Content written by Maple Hill Golf

We all have official traditions around the holidays. Maybe you visit the local Christmas tree farm to cut down your tree or haul the artificial one out of storage on Thanksgiving morning and assemble it while the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade rolls on in the background. Maybe you make that special dish that only comes out for Christmas dinner or perhaps your family takes the annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge with other family and friends.

But there are unofficial traditions, too. Cursing when the tree pokes you in the eye, wrapping gifts at the last minute, and trying to figure out what to get the golfing guy in your life in the first place. OK, maybe that last one is a stretch, but it’s the one that we’re best suited to offer some help. Here are few gift ideas for the guys who golf.

Swing Analyzers

A swing analyzer is perfect for the golfer who doesn’t banish their clubs to the basement until spring. Swing analyzers are good for year-round use, from the driving range to the net in the garage. Units like the Garmin Approach R10 Portable Launch Monitor, the Rapsodo MLM Mobile Launch Monitor, and the Swing Caddie SC200 or SC300i Portable Launch Monitors all offer stats to help your game and cost under $1000.

Golf Bags

This is the one have-to-have on the course besides clubs and balls. The design of golf bags changes by the year and like everything, styles come and go. Options for bags can be seemingly endless and can be a matter of personal choice. One universal rule applies though, it must be easy to use.

Snag one like the Revelation Major Stand Bag, Revelation ‘The General’ Cart Bag, or Bag Boy Chiller Hybrid Stand Bag.

Cooler on-the-go Bags

Great gifts don’t need to be rough up the wallet. For the man who enjoys some drinks on the course, a cooler bag loaded with his favorite links drink of choice is a winner. Bags range in their capacity as some bags will hold anywhere from 6 to 12 cans. This On-The-Go insulated cooler slyly slides into your apparel pocket.

Rain Gear

Any avid golfer is going to brave the rain or tempt Mother Nature’s plans. For the unexpected rain shower, get your golfing guy a rain suit or at the very least a designated rain jacket/pullover they leave in the bag. Stay prepared for anything. Try these Forrester Packable Rain Suits or Etonic Waterproof Rain Suits.

Speakers

Help him set the mood on the course with a speaker to play his favorite tunes. Music enhances the golf experience for many. Instead of dragging the house speakers around, give him a designated golf speaker like the Blue Tees Player Wireless Speaker.

More Outerwear: Galway Bay

Michigan-based Galway Bay’s new 2023 reversible All-Weather long-sleeve lined jacket is an ideal present with a nice blend of performance and lifestyle to wear on or off the golf course. With proprietary Hydro-Flex 32 fabric – the most breathable, waterproof technology in the industry – players stay dry and maintain freedom of movement throughout the golf swing.

Fabric combinations are soft and quiet, and the reverse side features a tartan look while protecting you from windy or wet conditions. Holiday bundles are available now: https://galwaybaygolf.com/collections/ultimate-bundles.

Holiday Gift Giving for HER

By Janina Parrott Jacobs

Do you want a ‘can’t miss’ Christmas gift idea she’ll tell all her friends about? Do your homework to present her with a total package ensemble of clothing, shoes and golf accessories that fit her personality and most importantly….fit her. Don’t want to ask about size? Look in her closet. You’ll be a Holiday Hero. To begin, here are some unique brands of clothing:

Kinona Sport is designed by and for women. They offer premium Italian fabrics in saucy and colorful styles that are wrinkle resistant, don’t fade, and are perfect for traveling and transitioning into regular daywear: www.Kinonasport.com.

Bermuda Sands carries mid-priced whimsical prints and pastels in skirts and tops that are comfortable and functional: www.Bermudasandsapparel.com. Don’t forget to include a quality white golf shirt…it’s a never-fail option.

Next, what woman doesn’t want beautiful footwear? Check out www.ducadelcosma.us and choose from a selection of cutting edge yet functional and waterproof Italian-made golf shoes to keep her feet warm, dry….and stylish. Starting at $200. Or, try FootJoy’s MyJoys custom collection where she can design and personalize her own shoe. www.footjoy.com/myjoys-custom-golf-shoes $170-260

Don’t skimp on socks: www.swiftwick.com carries performance oriented moisture-wicking technology to keep those feet dry and blister-free averaging $14 per pair; or www.bombas.com offers frilly, flirty, functional, or Fair Isle socks at about $11-12 per pair. Or, try www.pgasuperstore.com for quality socks at $13-16 for 3 to 6-pair multi-packs.

For those hot, hot, hot days……BOGI Cooling Towels are soft and breathable for her neck and face, at www.amazon.com Under $10.

Check out www.etsy.com for personalized golf ball markers, $6-25; or, to avoid digging around in pockets, get the Golf Glam silver magnetized necklace where she can keep her ball marker within easy reach: $38.00.

Find out what type of golf ball she actually prefers. Don’t assume she likes what you do or that pink or purple golf balls are ‘it’. Or, you can go whimsical with Oji-Emoji Premium Novelty Golf Balls, at www.amazon.com for under $30.

Last but not least: Arrange for her own Girls’ Golf Trip up in da U.P. to enjoy the Perfect Foursome Package at Island Resort and Casino, near Escanaba. She can play where aspiring LPGA professionals play during the late-June Epson Tour event at Sweetgrass but also take in sister course Sage Run, scenic Timberstone in Iron Mountain and the breathtaking Greywalls on the bluffs of Lake Superior. An exceptional value: 4 rounds of golf and 3-5 nights stay, plus perks, ranging from $350 - $549 depending upon season. Note: Prices may be higher in 2023.