Welcome to this year’s edition of the WUP Holiday Gift Guide for Golfers. If you have a golfer on your gift list, then you’ve come to the right place for some ideas and/or inspiration. As someone who has lots of golf-crazed friends and family, these are the items that they’ll probably be unwrapping this holiday season. Once again, I’ve tried to mix it up from brands, price range and gender, as well as adding my own creative editorial vision.
Good luck shopping over the next couple of weeks. And don’t worry, you’re not alone — I’ve been experiencing major anxiety every time I approach a store and/or trying to figure out how to tackle getting everyone on my list the best present on the planet.
Happy Holidays!
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I finally got a Bushnell rangefinder last year. What took me so long? Well, my hands shake, so it made it difficult for me to get a correct number, but last year's latest model, the X7, was made with such great technology that I no longer faced that problem. Now, this year, Bushnell has done it again with the new TOUR X.
The TOUR X has been engineered with Exchange Technology. Using two interchangeable faceplates, Exchange Technology gives the golfer a 2-in-1 device. The TOUR X conforms to USGA rule 14-3/.05 when the black faceplate is engaged. When users switch to the red faceplate, the TOUR X deploys Slope Technology providing players with adjusted distance readings based on elevation changes. The TOUR X features Dual Display Technology (DDT) that allows users to easily toggle between the bright red display featuring Vivid Display Technology or the crisp black display, incredible ranging capability of up to 1,300 yards (450+ yards to a flag), 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) and PinSeeker with JOLT Technology.
bushnellgolf.com, $499.00Bushnell Tour X Rangefinder -
The Arccos system features 14 sensors that attach to the grip end of a club and pair via Bluetooth with the company’s free iPhone app. Once the user begins a round of golf, the system maps, measures and records every shot taken, automatically capturing critical data on club distances, putts per round, greens hit in regulation, driving accuracy and more to help players identify patterns and refine strategy. The free Arccos app is among the first golf specific offerings available for the new Apple Watch and GPS distances at more than 20,000 courses, as well as club recommendations and much more. Endorsed by FedEx Cup Champion Billy Horschel and World Long Drive Champion Jamie Sadlowski, Arccos instantly tracks shots in real-time so golfers can see specific stats and review performance during or after each round.
For more info, check out my comprehensive review of Arccos. I loved it when I first tried it and now I can’t play golf without it!
arccosgolf.com, $299Arccos Golf System -
The NEO Ghost comes preloaded with more than 30,000 courses and provides simple measurements to the front, center and back distances of the green – along with up to four hazard/layup distances per hole. Additional features include auto course and auto hole recognition, shot distance calculator and long battery life (play three rounds before charging). Using a multifunctional clip that allows for increased accessibility and convenience during play, the NEO Ghost can be worn on the golfer’s body or easily attached to a bag.
Bushnellgolf.com, $129.99Bushnell NEO Ghost -
Now these are some sweet spikeless golf shoes. In fact, they’re so sweet that I actually got a pair for my boyfriend (shhhhh, don’t tell him). They’re the perfect blend of comfort and style. Modern silhouette and profile designed with inspiration from classic golf footwear using a combination of sporty and premium materials takes your shoe game to a new level.
pumagolf.com, $120PUMA Golf Ignite Shoes -
Combat the cold in this light-weight fleece golf popover with breathable fabric and dryCELL technology. When the temperature drops, your game won’t!
pumagolf.com, $70PUMA Fleece 1/4 Zip Golf Popover -
Every golfer appreciates a box of Pro V1s. You really can’t go wrong with this gift (well, unless your golfer is a 30-handicap with a knack for losing balls, then I wouldn’t waste the money). Add some creativity and Pro V1 balls can make the ultimate present. Whether you decide to go with your initials, nickname, photo or design logos, you’ll easily be able to identify your ball out on the links. FYI, you can’t purchase them on the Titleist website, but find your nearest retailer and ask for an order form.
titleist.com, $39.99Titleist Pro V1 Customized Golf Balls -
Looking for a couple extra yards off the tee? The M1 is your answer (just ask the pros, like Justin Rose). This is probably my favorite TaylorMade driver since the r11.
