Golfing dads are notoriously difficult to buy for. If they’re serious about their game they are probably already well equipped with clubs, shoes, and balls.
Shirts and sweaters are an easy way out, but are you really sure about his size? Plus who really needs a sweater in June? And you’re not really thinking about giving him another exploding golf ball, are you?
Luckily, however, golf is rich in lore, accessories, and gadgets. Just a little digging over at our friends at Edwin Watts website produced a number of items that I, as a golfing dad, would love to get. So, as we did last year, here’s our Father’s Day gift suggestions…
Gifts Under $50
Zero Friction Golf Tees
If you’re really on a budget but still want to make a lasting impression, here’s just the thing. The Zero Friction tees we reviewed here are simply amazing. I can’t vouch for the “zero friction” aspect leading to any increased distance, but these tees are virtually indestructible. In dozens of rounds I’ve broken just one, and that was when I used one on a par three when I couldn’t find a broken wooden tee. To top it off, they’re biodegradable. A pack of 50 tees could well be a lifetime supply. They now come in two sizes: 2¾” and a new 3¼” version. Edwin Watts has them for $5.99.
Photon Golf Digital Pace Monitor
In keeping with The Sand Trap campaign to promote faster play, here’s a gadget that speaks directly to the issue. The Photon Golf Digital Pace Monitor is an elapsed time counter that can tell you if you’re on pace for a four-hour round. Apparently you compare your elapsed time to that shown on an accompanying card. So if your group falls behind you can unclip it from your bag, gesticulate wildly at the display, and loudly exhort you playing companions to get the lead out. It also shows the time of day. Edwin Watts sells it for $19.99.
I Gotcha Ready Swing Weight
Everybody’s got to warm up and a weighted club is a great way to stretch out. Trouble is, a weighted club is awkward to carry around with you. This little gadget is a lot more convenient. It twists and locks onto the shaft in three different locations. You start off with it locked to the middle of the shaft and make 10 smooth swings for tempo. They you move it up to the grip and make 10 more swings to feel a power release. Finally you move it down to the hosel and make 10 long and slow full swings to stretch out. Pretty cool. Edwin Watts has it for $29.99.
Gifts Under $100
Putting Arc MSIII
This is a great gizmo for teaching yourself the inside-square-inside stroke espoused by Stan Utley and Scotty Cameron, among others. The MSIII is the plastic and least expensive version of the device. I have one and it has helped my stroke tremendously. The trick is to keep the putter blade square to the arc as you swing it back and through. Four raised bars behind the curved fence help you see that. It’s simple and it works. Edwin Watts is selling it for $69.99.
Ben Hogan DVD Collection
Golfers of my generation grew up looking to Ben Hogan’s swing as the model of perfection. This three-DVD package gives you a great look back at the man and the swing he dug out of the dirt. The first DVD is 67 minutes long and looks at the man’s life and includes interviews with people like Jack Nicklaus, Ken Venturi, and Butch Harmon. The next two discs, 90 and 51 minutes long, take an exhaustive look at his swing with commentary by Jim McLean. A very nice program with a lot of insight into one of the game’s all time greats. It’s $89.99 at Edwin Watts.
Big Mouth Instant Range Net
Nets are great for backyard practice or for staying strong through the winter hitting in a garage. I’ve had a couple and the only problem is that some are so complicated to set up and take down they deter practice rather than encourage it. The Big Mount Instant Range Net by Izzo looks like it solves that problem. It opens up in an instant and closes in a snap. It’s got a 7′ by 9′ hitting area with a neat little pouch in the center to collect your perfect strikes. It’s $99.99 at Edwin Watts.
In the End…
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Poking around the net will surely turn up more. Of course, the best gift of all might simply be to take your dad out golfing with you Sunday morning and then kick back together to watch the U.S. Open play out.
I went to Golfsmith last week and picked up the I Gotcha Ready Swing Weight for $30.00. I have used it a few times and absolutely love it!
Its cheaper than a Momentus and since you are using your own club, you can hit balls with it if you want. This is an example of a simple, cheap swing trainer that can really help everyone’s game. Thanks for the recommendation Jack!