I’m pretty darn lucky. I’ve got a wonderful wife and two smart, kind, hard-working kids. Yep. Pretty lucky. So lucky, in fact, I don’t feel at all bitter that I can’t get my handicap below 10. Don’t feel even the slightest bit ripped-off that my tee shot on the 14th last weekend rolled to the hole and bounced off the flagstick. Not remotely frustrated
that my duck-hook keeps coming back.
Who am I kidding? I wouldn’t trade my family for a better golf game, but I would trade pretty much anything else. Unfortunately, you can’t make a deal with the devil to become a great player. And Raymond Floyd’s got an unlisted number.
But maybe this Father’s Day, you could ask your loving family for a few new golf toys that might help you enjoy your own golf game a little more, no matter how frustrating it can be at times?
Here are a few suggestions for your Father’s Day wish list this year.
Golf shoes
Few companies have started a line of golf shoes and improved on their offerings every year over of business. The UA Spieth 2 by Under Armour ($200) is the third incarnation of the eponymous shoe, and it is easily the most comfortable so far. Padding around the heel and ankle is plusher, and the width is more generous. Most notably, the UA Rotational Resistance spikes have been moved right to the edges of the sole, making this arguably the most stable golf show on the market. If “swaying” off the ball is a problem for you, these kicks might help you kick the habit.
Jordan Spieth’s eponymous golf shoe by Under Armour gets better every year.
Speaking of companies that improve their golf shoes every season, Skechers is making noise by sponsoring PGA and LPGA Tour pros like Matt Kuchar and Brooke Henderson to tout the incredible comfort of their GO GOLF shoes ($100-$150). The GO GOLF V.3 line comes in dozens of colors and several different styles. I took a couple pairs straight out of the box and walked 18 two days in a row in each, and it felt like I hadn’t walked at all. Probably the most comfortable golf shoe on the market straight out of the box. Also perfectly water-proof, by the way.
2018 marks the year that Skechers GO GOLF V.3 earned the title “Most Comfortable Right Out of the Box.”
PeakVision GX5 sunglasses
Jumping from Dad’s feet up to his face, help him see his golf ball better, and protect his eyes, with the PeakVision GX5 sunglasses ($120). The half-rimmed GX5 frame is produced from super-lightweight and durable Grilamid TR90 that provides high flexural and fatigue strength for long-term performance. The hypoallergenic Megol nose pads are fully adjustable to provide stability and comfort. PeakVision Sunglasses have proprietary lens material which gives them the same clarity as crown glass and zero-distortion. Dad might find these hard to hang onto, though, as any teen-aged kids around will likely try to steal them.
Look great and see better with the PeakVision GX5, specifically designed for golfers.
IBKÜL apparel
IBKÜL (pronounced “I be cool”) makes stylish golf apparel that looks just as good off the course. The company’s IceFil technology cools the skin up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and the UPF 50 blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays. IBKÜL’s solid mock neck half zip ($86) got me through several cool mornings early this season. It’s finally time to pull out one of their uniquely patterned polos ($88)!
Perfect for chilly early morning rounds.
Lamkin grips
I’m going to guess and say that 75% of recreational golfers need new grips on their clubs RIGHT NOW. Most amateurs have no idea how negatively their old glassy grips affect their games. Lamkin has been in the golf club grip business for 93 years, and this year they’ve introduced three new models, the Comfort Plus, Sonar, and TS1 ($7.99-$9.99 each). Each model is made from new, proprietary microfiber materials, and caters to golfers with different preferences and specs. You want to do something for Dad that will improve his game immediately? Get him new grips!
Lamkin’s new grips for 2018 fit every golfer’s feel and hands.
Golf balls
Golf ball companies seem to be flooding the market with new models and colors. The end of last year, Titleist introduced the DT TruSoft ($35/doz.), featuring a larger core and new outer layer. If Dad would like some balls with more flair, the Volvik Vivid Soft ($40/doz.) comes in an expanded line of matte finishes, which are incredibly easy to follow in the air and spot in the grass.
The best-selling balls on the market offer new models and new colors in 2018.
Maybe ol’ Dad will be able to find one of these colors more easily?
The award for the cleverest marketing strategy of the year goes to Bridgestone, though, for their Tour B XS Tiger Edition golf balls ($50/doz.). The balls feature a custom “TIGER” logo that replicates how Woods marks his competition golf balls and distinct packaging to highlight the charitable benefits and limited, special-edition product. From a performance perspective, the Tiger Woods Edition ball is identical to the standard TOUR B XS model, which Woods currently uses on the PGA Tour. Even when Dad loses one, he’ll get a kick out of imagining someone finding a “Tiger” ball and wondering if maybe…
“Hey, Bob! This ball says ‘Tiger’ on it. Do you think…?”
