WAM Golf

Golf Gifts Under $100

Our first two golf gift articles featured ideas for those keeping cost under $20 and under $50. Now we're jumping up to the $100 price range for those looking to spend a little more this holiday season. Just remember, it's the thought that counts, not the cost of the gift!

It wasn't until I started writing these articles that I realized how many great gifts there were in the $20 and $50 price ranges. Whether it's for on the course or off, these gifts will likely get a smile when they are opened. Without keeping you waiting much longer, here are a handful of recommendations for gifts under $100.

 

Five Golf Gifts Under $100

1. Tie-Ups Belt: Want to make sure your golfer is fashionable on the golf course? A new golf belt may be just what he or she needs. Belts can be tough to pick out because of size issues but Tie-Ups have made that easy by coming in one size. The toughest part is picking out color. The cost is around $79 with extra buckles costing around $30. You can read my full review of these belts here. 
2. Golf Shirts: Yup, golf shirts. Every year I go through my closet, pull out the golf shirts I haven't worn all season and I donate them to those in need. This frees up space for new golf shirts and makes sure my other golf shirts have a home. Isn't it time you updated your golf shirt collection? A special shirt from a favorite golf course or a new brand like Travis Mathew or Hollas could make for a great holiday gift. 
3. Adidas Street Golf Shoes: I wasn't a "spikeless" golf shoe guy until I tested out the Ashworth Cardiff and now I'm in love. They're fashionable, comfortable and cost around $90. When golf season returns it's likely you'll see these on my feet. 
4. Luke Donald Deluxe Wine & Golf Set: Original listing price is over $100 but I've seen it on sale for slightly below so it qualifies for this list. In a social media poll I conducted earlier this month Luke was voted Player of the Year by the fans which puts this gift in the top five. The set comes with a Luke Donald Collection Chardonnay & Claret as well as a sleeve of ProV1 golf balls, a golf towel, tees and ball markers. I don't know what you'll do with the rest of it but the wine you can drink. If Luke Donald's wine is half as smooth as his swing this could be the gift of the year. Not a Luke fan? It's also available in the Ernie Els collection. Picture from Uncorked.com.
5. Personalized Humidor: This doesn't apply to me because I'm not a smoker but plenty of golfers light up cigars on the golf course. If you're shopping for one who does you may want to consider a personalized, "golf themed" humidor. Now the cigars won't be laying all over the house and you bought a personalized gift...not a bad idea. "19th Hole" Cigar Humidor ($75).

 When shopping for your gift under $100 make sure you do your research. Retailers often carry the same products but offer them at a variety of prices through the holiday season. Remember, it's the thought that counts! 

Other Golf Gift Guides

Golf Gifts Under $20

Golf Gifts Under $50

Golf Gifts Under $50

The holiday season is about showing your appreciation for others, not spending the most money. In my previous post I suggested a handful of golf gifts for under $20. If you have a little extra change in your pocket and want to spend it, here are some gift ideas in the $50 price range. 

(The Hydroflask is a great gift under $50. Photo: NY Golf Center)

Golf is not known as a "cheap" sport but I believe there is something for everyone at every price range. No matter how big or small the gift, it's the thought that counts and now you can spend a little and save a lot with these suggestions.

