Driver or putter are the most "personal" of clubs and so would make a nice gift.  Drivers these days run $300+, putters $100-200 for the "best" ones.  Below the $100 price range, golf shirts can be nice and that way you can pick something that makes him look sharp in case he is a slob on the course like many golfers I know.

Sub $50 you could get a driver head cover.  There are the things you put on the club head while it sits in your bag.  People have them with college mascots, favorite sports teams logos, breeds of dog they own, etc.  Really anything, lots of options ( http://www.amazon.com/Head-Covers-Golf-Accessories/b?ie=UTF8&node=3410981 )

If you go with driver/putter, maybe ask at the local store and read a bit online for popular suggestions (or get him the updated version of what he has), but in any case make sure that the store will allow an exchange so he can exchange it for one he likes more if what you pick isn't quite right.  That is kinda like getting a gift certificate (i.e. options) but better than handing someone a certificate (i.e. not very personal).

One last option is lessons.  Can be anywhere from $50-100/hr depending on the club and pro, so you can tailor your purchase to your budget.  Lessons are a gift every golfer can find useful.

Good luck.

Most important parts to the game...

About the equivalent to an exhaust or some new leathers in importance...



and

Take a few lessons on go with him.

Golf is a social event more than a sport.

I vote range finder (if he doesn't already have one).  A range finder is on my list for xmas this year.  A good one runs $200-$350.

Also, buying the putter (and keeping the receipt close by) is also a good idea.  Putters are very personal.  Scotty Cameron's are awesome, but I like Odysseys/Ping/TaylorMade at 1/3 of the price and 98% of the performance.

If you're wanting to buy clothes, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Smith, and Golf Galaxy are all over the country and have great selection so you can go see and find something that is his style.

A nice shirt made by Ashworth. You pretty much can only find them in the Pro Shops at courses.

A nice Merlot.

having played golf for over 40-years, here's what comes to mind..depends on your budget, and your desire to not give a general gift certificate...

1) Golf Clubs - no. They're a very personal preference and golf clubs lose their return-for-$ value faster than you can say out-of-bounds….ditto golf equipment in general...

2) GPS Rangefinder - I'd recommend one of the wristwatch models.  Better ones are the Garmin S4 (do not get the S2, limited information) and Bushnell. Garmin S4 can be had for ~$300 +/-; maybe cheaper.  Do not get one of the "monocular" ones that look like a video camera.

3) Tickets to a Major Tournament - U.S. Open (mid-June) and PGA Championship (mid-August) are the only ones in the states. Masters (early April) tickets are privately held and 'impossible' to get; The (British) Open (mid-July) is across the pond (opportunity for a trip for the both of you)

4) Depending on where you Live -- Tee Times - Find out the best 3 'public' golf courses and/or golf resorts in your area (or somewhere that you'd like to go - good resources are Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and similar) and get him a gift certificate for a round at one or two of the courses.  If a resort, then, he, you, his friends and their GFs/wives can all go!

5) Depending on how well/poorly he plays -- or how good he wants to be -- a series of Lesson(s) with a reputable pro (again, at a resort would be nice) could work. All golfers want to get better……check out websites like this one http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/2013-11/50-best-teachers-in-america, or PelzGolf.com.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions!! His handicap is 4, so he's pretty good.  Would the Garmin still help? I did get the books recommended, he has said his mental game is always his biggest drawback.  And what do the "cool guys" wear on the course (Rodney Dangerfield duds aside of course )

Quote from: shemonster2 on December 19, 2014, 11:18:00 AM
And what do the "cool guys" wear on the course