Father’s Day 2026 approaches. This will be the first Father’s Day since my daughter was born in 1998 that neither she nor our son will be both out of the house and far beyond the range of a day’s drive. To say that I am melancholy would be like saying that Scottie Scheffler is “a good golfer.”
Being a father is sort of like playing golf. One day, everything seems to click, you make good decisions, the crowd cheers. The next day, nothing works, every break is bad, onlookers stand in stoney silence as your best effort nosedives into a pond. On good days and bad, we have to remember that we’re doing the best that we can.
Here are a few Father’s Day gift ideas that will let Dad know you appreciate the effort – he’s trying. He really is.
Project Tiger: The Birth of Genius and the Price of Greatness, by Gavin Newsham
One way to let old Dad know he’s doing OK is to document how things could have been worse. Kirkus Review describes this new book by long-time golf journalist Gavin Newsham, “A searing indictment of Tiger Woods’s father.” Sure, Tiger reached unparalleled heights in his play, his finances, his fame – but at what cost? This is a fascinating exploration of Tiger’s earliest years, which we call “formative years” for a reason. Earl Woods thought the world of his precocious son. But he also laid the weight of the world on his shoulders. The redemption may be that Tiger seems to be taking a very different approach with his own kids.
Bridgestone Golf Balls
Golf balls rank as probably the most gratefully accepted of all golf gifts. But even balls must be chosen with care. A dozen Nitros will likely end up “donated” back to the driving range. To avoid disappointment, work some casual questions into conversations with Pops like, “What is your average swing speed with a driver?” and “How important to you is spin around the greens?” Once you have this information, use the helpful chart on the back of all Bridgestone Your B boxes to select just the right ammunition for Dad’s next battle on the links – X, XS, RX, RXS ($55/doz.)
TRUE Linkswear Golf Apparel
Perhaps the most comfortable golf shoes on the market today are made by TRUE Linkswear. Both Dad and Mom will appreciate the ultralight, ultra-comfortable new Antigravity shoe by TRUE ($199). The styling and design features – waterproof, crossover tread, superfoam midsole – allow the Antigravity to pull double-duty both on and off the course.
I have a large selection of quarter-zips, but my new go-to – especially in “shoulder season” – is the TRUE Linkswear Quarter Zip ($125). It’s got just enough insulation to fend off a stiff springtime or autumn breeze, yet breathes easily enough to prevent over-heating, even walking the course. I appreciate the classic, understated cut and colors, too.
Turtleson Polos
Along with golf balls (of the right sort), golf polos are always appreciated. Speaking from experience, when Dad pulls on a brand-new polo and heads to the course, he is filled with confidence. Also speaking from experience, that confidence will evaporate after double-bogeying the first hole…BUT, he’ll still look good. Turtleson polos ($135) come in a range of eye-catching yet classic patterns, all in moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant fabric.
L.A.B. Golf Gear
I was playing golf with my own son yesterday – the young man whom I taught to play 15 years ago and who now hits the ball 50 yards past me off the tee…with his 3W, the little creep!! The only reason I beat him by a stroke yesterday (aside from the fact he was playing terribly, while I was playing infinitesimally less terribly) was that I was using “the world’s best putter.” < > — at least that’s how I described it to him. L.A.B. Golf’s DF3i putter saved me a half-dozen strokes yesterday, despite nearly nothing else in my game feeling right.
If your dad, like me, is a confirmed L.A.B. Rat, he’ll love some of the new L.A.B. apparel and gear. There are headcovers and caps, and apparel for both men and women. What I like best is that L.A.B. leans into the funky vibe of their lie-angle balanced putters by offering some equally quirky patterns and designs in their accessories. My favorites are the unique putter covers ($40-$120) and the retro-chic bucket hat ($50).
Finally, keep in mind that there is one gift beyond all others that Dad will remember most: If you can, take him out to play a round or two together – you’ll both miss these days when they’re over. Trust me on this.
Midwestern Golf 