Gifts for the Golfer
One of the things I remember about my father, besides that he
was a great father, was how hard it was to get him a gift. After he
retired he decided to take up cooking. For his next birthday and
Father’s Day and Christmas he got so many cookbooks and cooking
gadgets from his kids as gifts he could have opened his own cooking
store. When he took up golf again later in his life, my brother and
sisters lit up the phones calling me about everything that was
golf. So, to help you find a useful gift for the golfer in your
family I will give you some suggestions.
Gifts for the Golfer
One of the things I remember about my father, besides that he was a great father, was how hard it was to get him a gift. After he retired he decided to take up cooking. For his next birthday and Father’s Day and Christmas he got so many cookbooks and cooking gadgets from his kids as gifts he could have opened his own cooking store. When he took up golf again later in his life, my brother and sisters lit up the phones calling me about everything that was golf. So, to help you find a useful gift for the golfer in your family I will give you some suggestions.
There are thousands of books written about golf and the golf swing, some good and some not so good. Here are a few I would recommend:
– Johnny Miller’s “Breaking 90 with Johnny Miller” is not only instruction but has many other stories about golf and people in golf.
– Tom Watson’s “Getting Up and Down” is a classic for the short game.
– “Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible” gives you all you want to know about putting. Actually, it gives you almost too much but still worth it.
– For more of the mental approach to golf, Dr. Bob Rotella’s “Golf is A Game of Confidence” and “Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect” are both excellent.
– Tiger Woods’ “How I Play Golf” speaks for itself.
– “As Hogan Said” by Randy Voorhees: this little book has 389 quotes about golf and I think it is great.
If your father spends a lot of time in his car here are a few audiotapes that will help pass the time and improve his golf game. Bob Rotella’s “Putting Out of Your Mind” is a great tape that works on your putting without having to putt. It is also available in book form. Just an overall enjoyable tape is Harvey Penick’s “Little Red Book.”
If you’re just not sure, you could also buy a gift certificate for golf lessons. I have had many people that were reluctant to take a lesson, but once they did they wished they had done it a long time before. A golf lesson keeps on giving.
Remember, no father really wants a golf ball Soap on a Rope or a golf watch where the little golfer’s hands tell the time. If your father does happen to want one of those watches, call me – I have 4 of them.
Congratulations to Chris Morsilli. He was the first to e-mail me the correct answer to last week’s question. If I ask a player other than my partner in my foursome what club he just hit, I have violated rule 8-1 regarding advice and receive a two stroke penalty.
If you have any golf related questions, from rules to club fitting, e-mail me at sk*****@ea**********.com. Or, if you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun call your local PGA or LPGA instructor. We will help, that’s what we love to do. We are the shortest distance between you and better golf.
