RV Golfer: Golf Gifts for the Holidays

Written by Rick Stedman

Wednesday, 01 December 2010 00:00

With Christmas just around the corner, here are a few gifts to consider for the golfer in your family.

Orange Whip Trainer: This is a unique training device that serves as a fitness tool and golf swing trainer. I tried it out for 15 minutes at the Seattle Golf Show this year and was very impressed with its feel and potential for helping improve my swing. OrangeWhipTrainer.com.

Spotless Swing Multi-Use Golf Towel: The Spotless Swing Towel is actually three golf towels in one. The outside keeps your hands, face, gloves and grips clean and dry; the inside traps debris from dirty, muddy clubs, and the textured fabric cleans club grooves. I have used it for a few months and it’s very functional. SpotlessSwing.com.

Clicgear Golf Cart: The Clicgear cart is the original compact three-wheel golf pushcart and winner of the 2007 Best New Product Award at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. They have updated their line of products and now offer a souped-up version for 2010, the model 3.0. Clicgear.com.

The Ballkaddie: Ballkaddie is an ingenious new product that allows golfers to store, carry, and access their golf balls at the touch of a fingertip. The fast, one-handed trigger releases a ball into your hand instantly. It clips securely to the top of the golf bag for easy access. Ballkaddie.com.

Ben Hogan’s Short Game Simplified by Ted Hunt. The book focuses on shots under a hundred yards, and covers everything from chip shots, flop shots, bunker shots and putts to spinning, drawing and fading the ball. Lots of illustrations make this a fun read. The book is available at Amazon.com.

Golf Sonnets: Written by James Long Hale, this short but entertaining book shares 18 amusing and illustrated Shakespearean sonnets about golf. This is the only collection of sonnets about golf on the market and is the perfect gift for the literate golfer who has everything. The book is available for purchase at the author’s website at GolfSonnets.com.

TorkScrew: This new product is a wine lover and RVer’s best friend. TorkScrew is an all-in-one opener that includes a foil cutter, corkscrew, and screw cap opener with a no-slip rubberized grip and magnetic base to keep it safe readily at hand. Not only does it come with a five-year warranty, the TorkScrew is perfect for uncorking most sparkling wines and champagnes, and is especially handy for those struggling with arthritis, strength issues or joint pain. To find out more or to order this versatile tool, visit TorkScrew.com.

Drymax Golf Socks: Drymax golf socks keep feet dry and comfortable. I used them on several golf outings over the summer, and they do work well. The dual-layer design creates a self-contained moisture removal system, thus keeping feet dry and comfortable in cold, hot or wet conditions. Drymaxsocks.com.

Callaway’s Diablo Octane and Diablo Octane Tour Drivers: Callaway introduced these new drivers in mid-November. What makes these drivers unique is the design: Callaway joined forces with the research and development team from Automobili Lamborghini in developing an advanced club head with a greater transfer of power at impact and more accurate trajectories versus its all-titanium counterparts. To place an order or to simply salivate a little more, visit Callawaygolf.com.

Eazy Bag: Designed specifically for seniors and women, the Eazy Bag eliminates the need to “lift” your clubs up over your head to remove them from the bag. There is a large, easily accessible opening in the front so you can simply pull the club forward and out it comes! There is a rubber holder that keeps the clubs secure and organized so they won’t fall out. Also, there are small wheels built into the bottom of the bag so you can roll it from your car to the golf cart; again, no need to lift and carry a heavy bag around, which is great for everyone. For more information, or to purchase the Eazy Bag, call (830) 257-9207 or visit LTGolf.com.

Tom Watson: Lessons of a Lifetime: The two-DVD set—filmed at the famous Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where Watson is the Golf Professional Emeritus—is the golfing superstar’s first-ever instructional program and represents the culmination of more than 50 years of playing the game and learning from others. The two-DVD set’s approximately three hours of content provides the ultimate Tom Watson learning experience, covering all facets of the game—from the grip to full shots, to chipping, confident putting and effortless-looking drives, plus specialty shots, including those required in strong wind conditions. Watson shares lessons learned from his childhood through competition, and gifts from the great teachers he has encountered. Tom Watson: Lessons of a Lifetime is available for $49.95 at golf and sporting goods retailers, pro shops, and TomWatsondvd.com or by calling (800) 993-5589.

Smart Glove: The Smart Glove Wrist and Grip Guide is a unique golf glove that sets a player’s wrist in the correct position through the swing with a proper release. It can be used for tee, fairway and approach shots as well as putting. The wrist guide can be used during practice and then removed, using the glove for official play. Made out of high-quality cabretta leather, the Smart Glove comes in five sizes and retails for $29.99. Purchase online at sklz.com, or call (877) 225-7275.

Davek Golf Umbrella: Featuring a spacious 60-inch arc-diameter canopy, the Davek golf umbrella has been wind tunnel-tested at MIT Aeronautics & Astronautics and is guaranteed to endure 60 mph gale-force winds. The umbrella also features a sleek aluminum-alloy anchor spike. Push the spike into the turf to keep your open umbrella in place while taking your shot. With an unconditional lifetime guarantee, you can’t go wrong with the Davek golf umbrella that retails for $99 and is available at the company website, davekny.com, as well as select retailers.

Rick Stedman is an avid golfer, RVer, and writer who lives in Yakima, Washington. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com.