If you’re a golfer, but others in your family are not golfers, you have doubtlessly received numerous golf gifts that were well-intentioned and given with great love but which were – let’s be honest – completely and utterly useless. I just ran across one of these of my own in the back of a drawer. It’s a heavy glass golf ball atop a metallic gold tee. It came in a fancy, pillowed silk box. Lovely. But I never had the slightest clue what I was supposed to do with it. Hence, in the drawer it went.
If you’re not a golfer – or even if you are – don’t waste your money on golf tchotchkes. Take my advice and go for one or more of the items below – they will be appreciated and, importantly, they will be used.
Golf Balls
Golf balls may seem like a mundane, unimaginative gift. But balls are always appreciate because they are always needed. We golfers lose a LOT of balls.
Srixon, fast becoming one of the most popular balls on the PGA and LPGA Tours, is offering a “Buy-Two-Get-One” deal from May 22 to June 15. This exclusive promotion applies to in-line Srixon golf balls sold in dozens, including the premium Z-STAR Series models trusted by Srixon’s Tour Staff and amateurs alike. When customers purchase any two dozen of the same model, they’ll receive a third dozen free – delivering exceptional value without compromising performance.
Bridgestone has released three new e12 ball models: the e12 HiLAUNCH, e12 STRAIGHT, and e12 SPEED ($35/doz.). Painstaking in-house research has shown that approximately 85% of golfers would benefit significantly from playing a ball that was optimized for their typical launch conditions. The e12 HiLAUNCH model, which is aimed to help golfers increase their launch angle and overall trajectory, features the lowest compression of the three new e12 models. This causes the ball to stay on the clubface longer and launch higher for added carry distance. The e12 STRAIGHT, which is designed for players that need reduced sidespin for less hooks and slices, features a soft, low compression core, sidespin reducing mantle, and Contact Force dimples. The e12 SPEED, aimed at players who launch the ball too high and need a hotter, more boring trajectory, features the firmest compression of the three models for a more penetrating launch.
Bushnell
When I was a wee lad, my grandpa took me to a Minnesota Vikings game – back when they played outside. I remember two things from that game: The Vikings blanket he brought with him that had a zipper pocket for a flask and his Bushnell binoculars that provided a crystal-clear view of the players despite cheap seats and steady snow. I’ve still got both of those things, and they both still work great. The Bushnell A1-Slope Laser Rangefinder ($300), which debuted just this February, is a worthy descendant of those binoculars. It is by far the smallest and lightest rangefinder I have ever used. Pinseeker and JOLT technology provides instant tactile feedback when the target is locked, the slope yardage is easy to see and read, and the BITE magnetic skin is great if you don’t want to take it in and out of the sturdy case. A final innovation that is rare in the market is the rechargeable battery (cord included). This might be the last rangefinder I ever use—if my grandpa’s binoculars are any indication, the A1-Slope will never wear out.
For golfers who like music on the course, there is one accessory that has become essential: The Bushnell Wingman. Bushnell’s newest version of the their revolutionary yardage-provider and speaker, the Bushnell Wingman, is the Wingman View ($150). The View incorporates visual yardages and music information on an integrated LCD screen, so if you want to play in silent mode, you can still get your yardages. And even if you don’t want music (or yardages) on the course, the Wingman serves as an excellent Bluetooth speaker anywhere (it’s not just for golf!).
TRUE Linkswear
If you’re never heard of TRUE, you’re missing out. I have four pairs of TRUE golf shoes, and I get more compliments on them than any shoes I’ve ever worn (golf or otherwise). The combination of styling, attention to detail, and comfort are tough to beat. Some of my TRUE shoes have metal aglets. Others have eye-catching sole designs that also provide outstanding traction. All of them have excellent padding and support and, importantly, a nice, wide toe-box. For 2025, TRUE has launched a number of new models, including the OG3 PRO (my personal new favorite pair of golf shoes!) and their first spiked models, the LUX2 Player ($219 MSRP) and the LUX2 Maven ($319). An unexpected luxury of TRUE shoes is that every pair comes in its own mesh and canvas carrying case, which is great for golf trips. My only advice in ordering TRUE shoes online is to order one size larger than you think, as they do run a little small.
Arcade belts
Speaking as a dad myself, I can attest to an odd fact of male aging: Even as our waistlines expand, our need for belts increases. I don’t know why. I don’t make the rules. All I know is that if you love your dad, you don’t want him to flash plumber’s butt every time he gets his ball out of the hole. So gift him one or more Arcade belts. These elastic, fabric belts with a unique buckling mechanism are super-comfortable and even machine-washable. Arcade has three styles specifically designed with golf in mind: Motion, Futureweave, and Momentum.
The Golf 100
Does Dad enjoy golf history? If so, New York Times bestselling author Michael Arkush establishes a ranking system that places a heavy emphasis on the game’s major championships and profiles the most accomplished and impactful golfers—men and women, known and unknown. Arkush captures the flair, as well as the flaws, of athletes who are intensely competitive, funny, peculiar, or larger-than-life. Crafted from hundreds of interviews and longtime relationships developed over a quarter century, The Golf 100 is a highly entertaining read for $30.
Golf Trip with Dad
I’ve been fortunate to take a lot of golf trips with loved ones, including my son. For me, there’s no gift better than a round of golf with him, or even an extended golf trip. The Midwest has almost too many outstanding golf resorts to count, much less list here. But a few, ranging in price, that Dad will absolutely love come to mind: French Lick Resort (IN), Eagle Ridge Resort (IL), Boyne Highlands Resort (MI), Forest Dunes (MI) , Gull Lake View Resort (MI), Cragun’s Resort (MN), Grand Geneva Resort (WI), and of course The American Club, home of Whistling Straits (WI).
Happy Father’s Day to all, and to all a good round!
Midwestern Golf 