10 Top Gifts for Golfers This Year

It’s never too early to start shopping for the best gifts for the golfers in your life!  Whether it is a friend, a regular member of your foursome, your boss, or your spouse, she or he will always appreciate your thoughtfulness.  From golf magnets to golf vacations, there is something for every budget and every taste.

 You might need to get very clever about getting preferences for such gifts as golf bags or club memberships, so use your best Sherlock Holmes skills.  Of course gift certificates for golf catalogues and golf shops are sure to please as well.  From least expensive to most memorable, here's the list for this year:

10.  Golf Magnets.  Choose from various scenes, $3, for the refrigerator or filing cabinet.  Great little stocking stuffers. 

9.  Funky or Pretty Head covers.  Golf club head cover (choose from rose, teddy bear, etc), starting at $15.  Consider the personal tastes here! 

8.    Monogrammed Golf Balls.  Starting at $20 a dozen.  Good idea to see what brand he or she already prefers. 

7.  Golf Coffee Table Book.  For example, World Atlas of Golf: the Greatest Courses and How They Are Played by Mark Rowlinson (Editor) Hardcover, $40.  Fabulous coffee table book to inspire golf travel fantasies! 

6. Designer Golf Bag.  Check out the lightweight designer bags for her, e.g., the Glove It Geo model, $170.  For the gal with good taste. 

5.  Golf GPS.  These devices provide key distances on course and helps lower score.  Prices start around $225, so check out the reviews.   For the golfer who already has everything. 

4.  Pro Lessons.  A certificate for 6 one-hour lessons with a pro.  Price at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, home of the 2008 US Open, $665.00.   Add lessons to any special golf trip for a real treat. 

3.  A Personal Caddy.  Give caddy services for one year.  Varies widely, but gets your golfer out of the cart.  Game will improve, and so will waistline. About $50 per round at Brandon Downs.   

2.  Golf Membership.  Imagine the thrill of getting to play all the time at a country or golf club.  Price and availability vary widely.  Check locally, or for more impact, choose a more exotic local and include travel expenses to enjoy it regularly.  If not a membership, how about certificates for rounds of play?

1.  Golf Trip to the U.S. Masters, President’s or Ryder Cup.  Tickets are scarce, so good luck!  Work out the details with an expert in planning golf packages to make it the most memorable golf experience ever.