WAM Golf

Five Great Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is this Sunday which means most of us will be sitting with our families watching the U.S. Open or on the golf course. If you're lucky, you can pull off both. It happens every year around this time, golf stores and websites are overwhelmed with people wondering what gift to buy this year. 

As we get closer to the deadline, we can expect to pay more for shipping but here are a few items to consider when shopping for Dad this Father's Day:

 

PRO Compression Golf Socks

 

1. Pro Compression Golf Socks: I wear these almost every round I play and I only have one pair. That means I either don't play enough or the socks sit in my trunk until it's time to play again.... either way I need another pair. These are the best socks I own and I wish I had them when I was an "athlete" in college. If you're going to spend on money on clothing for Dad, don't make it a tie. These socks will last a long time and make him more comfortable on the golf course. A seriously great golf gift. Visit their website: http://www.procompression.com/. Cost is $25 and up. 

2. Photo Ball Marker: I wrote about these during the holiday season. A unique golf gift that Dad will be able to carry with him during every round. Whether the picture is of you and Dad, a favorite picture he has or an image from his favorite golf course, this is a great gift. You can visit the website www.photoballmarker.com or use the link on the side of the page to save $5. 

3. The Swinkey: It would take another article just to tell you what The Swinkey does so I'll try to sum it up... just about everything. I use it as a tool warm-up and stretch before a round and it's a for protecting my clubs when I travel. Those are probably the two least exciting features of this magical golf "tool". It's also a camera mount, a putting trainer, helps with your swing plane, helps with setup... I think you get the point. This thing is pretty awesome and I'm glad it's in my bag. Visit their site and check out the videos to really learn what they can do: http://www.swinkey.com/.

 4. A Gift Card: Spare me the line that this is impersonal. A gift card to help Dad get a the new driver he wants or a another golf club might be a great gift. Picking out clubs is a challenge even for those who know what they're looking for. Gift cards are not just for shopping. Consider buying Dad a round at a great golf course he's always wanted to play or even at his local favorite. A round of golf (maybe for two so he can bring a friend) is a great gift for any golfer. 

5. Golf Accessories: Sometimes you just can't pick one thing. If that's the case, package together some golf balls, a towel, ball marker, divot tool and anything else you can think of. Check out the guys at Rule Golf or the Players Towel if you want to customize something. These are all things golfers use and can really never have enough of. 

Bonus #6: This one is a long shot but if your Dad (mine is not) is tech savy, how about a golf app. I recently downloaded and used the Mobitee Golf App as my GPS and it's been great. If your Dad has a smartphone, consider picking up the tab for a gift like this!

Happy Father's Day! 

 

Golf Gifts Under $200

As December arrives we can begin counting down the shopping days we have left this holiday season. If you're placing orders online, it's time to start buying so you don't get stuck paying extra for shipping. Most places offer free ground shipping if you spend a certain amount but it can take 5-8 business days to arrive. Plan accordingly and save a little on shipping!

In our first three Holiday Golf Gift Articles we addressed everything under $100. As we reach the $200 threshold, the golf gifts may be more technical. If possible, ask your golfer if he or she is looking for a specific brand or a certain club (know the loft if it's a wedge) to try and save them from returning it. There are many options out there and golfers, believe it or not, can be picky. 

(Bridgestone J40 Black Oxide Wedge. Photo: NY Golf Center)

Five Golf Gifts Under $200

1. Custom Belt Buckle: Belts were mentioned yesterday in the under $100 price category because they were colorful and came in one size. These I'm mentioning because they are custom and I hope one day to own one. 59Belts.com offer custom belt buckles starting around $120 where you can add your own initials to your buckle. They also offer custom logos but it looks like it brings the price over $200. If you're into belts as fashion or just want something incredibly unique, take a look at this website. If nothing else you will some really creative work!

2. A New Wedge: If you have heard someone saying they want a new wedge it's likely the Titleist Vokey or Cleveland series wedges. Priced around $120 (I've seen them on sale for under $100 this holiday season) they are usually the most sought after wedges on the market. They vary in degrees and design so consult with your golfer before buying this club. I've also heard good things about the new Bridgestone J40 Wedge...at only $109 it's worth looking into. 

