This post isn’t for the golfers out there, it’s for the wonderful people who love them.
This holiday season, as you’re looking for gifts to give the favorite duffs and one-handicaps in your life, remember one thing: golfers don’t love everything that has a connection to golf.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been given things that I could never or would never use and had to smile back and say, “thank you, I mean…because I like golf.” For example, I don’t need a device that helps me keep count of my strokes on a hole. In fact, it’s a bit insulting to suggest that I might. Also, I don’t need a clip that I can put on my bag which secures my putter to the outside of the bag so I never lose it – I haven’t lost my putter in six years, I doubt I’ll start in 2012.
These are the gifts people give and they’re crazy. The myriad devices and strange tools companies have developed to market to those who love golfers but don’t play the game are endless and ridiculous. In fact, there are three areas I would recommend everyone stick to when giving golf gifts..
1) Lessons – It’s not insulting to give a golfer lessons. Regardless of their skill level, there is some piece of their game they could use help with. In fact, most golfers would love to have lessons but don’t seek them out do to ego. Help them out this year…
2) Golf balls and tees – Take a look in your favorite golfer’s bag and see which type of golf ball he/she plays. Maybe even steal one and take it to the store – get a dozen or two dozen more just like it.
3) Lavish golf trips – Trust me, nobody turns down a chance to play St. Andrews or Cog Hill or Torrey Pines – if you’ve got the kind of bank to make dreams like this come true. E-mail me.
It sounds silly, but I’m telling you it’s best to keep it simple with golfers. We don’t want things that clip to our hats. We don’t need anything that runs on an infomercial after 1 a.m. on the golf channel. We need better swings and balls to hit. If you love us, you’ll help us make it happen…
