Opinion & Analysis
The Gifts Serious Golfers Actually Want
With Kris Kringle’s arrival just around the corner, we’re going with a slightly different approach relative to past gift guides. Instead of tiered offerings tailored to specials offered this particular Christmas season, we’re going to present the presents, as it were, serious golfers really want.
Of course, given the cost of some of these items, you may have to coordinate with other gift-giving parties. For example, instead of you and your two siblings buying dad socks and two golf instruction books he’ll never read, pool your resources for a driver fitting. Trust us, he’ll thank you.
You can’t go wrong with a dozen tour-level golf balls, either. They’re sort of like the nut roll or Hickory Farms basket for the serious golfer: The Titleist Pro V1x, Bridgestone B330S, Snell My Tour Ball, TaylorMade Tour Preferred X, Callaway Chrome Soft and Srixon Z-Star XV are a few of our favorites.
Here are nine other gifts serious golfers actually want.
A Case of Their Favorite Grips
Sure, when a serious golfer buys a new weapon, he’ll opt for his preferred grip at purchase. Of course, that’s not always possible, depending on manufacturer offerings and the obscurity of his preference. And if he has a preference for different amounts of tape under the left and right hand or simply likes gripping clubs himself, a case of grips makes a great gift. WholesaleGrips.com is a good bet with great volume pricing.
A Premium Full Bag Fitting
If you’re an equipment enthusiast, chances are you’ve been through a full bag fitting. And if you haven’t, well, now you know what to ask Santa for. If you can’t afford a full-bag fitting, consider an individual driver or putter fitting, which cost much less.
Mitchell Steelclub Signature Loft and Lie Machine
The industry standard in angle machines, Mitchell’s most popular loft and lie offering is a dream inclusion for any amateur club builder or tinkerer. Mitchell’s Steelclub Angle Machine was an industry depth charge in 1988, and the Steelclub Signature Loft and Lie Machine is the company’s current best seller. MSRP: $1,799.99
Big Moss Super G Putting Green
If you’re a golfer and you have a backyard, you want a backyard putting green. Period. But if you aren’t ready/able to install a full-scale natural or synthetic dance floor, consider one of Big Moss’ portable putting greens. $161.70 for “The Original.”
SkyTrak Launch Monitor
You can’t put a price on being able to practice at home. Or rather, maybe you can, and that price is the cost of a launch monitor. There is no shortage of options in this space, which GolfWRX readers are abundantly familiar with. Unless money is no object (in which case, hello TrackMan), SkyTrak is the way to go. MSRP: $1,995
Young Brothers Stamp Letter Set
Wedge and iron stamping is having a moment on the PGA Tour right now. For the golfer looking to add personalization to his (or her) own wedges and irons, a Young Brothers stamp set is the route to go. Of course, if you’re a novice, you’ll want to check out one of the tutorials in the club building forum before you start hammering away.
GolfTEC Package
The largest indoor practice and PGA Professional lesson chain in the business and one of the easiest routes to swing video and analysis. If you’re not lucky enough to have a GolfTEC facility near you, we’re sorry.
JET Multitool 4×48 1hp Belt Grinder Bundle
There’s probably a Home Improvement joke in here somewhere, but a Jet Multitool Belt Grinder will set any club building enthusiast’s heart aflutter. And if you’re not experienced, well, let’s just say it’s a slippery slope once you go the grind-and-polish route on your own wedges. MSRP: $658.95
Vintage Hickory Shafted Golf Clubs
Bear with us on this one: There are few serious golfers who wouldn’t like a couple of hickory clubs either to mount on the wall as decoration or whack at the driving range. And of course, hitting a 100-year-old Spalding on a launch monitor is a nearly irresistible draw. Check eBay for lots of three or four, but beware, your golfer may be wearing plus-fours and tweed caps in short order.
Aronimink is not a storied club, but when Donald Ross himself proclaimed it to be as good as he can design and build, one had to take notice. Jay Sigel was the pre-eminent male amateur golfer from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. He might have called any number of Philadelphia clubs home, but he chose Aronimink. It served him well. Gary Player won a PGA Championship here in 1962, and was followed by the 1993 winner … nobody. Aronimink gave that event away to Inverness, for reasons of which it is certainly not proud. So be it. We had to wait sixty-four years for the PGA to return to Newtown Square, but here we are. Aronimink has been neo-restored by Gil Hanse and team, to return Ross features with an eye toward defense against the dark arts, errrr, high-tech equipment.
Day one saw Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau dig big holes, to the tune of plus-four and plus-six, respectively. Since the first-round lead will be minus-three at worst, many shots will need to be made up for the power couple to reach contention. By nightfall, seven golfers held the day-one lead at three-under par 67. Shots and sticks caught our attention, and we are proud to present Five Things We Learned on Tech Thursday at the 2026 PGA Championship. Thanks to InsideTourGolfer, Today’s Golfer, and GolfWRX for initial equipment research.
