For a guy who loves golf but works in golf, the holidays can be hard on my family. They want to buy me a fun, big, cool outfit, but I already have everything. Half the time, they even bought it themselves as I went through the collection of items that I am so lucky to collect in this role. However, there is one thing we have begun to agree on for the holidays: Buy me the things I hate buying for myself.
Tees, gloves, golf balls, spikes, ball makers, repair tools and club brushes make the list. Can I get these things for myself through work? For sure. But that doesn’t mean I can get it fast, and it never means I have enough. A stockpile of these items, no matter how big it is, will always hold a high value for me. Here’s a look at the little essentials I can’t get enough of, plus a few bonus items, because who doesn’t want to throw some nice things on a holiday wish list?
Wood tees
I hate using plastic tees. I don’t care if it’s a free tee, or the coolest tee you’ve ever seen in your life. I want wooden tees. I also happen to have enough OCD that I like to use tees that are the same every time I play so I can eliminate that variable. One of my favorites is the micro head tee from Pride Sports. I can’t tell you that it actually helps performance, but it definitely gives that “less friction, ball-go-far” vibe. I’m a yellow band type, this is the perfect height for me!
View Product
Mini Club Brush
Club brushes are something you never want to have to buy, but end up eventually needing to be replaced, either through wear and tear or because you end up losing them. I can’t begin to count how many I’ve lost. Especially the little magnets you use for wedge practice on the range, which happen to be my favorite lately. Please, whatever you do, don’t give someone one of those half-metal, half-polyester brushes.
All our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you purchase a linked product,
GOLF.COM can earn a fee. Price may vary.
View Product
Golf towels
Again, a highly used item. Also a loss item. Yes, it’s just a towel. But it’s a chance to represent your favorite brand or sports team, add some style to the bag, and there are also some towels like this one from Ghost Golf that have some functionality. The magnet pick up of the towel makes it amazing for a nice long session.
Designed for performance and constructed with premium materials, the GHOSTGOLF® Greenside Towel is the essential companion on the golf course for golfers who care about the details. Compact, durable, and highly absorbent, it keeps your clubs and golf ball clean throughout the round. Premium Microfiber Construction: Made from ultra-absorbent premium microfiber capable of holding up to 400% of its weight in water, helping to maintain the ideal moisture level to keep your clubs clean throughout. Waffle Weave: The deep waffle weave pattern is engineered to reach into the grooves of the club and effectively remove dirt, grass and debris – helping to maintain optimal spin and performance. Easy care: Machine washable for easy maintenance. Simply wash and air dry to maintain function shift after shift. Dimensions: 18″ x 18″
View Product
Ingenuity meets versatility with the patented Face/Club 16″ x 24″ Tri-Fold double-weave embroidered towel (US patents 8,851,090; D624,347 S and other patents pending). Innovative braided ribs capture dirt from your clubs. Woven label to denote division between cleaning surfaces. Highly absorbent 100% sheared cotton velor wicks away moisture. Embroidered team branding. Packed with a letterhead.
View Product
Replacement spikes
I think this applies to more golfers than anyone realizes. Changing your peaks will keep your performance at a higher level, but the problem is that most people don’t even think about it. Giving the golfer you love a new set of spikes could be the perfect reminder they need.
The next generation of traction technology is here. Three degrees of traction, ten points of contact, designed to provide incredible control and unparalleled stability. Featuring an exclusive center stinger seat, Tour Flex Pro is the perfect combination of traction, comfort and performance – specially designed to meet the needs of the world’s best players.
View Product
There is no golfer who would tell you that he could not use another fresh ball marker, or another fresh ball mark repair tool. Tomo Golf is doing great things on this front, and they have a lot of unique designs to choose from.
View Product
These limited edition magnetic ball markers just might add some charm to your golf game
View Product
Bonus item! The largest travel bag ever created. Seriously. You need to take this travel bag. If you or someone you like takes their clubs on a plane more than once a year, the difference in the Club Glider versus another bag is significant. It’s a game changer. I think every time I go to the airport with my clubs (which is an insane number) someone stops and asks me.
The Meridian Sun Mountain minimizes the hassle of traveling with your golf equipment. Dense foam padding across the top of the bag protects your clubs; the leg mechanism supports the weight of your bag; and the swivel wheels make the bag very maneuverable. Pulling a loaded ClubGlider is almost effortless.
View Product