With M1, TaylorMade has combined decades of knowledge working with titanium and carbon composite to create a driver that is incredibly hot off the face AND forgiving. The carbon composite crown in M1 has unlocked weight savings that has led to a CG so low that it projects at center face, creating high launch, low spin and its longest driver ever.
TaylorMadeGolf.com, $499TaylorMade M1 Driver -
In the battle against the elements, the ClimaHeat™ concept fill jacket is a valuable ally. Our trademark ClimaHeat™ fabric gives you maximum warmth while maintaining your freedom of movement, and it features bonded quilting and elastic binding for enhanced performance in chilly weather.
adidasGolf.com, $150Adidas ClimaHeat
Concept Fill Jacket -
You’ll never want to stop walking again after stepping into these golf shoes. Introducing one of adidas’ most advanced technologies into the game of golf, Boost is designed to deliver a spring-like energy return golfers have never experienced. Features Boost midsole foam integrated into the heel for increased walking comfort and energy return throughout the swing. Bounce foam in forefoot provides great response and helps deliver more power at swing impact.
adidasgolf.com, $149Adidas
adipower Boost Golf Shoe -
I *love* Sun Mountain’s new leather collection, especially this bag in brown. The Leather Sunday bag is reminiscent of some of the earliest golf bags. By using lightweight, modern components, though, Sun Mountain was able to minimize weight to only 4 ¼ lbs., making it an easy carry. Color options include: black/tan, black/cobalt, brown/khaki, and navy/white/red.
sunmountain.com, $429.99Sun Mountain
Leather Sunday Bag -
I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with leather throwback headcovers (and they’ve certainly caught on in the golf industry in recent years). Sun Mountain’s new line is vintage chic and these accessories make perfect stocking stuffers.
sunmountain.com, $49.99-69.99Sun Mountain Leather Headcovers -
You’ll love the new and improved Great Big Bertha driver just as much as you did the original — actually, maybe even more. A few months ago, I had just gotten mine and I stuck it in my bag to try on the driving range before a tournament. I figured I’d hit a few and see how I liked it. Well, it took about three shots for me to keep it permanently in my bag.
This driver is a technological breakthrough that includes a multi-material aerodynamic shape and a sliding weight so that you leave no yard behind. Yep, that means more distance!
callawaygolf.com, $449.99Callaway
Great Big Bertha Driver -
Lizzie Driver is a women’s fashion brand offering sophisticated clothing for the country club fairway and every day. The Autumn/Winter “Mosaic” collection features an array of elegant, graphic patterns and a variety of stand-out color combinations. The line is highlighted by the Escher pullover, the perfect jacket for layering in style both on and off the course.
lizziedriver.com, $120Lizzie Driver Escher Pullover -
ECCO is arguably the best golf shoe in the biz and the brand keeps producing quality, stylish looks year after year. New for 2016, the ECCO Speed features a vintage aesthetic married with exceptional comfort and flexibility. The durable textile and leather uppers provide excellent breathability while maintaining water resistance via the ECCO Hydromax treatment. Built atop a spikeless outsole, it is the perfect shoe to go from the streets to the fairway in style.
eccousa.com, $180ECCO Golf Speed Hybrid -
ECCO is arguably the best golf shoe in the biz and the brand keeps producing quality, stylish looks year after year. New for 2016, the ECCO Speed features a vintage aesthetic married with exceptional comfort and flexibility. The durable textile and leather uppers provide excellent breathability while maintaining water resistance via the ECCO Hydromax treatment. Built atop a spikeless outsole, it is the perfect shoe to go from the streets to the fairway in style.
eccousa.com, $160ECCO Golf
Women’s Casual Hybrid -
Galvin Green is my go-to brand when battling the elements. Great for wind chilled fairways, Galvin Green’s Bob beanie is crafted from Windstopper material, making it 100% windproof.
trendygolfusa.com, $60Galvin Green
Bob Windstopper Hat -
The new MP-25’s are a high ball-speed iron specifically designed for tour players down to the low- to mid-handicap amateurs. Using the power of boron rather than cramming “distance technology” into a larger head iron, Mizuno engineers introduced Micro Slot technology, a hidden pocket cavity, in the MP-25 irons.