Five Golf Gift Ideas Under $50

1. Socks: Socks? Are you kidding me? As a golfer who walks the majority of my rounds I can appreciate a good pair of shoes and socks. Normally I wouldn't spend much on my socks (close to $12 for 6 pairs at Marshalls) but the guys at Pro Compression offer socks ranging in price from $16-$45. If you're on your feet for 4-5 hours for golf, comfort is important so check these guys out.
2. The Hydroflask: Golf Digest & Golf World featured this in their holiday gift list and it's one of my favorites. It comes in a variety of sizes, keeps liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. It's perfect to take with you on the course and keep your drink for the entire round. The New York Golf Center sells a 24oz. Hydroflask for $24.99. 
3. Golf Balls: No matter what golf ball you play it falls under the $50/dozen price range. Titleist ProV1 is widely considered the premier golf ball on the market. I've seen it as low as $39.99 but usually it costs closer to $46. I play Bridgestone B330s or Taylormade Penta's which run about $40/dozen. The Penta's are one sale buy 2 get 1 free in most places. 
4. Golf Umbrella: Sticking with the theme of every golfer needs one, the golf umbrella is a staple in every golfers trunk or bag during golf season. Since we're not smart enough to get a raincheck incredibly passionate about golf and won't leave the course if it's raining, the golf umbrella can give us the extra coverage we need to get through even the heaviest of rains. If you walk most of your rounds, this is a necessity. 
5. Photo Ball Marker: Those who know me know I am a sucker for anything custom. This is one of those things I've always wanted but can't decide what to put on it. If you want something unique, special and reasonably priced, this would make a great gift. I don't know of many companies who do this but I've connected with the people at PhotoBallMarker.com on Twitter (@PhotoBallMarker) and they seem like good people. It looks like prices range from $7.50 for one or $24.95 for a set of three & an accessory. 

Other Golf Gift Guides

Golf Gift Guide Under $20

Golf Gifts Under $20

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year. It's a chance to catch up with people, have a little extra to eat and show how appreciative you are to the people who have helped you most this year. For golfers, it's a time when we go through websites and catalogs to pick out what we think will help us play better in 2012. Whether we need it or want it, the holiday season offers an excuse to golfers to get whatever it is they have their eyes on. 

(A golf towel is a simple gift under $20)

Everyone has a budget and in some cases a "Secret Santa" or "Grab Bag" at a party has a limit. I have been involved in some that have $20 limit which inspired me to write this article. Whether it's a party gift, a stocking stuffer or you have $20 to spend, these gift ideas should make your shopping a little easier.

Five Golf Gifts Under $20

1. A Golf Towel: A simple gift that goes a long way because EVERY golfer uses a towel. Whether it's to wipe off a club, ball, or dry your hands, we all need one. The Titleist Players Towel (pictured above) is a great example of a "name brand" gift at a reasonable cost. If you're looking for something more colorful or unique, check out the towels at Rule Golf. They offer a $20 towel (Rule Fourteen) and a $12 towel (Rule Twenty-One). 
2. A Divot Tool: One of my personal favorites because in theory, I hit the green occasionally. Another item all golfers need on the course, this little tool can be unique or have your favorite brand on it. Scotty Cameron has one as do most of the big companies. Cost varies but in most cases they are under $20.
3. Golf Books: These come in a variety of shapes, sizes and prices. I find them to be great gifts for golfers. Whether the book is a training aid, inspirational or educational, golfers love to look through books. I recommend the Golf Genie Pocket Guides at $14.99, it's easy to understand and a very helpful training guide.
4. Ball Markers: I'm not big on collecting things but I love Ball Markers. Again, it's something every golfer needs, it's cheap and unique. I try to buy one from every golf course I play but I've also picked up some unique ones in golf shops too. If you know a collector, it's  a great gift idea. You can usually pick one of these up around $5 so grab a couple to make it a great gift under $20.
5. The Exploding Golf Ball: This is a personal favorite of mine and anyone who has witness it happen will probably agree. It's hilarious, it's cheap and it's perfect for a "grab bag" situation. The cost is around $3 each so buy a few, tape them together and wrap them to give one lucky person multiple cracks at this. Here is my exploding golf ball video from earlier this year. 

When it comes to picking out gifts for golfers you have many options under $20. If you can't decide on one, you could combine a couple of these small gifts to make an even better gift. The prices will vary depending on where you shop so keep an eye for the best deals this holiday season.

What I'm Thankful For; Golf Edition

If you follow me on Twitter you may recognize this tweet: "I can't believe it's already Thanksgiving...". It seems like it wasn't too long ago I was complaining about the heat and pace of play at a few public golf courses or finding myself just off the green and deciding what shot to hit. No matter how much I prepare the holiday season sneaks up on me as if it came from no where. 

