Every December, non-golfing family members face the same challenge: what do you buy for someone who’s obsessed with a sport that apparently requires £5,000 worth of equipment and still leaves them disappointed with their scores?

As someone who’s been on both sides of this transaction—receiving golf gifts and dropping hints about golf gifts—I’ve developed some strong opinions about what works and what doesn’t. So here’s a guide based on actual experience rather than whatever the big retailers are pushing this year.

The Safe Bets

Golf balls. Always golf balls. I don’t care if it seems boring or unimaginative. Golfers use them, lose them, and need more of them constantly. A dozen premium balls is always welcome.

Here’s the thing though: ask which brand they prefer. Some people are loyal to Titleist Pro V1s, others swear by Callaway or TaylorMade. Getting the wrong ones isn’t a disaster—balls are balls—but getting their preferred ones shows you paid attention.

Pro tip: if they’re a mid-to-high handicapper like most of us, don’t spend crazy money on tour-level balls. We can’t tell the difference between a $70 dozen and a $35 dozen, and we lose them at roughly the same rate either way.

Golf gloves are another safe choice. Most golfers go through 3-4 per year depending on how often they play. Again, brand matters to some people, so do a bit of reconnaissance if possible. Size matters too—check the glove they currently use if you can.

The Slightly Risky But Good Options

A golf towel sounds mundane until you realize how useful a good one actually is. Not those tiny promotional ones that courses hand out—a proper, decent-sized microfiber towel that clips to the bag and actually dries your clubs properly.

Same goes for a quality divot tool and ball marker set. Everyone needs them, most people are using cheap freebies that work poorly, and a nice set is both practical and won’t break the bank.

Rangefinders or GPS watches are popular gifts, but here’s the risk: many golfers already have one, or their club doesn’t allow them, or they prefer traditional yardage markers. If you know they’ve been wanting one, great. If you’re guessing, maybe check first.

Training aids are tempting because they’re golf-specific and look impressive. The problem is that most training aids end up unused after the initial enthusiasm wears off. Unless the golfer has specifically mentioned wanting a particular training tool, you’re probably wasting money.

The “Please Don’t” Category

Clothing is dangerous territory. Golf fashion is weirdly specific, sizing varies wildly between brands, and most golfers have strong preferences about what they’ll actually wear on the course. Unless you really know their style and size, steer clear.

Joke gifts—novelty head covers, funny tees, gimmick putting aids—seem fun but usually get used once for the photo and then forgotten. Your money’s better spent on something they’ll actually use.

Equipment is absolutely a no-go unless specifically requested with exact models and specs. Don’t buy clubs, wedges, putters, or anything that requires fitting. I know they’re expensive and seem like impressive gifts, but getting it wrong is worse than not trying at all.

That expensive driver they’ve been eyeing? They need to try it first. That putter that looks cool? Putter fitting is incredibly personal. Trust me on this—equipment is something golfers need to choose themselves.

The Thoughtful Middle Ground

A round at a course they’ve been wanting to play makes a brilliant gift. Better yet, pay for a twosome and join them if you play, or gift it as a round with a friend if you don’t. Experiences beat stuff most of the time.

Golf lessons with their club pro might seem unromantic, but for someone genuinely trying to improve, it’s incredibly valuable. A voucher for 3-5 lessons shows you’re supporting their hobby in a meaningful way.

Course membership fees or subscription services can work well if you know they’ll use them. Some golfers would love help with their annual membership, while others might appreciate a subscription to a tee time booking platform or golf content service.

A quality golf bag is something most golfers use for years and rarely buy themselves because their current one “still works.” If theirs is looking tired, a new cart bag or stand bag is a gift they’ll use constantly.

Tech That’s Worth It

Launch monitors have become way more accessible. If you’re looking at the higher end of the budget, a portable launch monitor can be genuinely useful for someone serious about their game. Just make sure it’s a reputable brand with good reviews.

Smartphone holders for golf carts are cheap, useful, and surprisingly appreciated. Most golfers use their phones for GPS, scoring apps, or photos, and a proper holder beats balancing it precariously on the seat.

Quality golf bag organizers—inserts that keep everything sorted—are another small-cost, high-appreciation item. Most golf bags are chaotic messes internally, and anything that helps is welcome.

The Personal Touch

Books about golf make great gifts for people who actually enjoy reading. Not instruction manuals necessarily, but well-written books about courses, famous rounds, golf history, or humorous takes on the game.

Art or photography featuring their favorite course or a course they’ve always wanted to play can be special, particularly if it’s well-framed and actually fits their home decor. Don’t assume everyone wants a massive Augusta National canvas in their living room though.

Budget-Conscious Options

Quality tees might seem too cheap to gift, but the wooden ones from specific brands have a following, and getting a big pack of someone’s preferred tees is oddly satisfying to receive.

Pitch repair tools, especially the nice metal ones with ball markers, cost $15-30 and get used every single round. Same with alignment sticks for practice.

A dozen balls and a sleeve of gloves together makes a solid $50-60 gift that any golfer will appreciate and use. Simple, practical, thoughtful.

The Real Answer

Want to know what golfers really want? Ask them. We’re not subtle about our golf needs. We’ve mentioned that rangefinder three times in conversation. We’ve shown you the exact ball we prefer. We’ve pointed out courses we’d love to play.

The best golf gift I ever received was a round at a spectacular course I’d never have justified paying for myself, booked for a time when my regular playing partner was also free, followed by lunch. It wasn’t cheap, but it showed genuine thought about what would actually make me happy.

Whatever you choose, remember that it’s the thought that counts, even in golf. Well, that and making sure it’s not pink novelty tees or a club we can’t return.

Happy shopping, and if you’re the golfer dropping hints, maybe share this article. Subtly, of course.