Merry Christmas

Well, the big day is here.

I hope everyone's opening lots of fun golfing gifts from under the tree this morning.

Have a great day!

Last Minute Golfer Gifts

I don’t know about you but December has completely sneaked up on me this year.

So, for those of us who perhaps may have forgotten (or just “forgotten”) to head out to the busy shops and find gifts for the golfers in their life - fear not.

Not only are the last posting dates nice and late this year (today for second class posting, Saturday 20th for first class and Tuesday 23rd for Special Delivery) but there are also plenty of ways to still get that ideal present before the big day.

Say it with me - gift certificates!



Golf Direct

What can't you buy from Golf Direct? Let them buy their own present by selecting gift vouchers from £10 to £1000. £1000 to spend on any golfing thing ever - bliss!

Click here for more information and to buy.

IJP Design 

Looking for something fun and funky to wear on the golf course? Head on over to Ian Poulter’s company where you can buy vouchers from £10 to £100. 

Click here for more information and to buy.

American Golf

American golf has a range of vouchers form £5 to £100. These vouchers can be mailed or emailed to you and can be redeemed online or in store. 

Click here for more information and to buy. 

Direct Golf

Not to be confused with Golf Direct (hmmmm) Direct Golf is Europe’s number one golf discount specialist and has gift cards available for £10, £25 or £50. They can be redeemed online, phone sales or at one of their stores.

Click here for more information and to buy.

Clubhouse Golf Direct

Seriously - people need to come up with new store names that don’t include the words golf and direct. Or just direct. Anyway, vouchers from clubhouse golf direct range from £5 to £100 and can be redeemed on-line or direct at their store in Manchester. Road trip?!

Click here for more information and to buy.





Green Free

Green Free vouchers give two golfers a round of golf at a golf course for the price of one round. They have over 900 participating courses in the UK.

You can buy 5 (+ 1 bonus) voucher for £14.75 or a 24 pack for £44.95. Orders are subject to a £3 admin fee. 

Click here for more information and to buy.

Open Fairways

An Open fairways membership offers a range of benefits such as:

• Up to 50% off green fees, for 1 to 8 golfers (eligible on 250+ courses in Ireland; 750+ courses in the UK and 600+ international courses in Spain, Portugal, France and further afield) 
• Up to 50% off the rack room rate at over 150 partner hotels in Ireland 
• 10% off the best available single night rate at participating Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in the UK and Ireland 
• Members eNewsletter - regular updates on new courses and members only offers 
• Discounted rates when you book any specified Dream Ireland Holiday Homes 

The basic cost is just £89 and you can even get the hotel discounts without playing golf so can be used by the whole family. 

Click here for more information and to buy.

Yet More Christmas Gifts for Golfers

I’m nothing if not helpful in the run up to Christmas as I bring you yet more gifts for the golfer in your life. Even if that's you yourself!

I have to admit that it’s a two fold plan. Firstly, of course, I’m helping golfers get something fun and useful under the tree this year. And secondly, I’m sending the blogs to my better half - Christmas wish list sorted!

So here are some more of my top Christmas finds.


Shotsaver SLR500 Laser Rangefinder

I love my gadgets and this is one of those devices that you can get away with spending a lot of money on because it's both practical and fun. This particular model is a snip (compared to others I've seen) at only £149.99.

But what does it actually do? Well, it allows very accurate distance measurements on the golf course in any conditions. It can pick out yardages to the edge of a fairway bunker, the back of a green, the flag, the edge of a hazard etc. Knowing the exact distance to a target is a great advantage in your game.

Click here for more information and to buy.


Stuburt Pro-Am XT Spikeless Golf Shoes

I suddenly see why many girls have such an obsession with shoes. These spikeless golf shoes can provide grip while on the course but can also be used off course as a leisure shoe.

Designed for dry summer conditions (not wet or soft course conditions), they are lightweight, are designed to provide comfort and support for your swing while looking awesome!

Click here for more information and to buy.


Pencil Golf Bag

If you want to minimise the amount of golf gear you take onto the course or just need clubs for a few holes then a pencil golf bag is a must.

This Callaway Hyper Lite golf bag is designed to fill all requirements the carry bag player needs with a super lightweight design - a really useful golfing accessory. There other pencil golf bags available so take your pick.

Click here for more information and to buy.


Practice Net

Keeping your swing in good form over the long winter months is not always easy.

If you have enough space then you can set up a practice net in your garden to hit balls at leisure.

This Colin Montgomerie Deluxe practice net is available from Amazon and provides a nice challenge but the kind of challenge that is more like fun than work!

Click here for more information and to buy.


Golf Mitts

If you are not interested in having a well known logo on your golf wear then you may be interested in these German Army Goretex mittens. They will keep your hands warm on cold golfing days and since the snow has already arrived - these are definitely on my own personal wish list.

Click here for more information and to buy.




Hotrox Electronic Hand Warmer
If gloves are not sufficient to keep the cold out then a hand warmer may be the solution.