(I'm thankful for my friends & family who make our golf trip special.)

 The holiday season means different things to different people but to me it's a time to step back from my hectic daily routine and reflect on what's important. When it comes to giving thanks I could go on for days but to keep myself from doing so I have limited myself to five golf related things I'm thankful for. 

What I'm Thankful For; Golf Edition

5. A New Charity Is Born: Recently a good friend of mine was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and the doctors give him a 50/50 chance surviving. I have no doubt this young guy has many years ahead of him but not being a doctor, I found the toughest part is not being able to help. After speaking with his friend and brother-in-law, we decided to start a charity and use golf as our vehicle. We are only in the startup phase but we look forward to helping whoever we can with whatever we raise next year. 

4. Ability to Walk The Golf Course: Earlier this year I walked a round of golf with a guy who was 78 years old. The fact he was out there walking the golf course was beyond impressive and when I look back on it I'm reminded of how lucky I am. Golf is a great game and to me there is no better way to enjoy it than walking. 

3. The People I've Met via Social Media: This year I was fortunate enough to play golf with a couple of writers in the area who I met on Twitter. While there are hundreds of people I  have connected with and may never meet, Social Media is a great way to develop relationships and exchange ideas with people. It provides the opportunity to learn, connect and help others. I'm excited for the future of it and thankful for the people I've met. I'm also thankful for Luke Donald retweeting one of my articles.... I've never had so much traffic to my site! 

2. My Annual Golf Trip: In a way, my annual golf trip is very similar to the holidays. It comes once a year and brings together some of the most important people in my life. Although it's a "golf trip", it's more about bringing together friends and family from all over, catching up and doing something we love. If you have take an annual golf trip you know exactly what I'm talking about.

1. Chairman of a Golf Outing: I was asked to chair the 1st Annual Carrano Scholarship Fund Golf Outing this year. It's probably because I suggested the idea but regardless of reason, I accepted the challenge of creating something out of nothing. Having served on golf committees before I knew the challenges that lie ahead especially in our first year. I'm still amazed at the support we received in our first year when 142 golfers registered and we raised about $12,000. There were plenty of faults but it was a great learning experience and I look forward to the 2012 event. It's amazing what passionate people can do when they work together for something they believe in. 

New York Golf Center Holiday Sales Announced

Thanksgiving is this week which marks the official beginning of the holiday shopping season. The 2011 golf season is over but golfers have made their lists and checked it twice to see what they need for 2012. As the rush begins on Friday, golf stores have begin announcing their sales. The New York Golf Center wasted no time listing sales on their website but they also have one they are keeping a secret.

(The New York Golf Center has a secret Social Media Sale this holiday season)

On the New York Golf Center website they announced sales on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Black Friday was "The Day" for holiday shopping when most retailers offer some of the largest discounts to draw people in. While Black Friday remains the most popular sales day of the year, Small Business Saturday, started by American Express, has gained significant traction and businesses are taking advantage of it. As you can see from the above image, the New York Golf Center is offering 20% off storewide purchases on both Friday and Saturday.

The Secret NYGC Sale

I mentioned above that the New York Golf Center is running a promotion they have not announced yet. It caters to both golfers in New York and all over the world. On Monday, November 21st, they are running a Cyber Monday Sale which entitles you to 20% off your online purchases. This isn't the secret but they won't be announcing it until later in the week.

Here is the sale they are not announcing: Since the Cyber Monday sale is only available online, the NYGC decided to get a little creative and use Social Media to help those in the store. If you're in their store on Cyber Monday you can check in on Foursquare and receive 20% off your entire purchase as though you were shopping online. 

Next week I will post five articles featuring different gift ideas at various prices to help make shopping easier this season. I suggest keeping an eye out for businesses using Social Media, like Foursquare, Facebook, and Twitter, to offer a little something extra this holiday season. If I see it, I'll be sure to announce it!