For golfers, the weeks leading up to warmer temps and longer days are filled with anticipation, excitement, and—perhaps the best part—shopping for the latest gear. Walking onto the course with the trendiest styles and hottest tech feels like going back to school and strutting across campus with new shoes and a spotless backpack. No matter how good of a golfer you are, it’s a vibe that fills you with confidence, pride, and joy.
This golf season, there are countless new products at the intersection of fashion and technology. If you have a golfer in your life, here are some of our favorite gift ideas that will undoubtedly make them want to book a tee time.
Photo via Vessel
Vessel Player V Stand
Whenever I’m on the course and I see a player with a Vessel bag, I always take a second to admire it. It’s hard not to be swept up in the sleek beauty of their bags, and the newly released Player V stand bag is no different. From the sheen of its tour-grade synthetic leather to the vibrant yet simple color choices, the bag’s austerity gives a sense of confidence, elegance, and power.
But it’s the functionality of the bag that truly stands out. Their patented Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap system is a gamechanger for those who carry, with an 8-point swivel mechanism that adjusts to the golfer’s gait, making it more comfortable during those four-plus hours on the course. With 10 external pockets, golfers will never worry about how much gear to carry, and the velour-lined magnetic rangefinder pocket is a highlight. While many rangefinders are destined to dangle clumsily from bags, Vessel designed a quick-access front pocket made specifically for the golfer’s best friend. There are only so many ways to make a golf bag feel premium, but Vessel has seemingly found all the upgrades and thoughtfully put them into the Player V.
Photo via Bushnell Golf
Bushnell Pro X3+
Golf is a game of precision, which means a trusty rangefinder is a must-have. Why skimp on such an important piece of gear? I use a Bushnell and would never buy anything else. For golfers looking for the latest and greatest, the Pro X3+ is a no-brainer. Its form factor is robust and solid, which feels great compared to some lighter rangefinders. And Bushnell’s technology is unrivaled—the Pro X3+ is extremely accurate and locks on fast, displaying a red ring and vibrating for confirmation. Gone are the days of targeting the flag more than once “just in case” your rangefinder miscalibrated. The most impressive thing about the Pro X3+ is that it can give a golfer wind speed and direction when connected to the Bushnell mobile app. For us weekend golfers who can’t have a caddie by our side, the Pro X3+ is the next best thing.
Photo via G/Fore
G/Fore Saddle Shoe and G.112 Shoe
The Swoosh may be the most recognizable logo in footwear, but wouldn’t your golfer prefer to be the most recognizable golfer on the course? With G/Fore’s line of shoes, there’s a style that fits every golfer’s taste, while inspiring confidence with fit, feel, and performance.
For the player who prefers the classic look, G/Fore’s Gallivan2R G/Lock Saddle fits the bill while also feeling modern. For a straight-up contemporary shoe, the G.112 is as hip as they come. It combines a sleek design with just enough avant-garde spikes on the heel and side to give it attitude. Regardless of which shoe your golfer prefers, they both feature G/Fore’s attention to function, with waterproof leather, comfortable EVA midsoles, and stable support through the swing.
Photo via Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
For the golfer who loves to listen to music while they play, a Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t compromise sound quality or form factor is a necessity. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 (the latest model of what I use, a Wonderboom 2) seems to have been made specifically for the golf course. For starters, it has 14 hours of playtime, so your golfer will never have to worry about battery life. And it’s durable, able to withstand drops from up to five feet and engineered to be protected from dirt, dust, and water. Ultimate Ears is a pioneer in audio quality, and the Wonderboom 4 features an “Outdoor Boost” setting for, you guessed it, outdoor listening. Golfers can even pair two Wonderboom 4 speakers for a stereo experience. (In a foursome, why not put one in each cart?)
Photo via Arccos
Arccos Smart Sensors
What’s great about golf is that there’s gear to fit every type of player. Even if your player doesn’t care about style, nearly everybody wants to get better, and you can’t get better without data. Enter Arccos. A pioneer in shot-tracking technology, their Smart Sensors twist into the end of each club and track each shot via the Arccos app, recording all sorts of data like distance and strokes gained by club. Over time, golfers can analyze that data to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in their game. This translates to more focused practice time at the range and better performance on the course. In addition, Arccos has developed several bells and whistles, like Arccos Caddie, an AI-powered feature that gives tips on the course, and a feature that compares your shot to a PGA pro.
Photo via Sun Day Red
Sun Day Red Season Opener Ball Marker Set
The truth is, a ball marker can literally be anything that’s flat and subtle. I’ve seen players use a guitar pick, a poker chip, or my personal choice, a Disney pin of Pumbaa from The Lion King. (Sometimes when you’re on the green, you just gotta remember “hakuna matata.”) But for those who want to splurge, Tiger Wood’s brand, Sun Day Red, makes two marker sets in azalea and dark forest, inspired by the colors of The Masters. Each marker is made of 100% copper and has a distinct, non-circular shape. These are perfect gifts for the golfer who doesn’t want to be ordinary, just like the G.O.A.T.
