Let’s talk about holiday shopping for golfers. Sure, you could go with one of those useless "golf gadgets" that look clever on Amazon but end up gathering dust—think the tragic pen caddy or golf ball zen garden. Look, golfers love golf; they don’t need more weird little trinkets that scream, “I have no idea what you actually like.” This year, skip the desk clutter and focus on gifts that’ll actually make them say, “Wow, you get me.”

Here are real gift ideas that’ll put you in the green with the golfer in your life.

1. A Round at a Dream Course (AKA: Not the Local Muni)

The quickest way to a golfer’s heart? Send them to a course they’ve been drooling over since the ‘90s. You know, the one they’ve been low-key talking about for years. Look up iconic or championship-level courses nearby, or maybe splurge for something special. Many golf resorts offer gift certificates that can be used for a round, lodging, or post-game drinks at the 19th hole. And if you’re feeling especially generous, toss in a cart rental, because walking 18 holes is for rookies.

2. A Box of Top-Tier Golf Balls

This might sound basic, but hear me out: Golfers lose balls like it’s their job. And, for whatever reason, they usually end up buying the cheapest balls to “save” money, even though they’re dreaming of the good stuff—Titleist Pro V1s, TaylorMade TP5Xs, Callaway Chrome Softs. Premium golf balls are like caviar for golfers, but they don’t often buy them for themselves. A nice box of top-tier balls is practical, thoughtful, and (secretly) exactly what they want.

3. A Golf Lesson with a Pro (Or Just Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing)

Even the most seasoned golfer has a love-hate relationship with their swing. One day, it’s perfect; the next, it’s gone. A private lesson with a PGA-certified instructor isn’t just a lesson; it’s hope in 60 minutes. It’s the promise that, someday, they might actually break 90. Look for a package that includes a video analysis, because there’s nothing quite like seeing your own terrible swing in slow motion.

4. A Real Golf Bag – One with Style and Space

Let’s be real: If their bag looks like it’s been through several wars, it’s time for an upgrade. Look for something sturdy, comfortable to carry, and ideally waterproof (rain happens). Stand bags from brands like Ping, Titleist, or Sun Mountain are all solid choices and can be found on TGW. A golf bag isn’t just a bag—it’s the golfer’s castle on wheels. Extra points if you throw in some custom embroidered initials or their lucky number.

5. High-Quality Golf Apparel (That Doesn’t Look Like Your Grandpa’s Closet)

Forget neon green and plaid monstrosities; golf fashion has come a long way, and today’s players like to look sharp without looking like an escapee from the ‘70s. Look for stylish, moisture-wicking polos from brands like TravisMathew, Nike Golf, or Under Armour. Lightweight quarter-zip pullovers are also popular, especially in cooler weather. Trust us: the golfer in your life will thank you for sparing them another tragic golf-themed t-shirt.

6. A Subscription to a Golf Club Membership or Golf Subscription Box

Even if they can’t make it out to the course every day, golf nuts love to talk about golf just as much as they love playing it. A membership to a nearby course is a golden ticket to endless rounds and practice time, but if that's a bit much, a subscription to ShortPar4 or My Golf Locker is a great way to keep them plugged in and getting the most stylish gear out there. It’s like a year-round gift that just keeps feeding the obsession.

7. High-Quality Tees, Gloves, and Socks (The Golf Trifecta)

Look, every golfer knows the pain of a torn glove, splintered tees, and, worst of all, cheap socks that leave blisters. Get them a stash of high-quality tees (yes, there’s a difference), a few gloves (FootJoy is the gold standard), and some golf-specific socks that’ll keep their feet blister-free. They’re essentials, but they’re essentials that feel like luxury when you gift them in a nice little bundle.

8. The Ultimate Cooler Bag for the Cart

Golf and cold drinks go hand in hand. A golf-specific cooler bag that fits into their cart is practical and will save them from overpriced clubhouse beers. Look for a cooler bag that can keep a six-pack icy cold and fits easily in the side compartment of a cart. Some even come with little sleeves for divot tools, tees, and other small gear—so it’s basically a mobile mini-bar and toolkit in one. Cheers!

9. Rangefinder: The Gift of Precision (And Less Swearing)

No more guessing, squinting, or pacing off 150 yards. Rangefinders are the ultimate game-changer for golfers who like to know exactly how far they are from the green. Brands like Bushnell and Blue Tees offer highly rated models with slope adjustments, which help give the most accurate readouts. If the golfer in your life is serious about improving, a rangefinder is a gift they’ll use every round, and you’ll get bonus points for actually knowing what it is.

10. A Gift Card to the Local Golf Shop (Because Sometimes, Only They Know What They Want)

Yes, it’s the last resort, but sometimes a gift card is truly the best way to go. Golfers can be picky about their gear, and there’s always something they’re eyeing, whether it’s a new wedge, putter, or that one driver that guarantees an extra 20 yards (sure, Jan). A gift card gives them freedom to choose and, most importantly, makes sure they get exactly what they want. The only downside? They’ll probably disappear for hours, testing every club in the shop.

11. Because You're on our Site: A Bottle of Broken Tee Vodka – Perfect for the 19th Hole (wherever it happens to be...)

Because sometimes the best way to unwind after a long day on the course—or recover from that brutal triple bogey on 16—is a smooth, ice-cold drink. Enter Broken Tee Vodka, the ideal spirit for golfers who appreciate a high-quality bottle as much as a perfect drive. Made for golfers, by golfers (who clearly understand the ups and downs of the game), this vodka is distilled to perfection and designed to make any round feel like a win. Plus every bottle comes with ball marker your golfer can use for their very next round. Thoughtful, and practical!

Here’s the beauty of gifting Broken Tee Vodka: it’s the perfect companion for reliving the day’s highlights (and lows) with friends in the clubhouse. Plus, it makes a great conversation piece on the bar at home, where they can pour a little “swing oil” before heading out to the course.

Pro Tip: Pair it with a set of golf-themed lowball glasses for that extra touch. Just be prepared to hear plenty of “I only play golf for the drinks” jokes—but let’s face it, they’re not wrong!

So, What’s the Par on Gift-Giving This Year?

This year, show the golfer in your life you care by skipping the kitschy golf-themed stuff and going straight for the real deals. Forget the desktop trinkets, the “golf ball” soap, and anything that requires batteries. Get them a gift they’ll use, love, and brag about to their golf buddies!

Happy gifting, and may your holiday be free of putter-shaped pens!