By Matt Keel
I am often approached by family members of my students asking for help in selecting gifts pertaining to golf. The key to selecting the right gift is knowing your golfer. Golfers will generally fall into one of three categories…avid golfers, frequent golfers or occasional golfers. Learning what type of golfer you are giving to will assist you in making your decisions.
Avid golfers take the game of golf seriously and put in a lot of effort to improve. Typically, avid golfers will play golf every week and also practice between rounds. These types of golfers know specifically which golf clubs they like, what brand of apparel they like, and what golf balls they like. They key to giving the perfect gift to the avid golfer is to simply find out what he or she likes.
If you want to give golf clubs as a gift to an avid golfer, your best bet is to ask someone he or she usually plays golf with. Ask if there is a specific golf club or set of golf clubs that has come up in conversation. After you find out what specific golf club would make a good gift, stop by a golf shop and ask if they have the clubs in stock. If the shop does not have the clubs in stock they will be able to order what you need. When choosing golf balls, gloves or other equipment, simply look at what the golfer currently owns and give him or her exactly the same. You may also choose to give apparel as a gift such as shirts, hats or pullovers. How an avid golfer looks on the golf course is almost as important as how well he or she plays. To impress an avid golfer, choose newer lines of apparel with a logo from a favorite golf course.
Frequent golfers play golf to enjoy the game. Typically, this type of golfer will put in some effort to improve but understands that he or she will not make it on a professional tour. Frequent golfers will play often and usually play golf with the same people. In choosing gifts for frequent golfers, remember that they are usually not as specific as avid golfers but do want good quality.
In choosing clubs for the frequent golfer, new and improved models are popular. The latest driver, hybrid, or fairway wood will usually be good choices. If you want to give golf balls, gloves or other equipment, high quality would be the most important factor for your choice. For choosing golf equipment as a gift, stop by a golf shop and ask for recommendations. For gifts of apparel, a shirt or hat with the logo from their favorite golf course can make a more desirable gift.
The occasional golfer enjoys playing the game, but will not put any effort into improvement. Aside from the few rounds of golf each year, he or she will rarely practice. Occasional golfers are content with their skill level and often refer to themselves as “hackers.”
Occasional golfers are not too particular in their choice of equipment as long as they have what they need. Occasional golfers want to make sure they have a glove and enough golf balls to finish their round of golf. In choosing equipment for occasional golfers, look in their golf bag or closet and see what they might be low on.
If you are still unsure about what gift to choose, there are some surefire gifts that will be well received. The simplest choice would be to give a gift card from a golf shop. The gift card will allow the golfer in your family to choose exactly what he or she wants or needs. Another great gift is to purchase a gift certificate for a round of golf at a favorite golf course. The certificate will surely be used give the golfer an enjoyable day on the course. Finally, golf lessons and lesson packages make excellent gifts. Lessons help golfers of any skill level improve and enjoy the game more.
Selecting the right gifts for the holidays can be challenging. If you are choosing a gift related to golf, gift selection can be more difficult especially if you do not play. Knowing your golfer and following these general guidelines can help you in choosing the perfect gift.
Mention this article and receive a 20% discount off merchandise in the Wildfire Golf Shop from 11/28/14 through 12/25/2014.
Matt Keel is the Lead Golf Instructor at Wildfire Golf Club located at the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge. Wildfire Golf Academy is conducting a variety of instructional programs to encourage people of all ages take up the game of golf. Throughout the year, Wildfire Golf Academy will be running programs designed for all ages and skill levels. For more information, contact Matt Keel at Wildfire Golf Academy or email Matt at Mattkeel@pga.com.
