It’s been a hot summer, but my golf game has been hot and cold. Those of us doggedly pursuing lower scores through the heat and humidity deserve some treats in these waning dogdays, don’t you think?
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite golf gift ideas to help pull you out of the doldrums, celebrate a late-summer birthday (like mine), or just pamper yourself a little before the season ends.
Bushnell
The Bushnell A1-Slope Laser Rangefinder ($300), which debuted just this past February, embodies the precision and quality one associates with the name “Bushnell.” 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.
TRUE Linkswear
If you’re never heard of TRUE Linkswear, you’re missing out. I have five 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. Prices range from low $100s to low $300s. 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. Now TRUE Linkswear also offers a large line of polos, hoodies, shorts, pants – pretty much any accessory you need to look like a Tour pro on the course, no matter how you play.
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 don’t want to flash plumber’s butt every time you get your ball out of the hole, a nice snug belt is a must. My recent favorite belts are Arcade Belts. These elastic, fabric belts with a unique buckling mechanism are super-comfortable and even machine-washable, as the buckles on most models are plastic. (This also means they’re excellent for air travel, as you can leave them on going through TSA.) Arcade has three styles specifically designed with golf in mind: Motion, Futureweave, and Momentum. The only note is that the plastic buckles are slightly chunky, so if your belt loops are narrow, it might be a chore to guide the belt through.
Sub70 Golf JB Sugar Skull Wedges
If you’ve never heard of Sub70 Golf, you’re missing out. The Sycamore, Illinois-based boutique clubmaker is without question one of golf’s most-respected companies. Sub70 doesn’t release any new clubs or lines without ensuring through scrupulous testing that the new clubs are improvements over their previous models. They don’t pay any tour pros to play their sticks, but several pros do. Sub70 also offers free fittings at their homey HQ in Sycamore. (They’ll even mix you a cocktail!) And if the fitting results show your clubs work as well or better than theirs for your swing, they tell you that. Integrity, honest, quality – what more could you ask for?
The Sub70 JB line of wedges ($125) include the iconic Sugar Skull wedge. Designed for golfers with a variety of techniques and who play in a range of conditions, the Sugar Skull maximizes versatility and feel. Finishes include black and “natural,” and lofts run from 46 to 64 degrees. Laser engraving is available, which can be customized if you don’t want the original Sugar Skull. But if you do, you can also get a matching Sugar Skull cap ($35).
REVL Grips by SuperStroke
Conservatively, 60% of players I meet need new grips on their clubs. People tend to put off re-gripping their set like they’re putting off getting their teeth cleaned. I’m hear to tell you right now that the single best thing you can do for your game is to check your grips and re-grip them if they’re even the slightest bit slick.
And when you re-grip, there’s some big news in the equipment world that you should consider: SuperStroke, the maker of the most widely-used putter grips on Tour, purchased the legendary Lamkin Grips in May of 2024. This year, they’ve combined SuperStroke’s Tour-proven design principles with Lamkin’s tried-and-true engineering to produce the REVL line of grips. You may have seen commercials for these grips during recent golf broadcasts. Let me say that the hype is completely well-deserved. I regripped my entire set with the REVL Comfort, one of three distinct models in the flagship line, a couple weeks ago. The Comfort is an all-rubber, quasi-wrap design that seems to just guide me to putting my hands in the right positions. This is the first time I’ve had the same grips on all my clubs at the same time in maybe 30 years, and I’ve played three rounds with them, carding 77, 78, and 78. I’ve never shot three consecutive rounds in the 70s before. I don’t know if it’s the grips, or if by some miracle I’ve figured something out about my swing. But either way, I have never felt more confident when I take my grip and stance, so I don’t foresee playing any grips other than SuperStroke’s in the future (including the SuperStroke Incredible Hulk putter grip I just put on!)
Wilding Brands Beverages for On and Off the Course
My daughter lives in Colorado, and every time we visit her, my wife and I are blown away by the sheer variety, not the mention the quality, of Colorado-brewed libations. Wilding Brands was founded in 2024 by Colorado craft beverage veterans Eric Foster (Stem Ciders), Charlie Berger (Denver Beer Co.), and Brad Lincoln (Funkwerks), and they’re bringing fresh energy and innovation to the craft beverage space. With the recent acquisition of Great Divide and a growing lineup of tasty, refreshing products, they’re quickly becoming a go-to name in modern craft beverages.
A recent sampling from the Wilding Brands’ catalog includes these highlights:
Howdy Beer – This is a crisp, easy-drinking Western Pilsner brewed with American barley and Liberty hops. Howdy is a canonical beer that is ideal for sunny rounds or post-game hangouts. It goes down really smooth, yet it’s far more flavorful than your typical big-brand suds. (Available online via Total Wine.)
Great Divide’s Yeti Series – Flavor-forward IPAs and the iconic Imperial Stout, made for golfers who like bold taste in their bag. The Imperial Stout is rich and flavorful. It’s a bit heavy for my tastes on the course, but pair it with a hearty meal after your round. <Chef’s kiss!>
Stem Ciders – I’m big on ciders, partly because they feel lighter and brighter than beers, anf are therefore perfect for hot days. I’ve tasted the hibiscus, dry, and pear ciders by Stem, and they’re all excellent. The pear is my personal favorite.
Easy Livin’ Hop Water – If you love IPAs, but either can’t or don’t want to drink beer (on or off the course), these hop-forward, zero-proof refreshers deliver the taste of craft beer without the alcohol. They’re ideal for staying sharp and hydrated through all 18 holes.
So wet your whistle and enjoy. There’s still a little summer left!
Midwestern Golf 