This particular choice charges via a USB port meaning you can charge it from your computer, your car or some battery powered golf trolleys.

This hand warmer can be switched on and off as required and will take up to 500 charge cycles. Cosy!

Click here for more information and to buy.


Winter Hat

The most common winter head wear for golfers is a beanie hat but they are not for everyone! If you don't suit or like this type of headwear then a more traditional style of hat may be appropriate.

Tilley are a traditional Canadian company who have been making hats since the 1930’s. This winter hat can be worn on and off the golf course and has a touch of style.

Click here for more information and to buy.


Explanar Home Golf Training Aid

The Explanar Home Golf Training Aid can be used to develop a powerful, repeatable swing in your own home.

The aim of this training aid is to develop a repeatable swing on the ideal swing plane for your height. I was lucky enough to have a go of this at a recent golf show and it is a really great piece of kit. I might have to wait until a lottery win to get my hands on it, though.

Click here for more information and to buy.


Mizuno Twin Canopy Golf Umbrella

This twin canopy umbrella gives full wind and rain protection from showers and downpours - perfect for us Brits! It is tested to 60 mph wind conditions (and obviously survived) so that's got to be a point in its favour!

Click here for more information and to buy.

More Christmas Gifts for Golfers

As promised, I’ve been searching around the internet for some more gifts to buy the golfer in your life this Christmas. Even if that golfer is you and you are buying for yourself, you’ll find lots of fun golf gifts.

So without further ado...

Golf Fitness by Gary Player (Foreword)

This is a book about being and getting fit for golf which is definitely something we all need! Gary Player was one of the first pro golfers to recognise the need for fitness and it’s he who has written the foreword in this worthwhile book.

Click here for more information and to buy.



Socks 

You think I'm joking but I'm not! When you have run out of ideas why not give socks as a present? Good quality comfortable socks are a must to complete the golfing outfit and there's a pair for anyone that golfs. Yes, it's not just men that can have the joy of receiving socks for Christmas!

Click here for more information and to buy.


Galvin Green Angus Gore-Tex Waterproof Golf Jacket 

Playing golf in the winter? Or Scotland in June? Well, you will need some good quality waterproofs. These Gore-Tex jackets come with a lifetime waterproof guarantee so it's worth a fair whack. You will have to pay a fair whack as it's currently priced at £239.95 but it's the last waterproof jacket you'll ever need to buy.

Click here for more information and to buy.


Yoga for Golfers by Katherine Roberts

The author has combined her passions to create the "Yoga for Golfers" program - an integrated educational system providing instruction on how to improve flexibility, range of motion, and concentration on the course. Be bendy, my friends.

Click here for more information and to buy.




Longridge Power Band

This is a swing aid designed to keep your arms working together and stop the ‘flying right elbow’. Continued use of this training aid will improve technique and as a consequence length and accuracy. And it's under a tenner, too!


Click here for more information and to buy.



Motocaddy S3 Pro Electric Golf Trolley

If you are looking for a bit of help getting around the golf course a motorised golf trolley is the best gift for yourself. This trolley will get you round 36 holes, includes distance tracker (not for competition use) and a usb charger for your mobile devices - among other cool gadgets. Okay you have to fork out a pretty penny (£599) but look how cool it is!!

Click here for more information and to buy.

iTunes Voucher

Now who doesn't like an iTunes voucher at the best of times? But, by giving the golfer in your life (or yourself) an iTunes gift voucher for Christmas then they/you can buy the R and A rules app for your iPhone. Keeping a copy of the rules of golf with you wherever you go and wherever you play. It also has lots of extra information and quiz questions. Admittedly, it's currently free to download but then you still have the rest of your iTunes voucher to use!

Click here for more information and to buy.


Perfect Plane Putting Training Aid

The SKLZ Perfect Plane Putting Training Aid teaches a consistent putting stroke path, proper acceleration and how to square the club face. This guide can be used on the practice green, at home or in the office - between meetings, obviously!! At under £30, it's a great buy.

Click here for more information and to buy.




Game Golf Digital Tracking System

Check out this new gizmo. It tracks your progress around the golf course, recording the club you use and where you hit the ball from. It conforms to PGA and R&A rules so can even be used in competition. The purpose is to analyse your round, showing where you were on the course for your shots. It retails at £159.95 but it will keep the golfer in your life occupied for AGES.

Click here for more information and to buy.


Momentus Swing Trainers

Momentus Golf has been producing swing aids for some time and so have a strong reputation. This particular weighted swing trainer can be can be used to hit balls on the practice range and is designed to improve timing, rhythm, and tempo and add distance to your iron shots. It's only £34.99, too! Now I did say that you shouldn't buy clubs for a golfer but this training aid is an exception.

Click here for more information and to buy.



I have even more ideas for gifts so check back soon...

All prices were correct at the time of writing this post. If they go up - sorry. If they go down - yay!

Christmas Gifts for Golfers

What shall I get the golfer in my life for Christmas? What are the ideal golf gifts?

