It’s almost that time of year again when you will be asked the traditional question: “So what do you want for the holidays?” And, like every year, you’ll scratch your head and say “I don’t know” or “Nothing.”
Not only is it bad for you (odds are you will end up with another ugly sweater), it’s also frustrating for your loved ones to play the guessing game when the perfect golf gift is waiting. You just have to ask.
Don’t get caught off guard when that question comes your way this holiday season. Be armed and ready with an answer that will make both of you happy. Here’s a short cheat sheet of what’s hot in the world of golf:
Games:
There are lots of ways to “play golf” without going to the course, particularly those who like to party. One of the biggest hits among casual golfers is Chippo ($150 range), similar to corn hole but with two key differences – players chip golf balls instead of throwing bean bags, and the boards have three holes arranged like a smiley face pattern instead of one.
Equipment:
You can always use a sleeve of balls ($30-$40 range), a pair of golf gloves ($20-$30 range), club covers ($10-$20 range) or even golf tees ($5-$10 range). These small but necessary pieces of equipment make the ideal gift for someone shopping on a tight budget.
Media:
Remember that book you’ve been meaning to read, or the latest instructional video you’ve been meaning to watch? Let someone surprise you with the gift of knowledge and entertainment. The hottest new release is “Roaring Back: The Fall and Rise of Tiger Woods” ($26.99), which takes readers along for the ride of the back nine in the 2019 Masters. For viewers, Tom Watson’s “Lessons of a Lifetime” ($46.99) is a keeper.
Practice Gear:
Tired of dropping strokes on those 6-footers? Fix it with one of the many putting-practice sets that allow you to work on your short game whenever you can find the time. Perfect for your office or man cave, practice greens with ball-returns are a great gift for golfers of all skill levels. Calloway makes several excellent models ($50-$75 range).
Rangefinders:
These handy gadgets just keep getting better and more accurate to use. The latest versions allow golfers to lock in the distance of their next shots, along with other useful data to help you choose your club and swing. Using the latest in GPS technology, Bushnell makes an excellent model in the new Pro XE ($500 range).
Tracking systems:
If you haven’t already dabbled in the latest in high-tech gadgetry, here’s your chance. The early versions of tracking devices have been fine-tuned and streamlined in products like the Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors ($250 range), which send instant stats and swing readings to your smart phone. For even more accuracy, try the new Smart Grips.
Voice Caddie:
No one likes unsolicited advice from a know-it-all playing partner, but modern technology has developed a real know-it-all device that can help you when you need it. An instruments similar in size to a cell phone can be placed behind the golfer for feedback about your alignment and post-swing analysis. The Swing Caddie 2 and the Optishot ($300 range) are the latest versions to take the golf course by storm.
Of course, if the person asking the question really wants to make your holiday, ask for a golf vacation to the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach Golf offers great deals on golf packages ranging from $70-$120 a day, including tee times at Myrtle Beach’s top layouts and accommodations at some of the best resorts in town.
One of the BEST gifts to give your favorite golfer is a trip to Myrtle Beach and golfing getaway. Check out all of our packages!