3. A New Putter: Once again this is a specialty item so I recommend talking with the person you're buying for. In some cases, any new putter is better than what is curretnly in the bag. Since putters vary in cost I won't recommend all of them but under $200 the Taylormade Corza Ghost Putter is a hot item. Similar to the Taylormade woods, this Ghost Putter has the white clubhead, which was all the rage this year. 

4. A New Hybrid: If you're an average golfer (Mid-High Handicap) you need to have a hybrid in your bag. For me it's been a great club off the tee, out of the rough and on long approach shots when I don't want to swing out of my shoes with an iron. Some sets now have hybrids replacing the 3-5 irons. It ranks up there in my favorite clubs and most of them are under $200. The industry leader seems to be Adams (Adams Idea A12- $199) but everyone has an opinion. If it's on your golfers list, they probably specified which one they want so stick to that. 

5. A New Golf Bag: This made my list because I have been saying I need a new one for a while and still don't have one. Bags tend to be something we throw our clubs in and forget about until a strap breaks or something goes wrong with it. There are many choices when it comes to bags: Sun Mountain, Callaway, Taylormade and the list continues. I always recommend a "Stand Bag" in case the golfer walks. Shop around and talk to the golfer your buying for to see if they need a new one and what brand to go with.  Prices range from $120-$199.

 Most of the gift listed above require some knowledge of what your golfer wants. While I think any of them would be a great gift, some may prefer one brand over another and if it's a hybrid or wedge, a certain degree. I recommend getting a gift receipt just in case but when it comes to great golf gifts under $200, these would all bring a smile to my face. 

Other Holiday Golf Gift Guides:

Golf Gifts Under $20

Golf Gifts Under $50

Golf Gifts Under $100

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.

Ashworth Cardiff Golf Shoes Review

Imagine a golf shoes so comfortable you would actually wear it if you weren’t golfing. A handful of years ago that concept would have been laughed at but with the introduction of the “spikeless” or street golf shoes, it’s happening today.

  (The Ashworth Cardiff Golf Shoes)

Call me a traditionalist or a skeptic but I was not going to wear a spikeless golf shoe. My entire golf career I’ve been wearing golf shoes because they provide me with stability and the ability not to slip during my swing. If spikeless worked, why wouldn’t they have come out with it sooner?

It wasn’t until I saw the Ashworth Cardiff golf shoes that I became tempted to give them a test. Having frequently been asked by golfers if spikeless worked, I felt I owed it to everyone to test them out. With so many spikeless shoes on the market, I picked the one I found most appealing (based on looks) and it turns out, comfort.

Does A Spikeless Golf Shoe Work?

I’ll make this easy for you, YES!. My main reason for avoiding this technology was fear of slipping. In the four rounds I tested the Ashworth Cardiff Golf Shoes, two were in wet conditions and I slipped once. I can’t blame the shoes, I was standing in a puddle. That being said, my feet were still dry! When it came to functionality, this shoe offered everything any of my previous golf shoes had offer except I could put them on at home and drive to the course in them.

This brings me to comfort. In speaking with people who wear a spikeless golf shoe, the main reason has been comfort. I can't speak for all spikeless shoes but the Ashworth Cardiff shoes are extremely comfortable. So much so I have worn them in non golf situations including once to a meeting. While testing the shoes, I put them on at home, drove to the course, walked my rounds and wore them home. I felt no discomfort and an urge to get them off my feet. They were very comfortable.

Finally, they're fashionable. As soon as I received my shoes I put a picture of them on Facebook and the comments, and likes, started coming in. They are a good looking shoe for golf or not, why else would I have worn them to a meeting? Although a casual shoe, they have a professional look to them. I like the style and with several colors to choose from, you can express yourself too. 

Overall

When I test golf shoes I look for three things: Functionality, Comfort and Fashion. The Ashworth Cardiff Golf Shoe not only passed all three test, it greatly exceeded my expectations. If you're having problems with golf shoe comfort or want a more casual looking shoe, I highly recommend this golf shoe.

Who: Ashworth 

What: Ashworth Cardiff Golf Shoe

Where: Buy it on the Ashworth Website

Why: If you want a good looking golf shoe and improved comfort.

Cost: $120

Website: Ashworth Golf