First, meet Min Woo Lee
Min Woo Lee, aka Dr. Chipinski, has once again thrust himself into the conversation of Can he, will he, when will he? Lee has so much talent, wins not nearly as often as we believe that he should, and has no major near-misses (much less titles) on his wiki. The young Aussie is getting older and wiser, but is he able to avoid the scarring that holds the older and wiser back from breaking through? Philadelphia offers another opportunity. Min Woo signed for five birdies and two bogeys on day one, and grabbed a share of the opening-day lead at Aronimink. Winners transcend history and the moment, and Lee will need that sort of ascent to lift the Wannamaker on Sunday.
Second, meet Aldrich Potgeiter
The young South African golfer can rip driver with the best of them. Aronimink tips out at nearly 7400 yards, but beyond the fairway bunkers that ensnare only the mortals, Potgeiter can take his chances with wedge from the rough. On Thursday, he spent plenty of time in the spinach. Like Popeye, he used his muscles to gouge and thrash and dig his way out. Six birdies against three bogeys on the card brought AP in a three deep.
Third, meet Martin Kaymer
Not a major event takes place without a where’s he been throwback moment. We know that Martin Kaymer left the PGA and DP World tours for LIV golf, but the two-time (US Open and PGA) major winner has a lifetime exemption into at least one major event, and he seizes the opportunity each May. Kaymer joined the six-seven brigade with four birdies and a solitary bogey on day one. Kaymer was never a long hitter, and the years are kind to no golfer. The German champion will need to uncork every bottle of guile and strategy in his cabinet to remain in contention. For today, though, he occupies a rung on the ladder of Tour Tech.
Fourth, meet Scottie Scheffler
Let’s see, he’s the defending champion at the PGA, and he found his way back to the top tier with five birdies against two bogeys. To be a favorite and then play up to that stature and expectation is quite difficult. Just ask Rory, Bryson, and some of the other pre-tournament heartthrobs. Scheffler’s game is complete, and to knock him off the OWGR #1 pedestal, one needs to defeat him at the majors. Aronimink is the sort of course that fits Scheffler’s game. Better yet, it unfits the game of many of his challengers. Don’t expect Scheffler to go away anytime soon. Come Sunday, he’ll be around.
Fifth, meet Stephan Jaeger
Clocking in for the unheralded players shift are Ryo Hisatsune and Stephan Jaeger. Hisatsune logged seven birdies on day one, but gave most of them back with four bogeys. Still, he’s tied at the top for a time. Jaeger pitched five birdies against two bogeys, including a run of three consecutive, from holes four through six. Odds are that one of the two will hang around through 36 holes. Odds also suggest that both will be gone by Saturday evening. Still, the PGA Championship has historically been the major most likely to be won by an under-known. Both Hisatsune and Jaeger feature on that list, so good luck, lads!
On this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, I head to the Titleist Performance Institute for a full driver fitting with the new Titleist GTS lineup. We dive into the fitting process, talk about what made the biggest difference in performance, and break down how the different GTS heads and shaft combinations compare on the launch monitor. If you are thinking about a new driver setup for this season, there is a lot to take away from this one.
I also get into Brooks Koepka and the gear setup he brought to the PGA Championship, including the putters that caught my eye during the week. There are some interesting equipment trends showing up at the highest level right now and we break down what stands out.
To wrap things up, I talk about reshafting a few wedges, what I learned during the process, and swapping an adaptor onto a new shaft for another build project in the shop. A gear packed episode from start to finish for anyone who loves golf equipment and club building.
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Excited for this week’s WITB as we get to add the new Titleist GTS woods to the bag! I was fit at Titleist’s TPI facility in Oceanside California a few weeks ago and my new clubs just showed up. I am also adding a cool set of irons that I built last year some wild custom wedges into a new golf bag. Speaking of the bag I have a new Ghost Anyday Black Ops stand bag that I will be using on my Motocaddy Remote M7 electric cart.
Driver: Titleist GTS3 (11 degrees @ 10.25)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 6s
3-wood: Titleist GT1 3Tour (14.5 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD CQ-7s
5-wood: Titleist GTS (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7s
9-wood: Titleist GT1 (24 degress)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7s
Irons: Bettinardi CB24 (5-PW)
Shafts: KBS C-Taper Lite 110 stiff
Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (50-09 SB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff
Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (56-12 SB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff
Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (60-08 LB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff
Putter: Dan Carraher ZT Proto
Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour
Bag: Ghost Anyday Black Ops Stand Bag
Justin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
RBC Heritage Tour Report: More minis, course-specific setups, Spider & GTS launches
What’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
Cadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Nelly Korda WITB 2026 (April)
Justin Rose on the switch to McLaren Golf, learnings from previous equipment moves
Photos from the 2026 PGA Championship
Patrick Reed WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Titleist GT3 (9 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Aldila Rogue Silver 130 M.S.I. 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (15 degrees)...
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Driver: TaylorMade M6 (9 degrees) Shaft: Aldilda Synergy Blue 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue...
Michael Block WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black VeloCore+ 5 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees @14.25) Shaft: Mitsubishi...
Bryson DeChambeau WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees) Shaft: Project X Prototype 3-wood: Krank Formula Fire (10 degrees) Shaft: LA Golf BAD...
