So you’ve got a guy in your life who loves golf. You survived the warm months of him disappearing for six hours every Saturday and thought, okay… maybe now we can spend some actual time together, right?
Wrong. It’s football season.
All jokes aside, if you have a golf sicko in your life, you know he’s a tough one to buy for. You’ve heard the speeches: how he “desperately needs” this thing, and the whole thesis behind why. Or better yet—the classic—“this will really change my game.” And hey, some of that might even be true. But it’s the season of giving, and you might as well give him something he’ll actually like.
Here’s your guide to gifts, categories, and brands that will land.
Clubs
Yes, golf clubs are expensive. But there are a few things that are relatively safe wins. Wedges are the best bet—they come in a variety of lofts and grinds, but at the end of the day, they’re something he genuinely needs every few years once the grooves wear down.
Pro tip:
Check his bag. Look at the loft and brand he uses today. Google that exact model, find the newest version, and buy that. Keep the receipt in case he had something else in mind, but honestly, the gesture alone gets you 90% of the way there.
Top picks:
Titleist Vokey SM10
The gold standard. Constant innovation, tons of customization, and universally respected.
TaylorMade MG5
If he plays TaylorMade irons, this is the safest plug-and-play choice.
Other solid indie options: Takomo & Haywood
Outside of wedges, most clubs require serious input unless he’s explicitly told you what he wants.
Bags
Most guys ride in a cart (tough scene), but having a lightweight walking-only bag is an underrated luxury. Perfect for nine holes after work, a quick range session, or a slow Sunday afternoon walk.
Most of the good ones are expensive—$600+—but there are alternatives.
Hiroki Sunday Bag
- Waterproof FTE tech fabric
- Waterproof lining + YKK zips
- Premium leather accents
- Padded strap with suede detailing
- 8” opening
- Collapsible design
Bargain option: ProActive Sports 7" Lightweight Sunday Golf Carry Executive Range Par 3 Bag
After combing through the internet, this little gem surfaced. I might buy one myself for the price alone. I can’t vouch for quality, but it looks good, checks the basic boxes, and costs about as much as five coffee orders. Why not?
Disclaimer: I will not refund your order if it’s awful.
Apparel
Okay, this is where I’m opinionated—take it or leave it.
A Classic Polo (Not Polyester Prints)
Guys need to stop wearing polyester printed polos off the course. I’m not asking him to play in cotton… but for dinner, business casual, running errands—give him one real polo. He might even like playing in it too.
The Father’s-Closet Throwback
Your dad definitely had this. It served as a fall-golf layer, then a yard-work shirt, and eventually a rag. It has multiple lives built in. And we need more wardrobe pieces like this—not just the same quarter-zip on repeat.
For the Performance-Only Guys: Hooded Vest
For the polyester-only crowd, here’s something with actual substance. Our Core Hooded Vest was built to split the difference between modern and timeless. It performs, it blends in, and it still makes you pause for a second. The best version of “performance” without looking like a NASCAR driver.
Club Pro Shop Merch
This is a sneaky great gift idea: go to one of his favorite golf course websites and check if they have an online shop. Many clubs are launching ecommerce for the first time.
Example: Royal St. George’s
Apparel is personal, so I kept this section tight. Think of these as themes—not rules.
Who’s Not Trending (Apparel & Footwear)
- Under Armour — just not it.
- Puma — trying, but not connecting.
- FootJoy apparel — footwear remains undefeated, apparel… I don’t know anymore.
- G/Fore — had a moment, got weird.
- Bogey Boys — never was.
- TravisMathew — should never have been this big.
Who Is Trending
- SOLO — shameless plug: performance outerwear and layers, we do it best.
- Manors — consistent, thoughtful, well done.
- Malbon — went from a hot take to real staying power.
- FootJoy (footwear) — still the king.
- Nike — big caveat, but I think their renewed focus will pay off.
- RLX — steady and reliable.
Miscellaneous Items I Like
Polo Sport Fleece Hoodie
Portuguese Terry Pocket Sweatshirt
Lightweight french terry half-zip sweatshirt
Personal pick* — Finisterre Men's Recycled Fleece Jacket in Brown/Olive (Bolster). Not golf, just really good.
*Just something I’m into lately.
Things Not to Get
- Personalized golf balls
- Tees or divot tools
- Ball markers (unless sentimental—he’ll still lose it)
- OEM headwear
- Clip-on towels
That about wraps it up. Happy buying, and remember—your gift may not actually make him a better golfer… but he’ll think it will. And honestly, that alone will make him a better person to be around.