With the US Open and its traditional Father’s Day finish just around the corner, and as the proud father of two great kids aged 13 and 9, it got me to thinking about the assortment of hand crafted gifts I’ve received honoring my good fortune to be a parent.
A variety of paperweights, pencil holders, popsicle stick picture frames, bird houses, and coupon booklets redeemable for hugs and sundry chores all seem to find permanent homes in the nooks and crannies of my office, or are tucked away in sock drawers or filing cabinets, waiting to be revealed and reflected upon with a smile from time to time when on the hunt for a paper clip — my kingdom for a paper-mâché paper clip holder in 2012!
While each and every hand crafted Father’s Day gift reminds me how fortunate I am to have two healthy and happy kids, I’m also destined to receive a golf related do-dad of a sort, and if your spouse of older child is in dire need of an idea on this front, consider each of the following, all of which promise more function and use than that old school wrist watch stroke counter you lovingly selected for your father in 1979. He still has that beauty by the way, and smiles every time he sees it in the top drawer of his tall boy.
Alial Fital Golf Polo – $85
Photo: Alial Fital
Official Website: Alial Fital
Arnie – $59
Photo: Arnie Wear
The King is back, and better than ever thanks to a retro reset undertaken by the hip Canadian chaps behind the Quagmire Golf brand. Available in golf shops nation wide and online (Retailers), the iconic umbrella logoed apparel brand is worn on tour by Ryan Moore, and will breath some new life into your Father’s golf clothes.
Official Website: Arnie Wear
Frogger Brush Pro – $19.95
Photo: Frogger
Here’s a tool you’ll use every round, after every shot. The Frogger Brush Pro does the dirty work that is cleaning your club heads, making mincemeat of the hearty divots you (inadvertently?) take and the residuals they leave behind, ensuring your last chunk doesn’t affect your next purely struck shot. Dig it.
Official Website: Frogger Brush Pro
Garmin Approach – $349.99
Photo: Garmin
Speaking of golf watches, this one trumps all. Instant, simple, and extremely accurate, the Garmin Approach S3 tells you every distance you need to know to help you execute your next shot. Best of all, you’re not continually fumbling with a bulkier device or searching for an elusive yardage marker.
Official Website: Garmin Approach S3
Oakley Fast Jacket Polarized Sunglasses – $220
Photo: Oakley
These shades won’t make you swing like world number two (or one, depending on what week this is) Rory McIlroy, but the polarized lenses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and will stop you from squinting your way through your round. After all, your Father has enough headaches in his life without having to endure the sun blazing in his eyes for an entire round.
Official Website: Oakley Fast Jacket
Pebble – $150
Photo: Pebble
The Pebble is cool. Probably cooler than you think any Father ever could be. But don’t let that stop you from signing your Father up for a Pebble e-Paper watch. Why is it cool? Pebble connects by Bluetooth to your iPhone or Android device, and can be used for a myriad of different functions — including as a golf rangefinder. So, now Dad can know the distance to the middle of the green, and can stay in touch with Mom via text message, all from the Pebble.
Official Website: Pebble
Swinkey Training Tool – $89.99
Photo: Swinkey Golf
It’s been called the best training aid on the market, but what the heck is a Swinkey? The Swinkey is the Swiss Army knife of golf, comprised of an aluminum tube containing two fiberglass and two stainless steel spikes. On either end you’ll find a golf grip, so you can use it as a stretching tool and weighted swing device.
There are eight holes drilled in the Swinkey tube that work in conjunction with the rods and spikes to form various configurations and can be used either indoors or outdoors to work on putting, tempo, fitness, alignment, ball position, swing plane, putting plane, a camera can be mounted on top, and it is long enough to protect your clubs in travel. It says here that every Father out there needs a Swinkey!
Official Website: Swinkey
Back9 USA Headcovers – $31.09
Photo: Back9 USA
If Dad shares a passion for classic looks with a modern flare, here’s an idea for him. Back 9 USA headcovers will take him back to golf’s golden era while protecting his clubs with the latest in stylish but durable materials. Check out their website for head covers, hats and apparel.
Official Website: Back9 USA
TaylorMade Rocketballz Fairway Wood – $229.99
Photo: Taylormade Golf Company
With golf equipment manufacturers making promises of greater distance with every passing year, one would think that every Dad out there is already bombing it over 300 yards. That’s hardly the case, but there is more than just marketing hype behind TaylorMade’s promise of 17 more yards (for better players) from its Rocketballz fairway woods. After sufficient market soak time, yardage gains have been widely substantiated.
Official Website: Taylormade RBZ
Tin Cup Ball Marking Tool – $19.95
Photo: Tin Cup Products
Marking your ball with a permanent marker is one thing, but with the Tin Cup system you can “Make Your Mark” with a personalized ball marker using the logo or design of your choice. There are a number of designs (Tin Cups) already available or you can request your own personal design (Customization).
Official Website: Tin Cup