I don’t really understand it but almost as soon as Hallowe’en and Guy Fawkes are over, all eyes move towards Christmas. It’s more than 7 weeks away, people! Let’s just get through November! No?

Perhaps it’s part of the great gender divide but my better half (and children, too) have started to ask the question that quite a lot of us dread… what do you want for your Christmas?

Oh, I dunno!

But then I thought that others may have the same problem in either buying gifts for golfers or knowing what to ask for when the ‘present question’ comes around - as it invariably will.

Just a quick note… If you’re buying gifts for golfers, please do not get golf clubs. These are very personal items and need to be selected by the golfer themselves.

So have a look at this lovely selection of gifts that any golfer would be happy to receive.

Personalised Titleist Golf Balls

Want to make sure that it's definitely your ball that you're fishing from the water hazard? Then buy Titleist Golf Balls before Christmas* and you can get free engraving on each. Get a name, initials or any fun message you choose. Plus, buy a dozen balls and get a free ball marker, too!

Click here for more information and to buy.

*(before 8th December for Christmas delivery)

Play Golf Scotland Gift Bag

Of course I have to add our own fabulous gift bags onto this list. Perhaps I'm biased but these bags would go down a treat for any golfer. The bag contains several individual and unique items including hints and tips cards, golf tees, Nike balls and more.

Priced from £25 plus postage.

Click here for more information and to buy.

Chipping Net 

If you are interested in chipping practice a chipping net is fun and helpful. And did I mention it's fun? I spotted this PGA Tour Perfect Touch Practice Net on Amazon and it's a steal at only £7.50. If you're planning to use this indoors then consider buying foam practice balls and moving any precious bits and bobs before you play!

Click here for more information and to buy.

Soap for Golfers

A natural hand soap designed to ease sore muscles. I can personally attest that this is fabulous stuff.

Click here for more information and to buy.





The Golfing Good Life: Golf Instruction for Golfers Over 50 

Your golfing career doesn't have to end just
because you're the big 5-0 or older! This book is a great gift if you know someone looking to revive a golf career or for a newly retired person who's looking to get into the game.

Click here for more information and to buy.



No Limits: My Autobiography by Ian Poulter

Okay, I'm going to be honest - I haven't read this book yet as it's on my own Christmas list! But if you're interested in finding out how IP is motivated then this would be a great stocking filler. (It's got good reviews, too!)

Click here for more information and to buy.

Indoor Putting Mat

Indoor putting practice is easier with a putting mat. This putting mat from the PGA is an ideal practice assistant to achieve a consistent putting stroke. It is better than using your carpet and is only £14.50 for 6ft!

Click here for more information and to buy.


Golf Tough: Practice, Prepare, Perform and Progress

Golf Tough is an original and inspiring book- a book that will transform your game. Once again, I haven't read it but again, that's because I'm hoping to find it under our tree on December 25th!

Click here for more information and to buy.





Base Layer Clothing: Stuburt Base Layer

This is an inexpensive base layer to help keep the body warm on cold days on the golf course. The price is currently £19.99 (20% discount) from Direct Golf. Plus, if you buy before 23rd December you get a free gift card. Bonus!

Click here for more information and to buy.




Golf Trolley

Who doesn't love a good golf trolley? Especially one that's on offer! This Masters Golf iCart Duo Trolley is currently on offer from American Golf and is great value at just £79.99.

Click here for more information and to buy.






Ben Hogans Five Lessons "The Modern Fundamentals of Golf”

A classic book from one of the best golfers of all time. It's no longer in print but there are some great offers for it used on Amazon or eBay and it's definitely worth getting hold of and having a read.

Click here for more information and to buy.

I have more ideas for gifts so check back soon for more...


All prices were correct at the time of writing this post. If they go up - sorry. If they go down - yay!

Hi There and Hello!

Has it really been almost a month since our first blog post? Wow - time flies when you’re bogged down in golf stuff!

So, what have we been up to?

Our website is now live and taking shape. We’ve still some way to go but if we waited until we were 100% happy with everything then it would never get published!

So, beavering away behind the scenes we’ve been chopping and changing, adding bits, correcting spellings and starting a comprehensive list of all 572 golf courses in Scotland. If I’m tired just now just wait until I challenge myself to have played them all! Maybe next year!

All our social media channels are up and running. To give you a quick rundown you can:

We’ve also got plans for a YouTube channel but that will all depend on how camera shy the golf guys feel when the time comes.

There are also some fab articles being written for future blog posts and the website. We aim to debunk those myths and uncomplicated all the fancy schmancy stuff you see and read about golfing. Golf should be fun. Sure, we all want to improve our game, hit harder, smarter and more accurately but I certainly don’t want to need degrees in Engineering, Maths, Computing and Science to understand ho to go about doing so. That’s where we come in. With that in mind, look out for our first article on Smash Factor in the very near future.

Our golf bags will also be available to buy very soon. Just in time for Christmas (yes, it’s only August and I mentioned the C-word!). Pop one on your wish list - there’s a bag for every golfer and every budget.

So that’s us - we’re warmed up, and ready to go - we hope you will join us!