Golf Gifts to Avoid

Popular gifts for golfers have been the same forbe talking about golf shirts and he mentioned that
many years.  Things like customized golf balls,he probably has over 100 golf shirts.  Every
new clubs, golf shirts, golf bags, and training aidsholiday, he explained, he receives 2 or 3 new golf
DVDs are the sort of items that you’ll findshirts as gifts.  This has led to a situation where
on many “Great Gifts for Golfers” lists.  Inhe has more shirts than he could ever wear. 
this article, I’d like to explain why theseGolf shirts are not bad gifts in and of themselves,
“popular” golf gifts are not the best gift thatbut the truth is that most people probably already
you can buy for the golfer in your life and willhave enough of them and don’t really
conclude by telling you what is. need another one.  Also, people have different
Golf Clubs — A new set of clubs may nottastes and wear different sizes, so finding a golf
be a hugely popular gift due to the cost, butshirt that you think will fit them and that they will
things like a new driver or new putter are verylike is often easier said than done.
popular gifts.  The thought is that since theTraining Tools/DVDs — perhaps the most
recipient loves to golf so much, surely they needpopular golf gifts are those that are guaranteed
the latest and greatest clubs in their bag.  Andto help improve their score.  Hundreds of training
using the same clubs as Phil Mickelson means thataids, specialized clubs, DVD series, and other
you automatically start playing as well as him,gimmicks are out there aimed at the person
right? looking for any way to improve their golf game. 
Of course not.  Golf clubs are a bad gift becauseThese tools rarely work as advertised and often
clubs need to be fitted for the player.  Purchasingend up in the trash after only a couple of uses. 
them for another person will inevitably lead to aSo what is a good gift idea for golfers?  Believe
poor fit, an improper grip, or several otherit or not, probably the best gift you can give
problems.  This results in the person having tothem is some lessons with a pro.  Even golfers
alter their swing, which will negate anythat have been playing for 30 years can benefit
improvement in their game that might have beenfrom having a PGA certified professional take a
gained from a new club.  So unless your golfer islook at their swing and give them some
playing with a set of woods that is actually madepointers.  They will improve their game more
from wood, avoid buying clubs for them —from one lesson than they will from using new
chances are the ones they have are perfectlyclubs or trying out a training aid.  And, of course,
fine for the recreational golfer.if they are just getting started at golfing, lessons
Golf Shirts — A good friend of mine hasare an ideal gift because they help ensure that
been golfing for the past 20 years on a prettythey have good mechanics.
consistent basis.  The other day we happened to