Luxist Holiday Guide: Gifts for the Golfer

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed)
Dec 6th 2006 at 4:01PM

Golfers are relatively easy to shop for when it comes to the availability of gadgets, clothing and other sporting equipment. Unlike some other sports, there are a huge number of products for men and for women of all ages. The problem is that golfers usually like to stock up on the latest stuff themselves. Tell your golfing giftees that they aren't allowed to buy themselves anything this month and check out our top picks for ideas. We didn't include any clubs because, quite frankly, you sometimes need to head out to the pro shop and try them before you play. With any of these, a golfer will be ready to go right away:

The Golfer's Cooler Bag holds balls, tees and pencils, in addition to holding up to 12 cans in the main cooler compartment, so you won't have to wait until you get the the clubhouse to get a drink, even on a hot day. The nylon bag can be monogrammed with three initials to make it personal. Price: $50.

We mentioned the Tumi Bernadette Golf Bag back in October because it was released to support breast cancer awareness and, unfortunately, it is out of stock, but you can still get a brightly colored Pink Cart Bag from Precept that will beat the sold blacks and browns that so many bags come in. Price: $140.

The iGolf GPS Caddie is a must-have if you want to get improved yardage on the course. The gadget automatically determines the distance to the front, center & back of green and works on any course in the world. You just sync it up to a PC and download the layouts for up to 40 courses from iGolf and the satellite-based system will help you get the ball when it needs to go. Price: $230.

Speaking of getting onto the green, the Putting Stroke Improvement System is supposed to really improve your short came. It has aids that help: striking speed, club position and shot alignment. You can insert foam contour pads underneath the green to allow for contours and the system can be used right or left-handed, indoors or out. Price: $400.

Charriol's Diamond Golf Bag Charm is a lovely way to accessorize when playing. The pendant is made of 18K white gold and has .03 carats of pavé diamonds set into the bag. Price: $275.

Don't have room for a whole practice course at home? Try adding a Golden Tee Fore! Complete System to your game room. The arcade-style video game may not help your swing out, but it's a lot of fun when you can't hit the links in person. It includes 29 real courses to play. Price: $4,250.

In the event that you play on a heavily-wooded course (because we're not trying to imply you have bad aim) and frequently loose balls, the Golf-Ball Finding Glasses are a neat way to keep track of them and, potentially, avoid having to take penalty strokes. They were developed by two nuclear engineers and filter out 90% of long wavelength light (dark colors) let short wavelength light (whites and yellows) pass. The black frames are flexible and scratch resistant, too. Price: $40.

Golf trips are fantastic gifts for anyone who plays and you can find them anywhere in the world. Our top pick this year is the Brooks Brothers Ultimate Golf Excursion in Virginia, which includes playing time and instruction with PGA pros Scott Verplank and James Driscoll. Price: $7,200 per couple.

Forget the cliche that says golf clothing isn't fashionable. Ralph Lauren's Elanah Jacket is weather-resistant and, although sleekly styled, allows completely freedom of movement on the fairway. Price: $165.

For golfers not on the course, the Golf BBQ set is a cute accessory for the home. The set includes golf-themed stainless steel tongs, spatula and meat fork, all with comfy rubber grips. Price: $30.