip ($99), a soft fleece that feels like one of my kids' stuffed animals. For men, I like the Knockdown Vest ($199), which I can't seem to stop wearing even once I'm inside the house. And to battle the rain, go with a Monsoon Jacket ($99).
Top option: Sun Mountain
Sweaters for cooler days on the course
More and more golf apparel companies are including women's lines. This year, my wife and I liked the new releases from Turtleson, including the Maeve Extra Fine Merino and the Asymmetrical Funnel Collar. Both are soft and perfect for layering under a jacket or vest for fall golf rounds or when the evening chill comes out in warmer climates.
For men, the Ace Birdseye Crewneck Sweater is a handsome choice with old school flair on and off the course. Prices begin at $155.
Top option: Turtleson
A simple but effective piece of training equipment
I'm not one to go into deep rabbit holes of Instagram or YouTube videos on improving my swing, but the TRS Slider is a sound piece of training equipment.
One thing I know from lessons over the years is that golfers need to be forced into feeling the proper swing positions. The TRS Slider won't allow you to raise your right arm, and keeping the right arm close to your body makes it harder (though not impossible) to come over the top on your swing.
By helping you ingrain that feeling in your swing, the hope is that when you take off the aid, you're still hitting with the same proper mechanics. This is a thoughtful gift that your golfer will be impressed you thought of – and they'll use it often.
Top option: TRS Slider
Better data for better scores
Given that we carry computers around in our pockets all day, it would make sense we take advantage of that by installing Arccos sensors on our golf clubs. These allow you to know how far you hit each club by keeping track of your stats over time.
If you analyze the data right, you won't just know how many fairways you're missing (ahem, I mean, hitting), you'll know what your tendencies are under pressure and in heightened moments. Golf is complicated, but if you can use the data to get better at course management, you'll be able to play and practice smarter. Systems start at $99.
Top option: Arccos Golf
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