Ugg, it’s the holiday season and you are forced to yet again find a present for the golfer(s) on your list. No, golfers do not want funny golf related gifts, or calendars or a sleeve of golf balls. They want something more creative and useful and you want to show them that you care. The problem is, non-golfers have zero idea what to buy for hard core golfers.

Luckily, I am a hard core golfer and I am here to suggest 7 gift ideas that are sure winners. Even better, each one comes from a small company that is steeped in quality and craftsmanship. To make things simple, I have ordered the list from least expensive to most expensive (and 5 of them are under $100!!)

I have been fighting the running shoe/golf shoe trend for a few years now but it may be time to give up. The reality is that for 90% of golfers, shoes don’t make a bit of difference when it comes to scoring so you might as well wear the most comfortable shoes possible. Sure, we can throw a few nubs on the bottom if it makes you feel better.

I think most golfers have now come around to the fact that laser range finders are the way to go. No charging, no annual fees and no dealing with a phone app are just a few of the reasons why I only use a laser range finder.

The downside is that laser range finders are expensive. Like $400 expensive. Still, if you are a hard core golfer and someone who does not lose things I still would argue that your best bet is to go out and get a Bushnell or similar high end device that is rock solid and super accurate.

Last week my golfing buddy pulled the trigger on some new woods. I guess four years of me making fun of his 1982 clubs finally made an impact. While not new–new, he landed on Taylormade Aero Burners which he got for a steal on eBay. Unfortunately, the clubs arrived with no head covers. Actually, that was a blessing in disguise because stock head covers suck. Still, feeling the weight of caring for his new babies, Rod made due until a proper substitute could be found. 

I have owned nearly every style of True Linkswear golf shoes except the original Proto. While the Proto carried the Bozo style toe box, the shoe garnered great reviews and many True Linkswear fans still contend it remains their best shoe with legendary comfort and quality. Could the True Linkswear Orginal be the heir apparent?

It’s been about three years since I went all in on laser range finders, and given the current state of technology I do not see any reason to turn back. Obviously, the main advantage of a laser range finder is accuracy. Even the worst of range finders are accurate to a few yards, and with the Bushnell Pro X2 you get up to 1/10 yard accuracy inside of 130 yards.

I have a shoe problem but I don’t expect any sympathy. The good thing about having a shoe problem is that, unlike clubs, golf shoes are super easy to swap in and out of rotation. So much so that I rarely wear a pair of shoes twice in a row. The “good news” for you the reader is that I have logged hundreds of miles in the shoes I review.

Asher Golf Glove: The best golf gloves you have never heard of:

One of the reasons I love golf is because it is an excuse to buy cool stuff related to the game. Ball markers, divot repair tools, apparel, shoes and clubs… all things that I love to buy because they are an opportunity to express your personal style. On the other hand, I basically get zero satisfaction from buying golf gloves. Instead, I end up trying to decide what white glove is the best deal. Worse, because they all look the same I can never remember which gloves I like and I hate making it a guessing game with each purchase.

Footjoy, the number one shoe in golf – period. Yep, it is going to be a hard road to knock off this perennial powerhouse. Part of Footjoy’s dominance comes from the fact they have so many styles. From the tried and true Dryjoy’s to the M Project, Footboy has the map covered. However, with so many models it’s like a box of chocolates with every review-I just don’t know what I am gonna get or like. Unlike other brands, Footjoy has a dizzying amount of variability, making it hard to give a blanket statement about the brand other than they run wide, are generally comfortable, and typically lack style.

There is no greater shame than being forced to hold your wife/girlfriend’s purse while she is away. Even the coolest of dudes have zero chance of not looking like a tool. Which brings me to another peeve: how come women seem to fill their purse no matter how big or small? My wife will contest that it allows her to always be prepared. Sure I am all in when it is time for us to stash a few beers in her purse when we go to the movies or when I need a tissue, but beyond that, what a physical burden.

Historically, the best golfers have always been admired not for their technical skill but for their creativity. While we applaud the 350 yard drive, what really gets fans going are shots like Bubba’s massive hook out of the trees to win the Masters, Mickelson’s ability to see shots no one else could imagine or Roy McAvoy’s persistence to never lay up.

At the 2016 Masters, Bryson DeChambeau took the golf world by storm as an amateur via his stellar play and unique set of irons… all the same length. Cobra clearly liked DeChambeau’s style, throwing a huge endorsement deal his way and doubling down by launching their own line of single length clubs – the King F7 ONE Length irons and the KING Forged ONE Length irons.

The first pair of expensive golf shoes I ever pined for were the Ecco Street. Unlike anything at the time, these shoes represented one of the first steps in the evolution of cross over golf shoes. While I never purchased the Ecco Street, I ended up reviewing them a few years later. Since that time I have reviewed a number of Ecco golf shoes and have carefully watched as the brand has made steady improvements to their line.

Looking through the pictures on the “heritage” page of the B. Draddy website, it is clear where much of the inspiration for this apparel comes from. Images of Kennedy, Nicholson and Hunter S. Thompson at play cast a reflection of the iconic preppy Northeastern lifestyle.

Despite increased competition from both major brands and smaller shoe companies, Footjoy has maintained its absolute dominance in the golf shoe market. Next to your clubs, golf shoes are probably the most important golf gear you will buy. Take it from someone who regularly has 8 pairs of golf shoes, having the right shoe can make a huge difference in comfort, traction, and to some extent, performance.