mizunousa.com/golf, $999.99 Steel / $1,099.99 GraphiteMizuno MP-25 Irons -
Nike Golf never disappoints with its snazzy shoes. The latest is the Nike Lunar Control 4 Men's Golf Shoe, which is made with springy, responsive cushioning and a waterproof microfiber upper for lasting comfort and a lightweight fit during play.
nikegolf.com, $170Nike Lunar Control 4 Shoes -
Now used by more than 300 Tour players worldwide, the Compressor is making its mark among professionals and amateurs alike. The greatest ball strikers in history have one thing in common, they are able to reach the optimal impact position consistently and maintain control of the club face after the ball has been struck. DST Golf took this knowledge and created the DST Compressor, a warm-up club with a scientifically curved shaft club that replicates the shape of a normal shaft under maximum load. This gives golfers a set up position that closely replicates the optimal impact position. Using the club helps builds muscle memory of the optimal swing movement through impact. Mastering these mechanics improves accuracy and consistency, ultimately lowering scores.
dstgolf.com, $99DST Golf
Compressor Warm-up Club -
Made for the Bettinardi enthusiasts who love their guns as much as their putters! I will refrain from further comment.
bettinardi.com, $65Bettinardi 2nd Amendment
Headcovers -
A bucket filled with 48 bright pink, good-as-new golf balls offered as a holiday combo with a pink glove, tees and a club brush makes for a great gift for the lady golfer in your life. This cheery pink mix is equally perfect for a junior picking up a club for the first time, as it is for an aspiring collegiate player or a seasoned Club Champion.
lostgolfballs.com, $39.99Premium Pink Mix
Holiday Gift Combo -
Enjoy listening to tunes while you’re out on the links? Here’s a speaker that’s perfect for the golf cart and/or bag. It’s water-resistant, charges via USB and connects to any Bluetooth-enabled device from up to 30 feet away, providing clear stereo sound for music, gaming and movies, as well as speakerphone calling. Rubber bumpers protect against impact.
restorationhardware.com, $22Splash Proof
Outdoor Speaker With Bluetooth -
Get your game up to par with the help of this pocket-sized guide. This is absolutely perfect for your friend or significant other who is new to golf. From how to calculate your handicap to the best golf travel destinations in the world, players of every level will appreciate having this book in their back pocket before teeing off.
restorationhardware.com, $5.50Stuff Every Golf Should Know -
Author Shane Ryan immersed himself into the PGA Tour in 2014, which we might look back on as the end of the Tiger Woods era and the start of the Youth Revolution. Ryan looks closely at the new generation of tour players and does an excellent job telling their stories with great detail and candor. This is a must-read for any golf fan. Check out my book review here.
amazon.com, $13.99Slaying the Tiger:
A Year Inside the Ropes on the New PGA Tour -
If you use a lot of apps when playing golf — especially ones designed specifically for the course — then you run into the same problem as me: low battery, or even worse, NO battery power. This protective, yet light-weight design delivers more than 100% extra battery with a flip of a switch. Never worry about running out of juice on the course again!
mophie.com, $99.95Mophie Juice Pack Air -
Seamus Golf is known for its fine golf accessories, especially its tartan headcovers, but Seamus also carries other great items that make great stocking stuffers, like this pouch to keep your valuables safe in your golf bag while on the course.
seamusgolf.com, $65Seamus Golf Snowtrooper Zippered Pouch -
Bring some spice to the links with GFORE’s gloves, which come in every color of the rainbow. It’s okay to be *that* guy (or gal) who’s glove matches his/her outfit.
gfore.com, $35GFORE Gloves -
These are the most comfortable socks that will ever grace your bare feet. I’m serious (and I don’t think I’d ever be this excited to receive *socks* as a gift). If you’re anything like me, then you’ve found it’s difficult to find a good sock. Well, look no further, here’s the answer! No other golf sock on the planet delivers the combination of comfort and performance as KENTWOOL. These golf socks combine superfine Merino wool--a natural Smart Fiber—with WINDspun technology for unparalleled, blister-free performance.
kentwool.com, $19.95KENTWOOL Socks -
I accidentally came across this brand a few months ago and I’m obsessed with their classic, chic products, like this “Braid” golf carry bag, which is water repellent canvas and leather, with YYK AQUAGUARD zippers with removable rain hood.
dagwoodgolf.com, €395.00Dagwood Braid Golf Bag
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