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Ryan
Dec 17, 2016 at 11:07 pm
Why so many shanks ? He nailed most golfers dream gifts.
Dill Pickleson
Dec 12, 2016 at 6:18 pm
i’ll take a belt sander to your shoes, Schmaels
Desmond
Dec 10, 2016 at 10:21 am
I like the Mitchell Loft Lie, but when you only use it twice a year…
McPickens
Dec 13, 2016 at 3:49 pm
buy a MR3 true blue, better machine and better value
Bert
Dec 10, 2016 at 9:29 am
“FAKE” story, really just advertisement in disguise.
Jdog
Dec 9, 2016 at 11:44 pm
Golftec? And their Windows 95 PCs processing Security Camera footage from the 90s? Ha! No thanks.
knoofah
Dec 9, 2016 at 3:57 pm
I wish I had friends that could afford to give me a full bag fitting!
“That’ll be $700, please.”
“On second thought, I’ll just go with the 2 dozen KSIGs.”
Rene Goulet
Dec 9, 2016 at 3:37 pm
I’d like the loft and lie machine followed by a grip changing station. Just the sort of thing a novice tinker would love to have in his secret lab behind the furnace.
RJ
Dec 9, 2016 at 11:29 am
I hear that!
Tom McCrary
Dec 9, 2016 at 10:58 am
love the hickory clubs, there are some remakes out there now Tad More golf
Travis
Dec 9, 2016 at 6:48 am
Golftec is a complete joke. You’d get a better swing analysis having your drunk buddy in your golf cart record your swing with your stupid smartphone. All these Golf lesson establishment’s and swing coaches are a bunch of money making brain washing pieces of garbage. If you want to make yourself better go out and practice and trust yourself. Dont waste thousands of dollars on un-proven theory’s that will not all of a sudden make you a scratch golfer. Bubba Watson has done just fine for himself
Dat
Dec 9, 2016 at 1:03 pm
They’re the scientologists of the golf instruction world.
Al
Dec 19, 2016 at 2:31 pm
I can think of two golfers on tour without coaches (Watson and Matsuyama), but the other 98% have swing coaches.
My experiment to figure out my swing by going to the range every day led to some nasty swing habits leading to duck hooks on the course. Had about 8 lessons (once a month) and at first my handicap went the wrong direction, but once I got the hang of the new swing I spend more time in the fairway, putting for birdie, and significantly more time enjoying myself on the course. Worth every dollar spent.
Mat
Dec 9, 2016 at 12:44 am
I’d be a lot more interested in that SkyTrak if they didn’t arse you over on the $99/year additional subscription. That’s horsepoo.
Dill Pickleson
Dec 12, 2016 at 6:16 pm
and, they admittedly ‘over estimate’ spin. so, you’re gentle draw looks a like a serious problem…..it will drive you crazy
Mort
Dec 8, 2016 at 10:42 pm
Golftec can die
Michael K.
Dec 8, 2016 at 10:05 pm
Jet grinder? No way. Get what every manufacturer has in their Tour Vans, Baldor Grinders.
The dude
Dec 8, 2016 at 8:55 pm
How bout a gift from my wife……a day of golf…followed by a non resentful look when I walk in the door…
Mat
Dec 9, 2016 at 12:42 am
I’ll pay for the golf if I can avoid that look. 🙂
lowrj8@yahoo.com
Dec 9, 2016 at 11:26 am
I hear that!
Golfer
Dec 8, 2016 at 7:49 pm
I second that.
Dat
Dec 8, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Third. Go to a PGA pro, not an as-seen-on-TV pro.
Phil
Dec 8, 2016 at 1:38 pm
You’ve missed the hottest item out right now – Kirkland Signature Golf Balls – KSIGS!!!!!
new stuff!!
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:29 pm
umm no – not knocking KSIGS but they said gift – if someone gave you something as a gift you’re telling me you rather get Kirkland Signature Balls then some other premium Brand name ball e.g. Titleist Pro V1.
IMAO Golf balls as a gift = Pro V1 personalized with their name on it. Don’t be a value gift giver.
Andrew Rivera
Dec 8, 2016 at 4:10 pm
what about 2 boxes of ksigs?
new stuff!!
Dec 8, 2016 at 5:15 pm
well… in that case, sure… but only if you take out all 48 balls and hand write their names on the balls with a sharpie /s
Dave C
Dec 9, 2016 at 8:10 pm
Two dozen = 24 golf balls
Double Mocha Man
Dec 9, 2016 at 12:49 pm
What about 2 boxes of Cohibas?
Brian
Dec 9, 2016 at 11:57 am
Personally, I’d rather someone spend $30 on two dozen balls, or better yet $60 for four dozen, than get a box of ProV1, as a gift.
Travis
Dec 9, 2016 at 6:53 am
1 box of KSIGS Golf Balls would be a much better gift than a box of Prov1’s that will probably get cut just by opening a box. The KSIGS perform just as good and last soo much longer on the course it’s not even funny. You want to give somebody a gift that last’s Prov’s are the disposable razor of tour level golf balls. Personalized golf balls are stupid unless your a pro golfer anyway. Waste of money and Id much rather get 2 box’s of KSIGS