It's that time of year where it's finally socially acceptable to start shopping for the holidays. Regardless of what your friends and family say, with all the people you have to shop for, you can never start too early.
Of course, it can get overwhelming if your loved one enjoys more niche hobbies that you're not as familiar with.
For many, that hobby includes the noble sport of golf, which continues to be popular for people of many ages. While I may have a few ideas about what you could purchase for that special someone for Christmas this year, I didn't want to steer you wrong.
So, I sought out the advice of a true golf expert, Golfweek journalist Nick Stavas, who's consistently
on the pulse of what's trending in the golf world, and what golf enthusiasts are looking to buy.
To help you ace your Christmas shopping this year, I compiled a list below of the top 10 golf gifts to shop for this year, with expert insight from Stavas.
Top 10 golf gifts according to an expert
1. Golf rangefinder
Rangefinders are an especially great gift if you don't know where to begin.
"Rangefinders to start, definitely," Stavas began. "It's something everyone can use. You don't have to get the size right, you don't even have to get the style right."
Bushnell Tour V6 SHIFT Rangefinder
Featuring tour-trusted slope technology, the Bushnell V6 Shift is a great go-to for golfers.
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Redtiger Golf Rangefinder
Improve your golf game in an instant with this rangefinder.
Get 31% off
2. Golf speakers
Playing music continues to grow in popularity on the course, and there's not a right or wrong option if you want to purchase an ultra-expensive or lower priced option.
"Music on the golf course is huge now," Stavas said. "I played yesterday, and every single cart had some sort of music going... You can get a cheap one, I use like a $50 one from Walmart that I've used for three years... any of them work."
Mileseey Golf GeneSonic Pro Speaker + Detachable Golf GPS
Blare your favorite tunes while also getting a detachable GPS handheld with it.
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2-in-1 Split Magnetic Golf Cart Speaker
Split your music on both sides of the cart with this 2-in-1 speaker.
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3. Golf shoes
Golf shoes are a great staple for newer or experienced players. If you are able to determine your loved one's shoe size without giving the game away, it's the perfect go-to gift that every golfer needs.
"Everyone could always use a good new pair of golf shoes," Stavas said. "From what I've seen from the big brands, Nike, adidas, Under Armour, they're starting to put out a little more wallet-friendly shoes."
FootJoy Premiere Series - Packard golf shoes
A timeless-styled golf shoe that's made from premium full grain leather. Available in seven different colors.
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Nike Air Jordan 1 Low G Men's Spiked Golf Shoes
The classic Air Jordan sneaker, but make it a golf shoe. Available in five different colors.
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4. Golf bags
A more expensive option is a golf bag. They vary in price; however, there's a personal element that you'll have to find a roundabout way of figuring out. That said, you can't really go wrong with a black golf bag.
"A lot of golf bags are personal preference, so you'd have to ask questions to whoever you're buying to in order to get the right one," Stavas said.
Callaway WR-Fairway 14 Way Golf Stand Bag
Features a 14-way shaft shield with 14 full-length dividers. Available in three different colors.
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5. Team-branded golf gear
With all the major sports back in action, now's the perfect time to buy team-branded apparel as it's a way to show off your team on the course in subtle, fun ways.
"Those are big for sure," Stavas began. "Everyone has a team... it's more personalized than just like a general, 'Here's a blue polo that you can wear.'"
The Ohio State University Vault Dunes Vest
Sport your team with a vest featuring their logo.
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Shop all team gear
Minnesota Vikings Classic Mikey Fleece 1/4 Zip Pullover
Sport your favorite team on the course while keeping a classic style!
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Shop all team gear
6. Golf beginners sets
While it's not necessarily recommended to purchase individual clubs for experienced golfers, if you know someone who's just getting started with the game and looking for a standard set, this may be the way to go as the price is about 10% of what it might be for top-of-the-line clubs
PGF T21 Men's & Women's Complete Golf Club Package Set
This 17-piece set comes with everything new golfers need from clubs to the bag.
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7. Golf balls
It's simple, yet arguably the most effective gift you can buy a golfer.
"No golfer will ever complain about being gifted nice golf balls," Stavas said. "Everyone needs them, we all lose them, we all run out. It's always nice to have an extra couple dozen sitting in your closet or car... If you're looking for a generic gift that will work for everyone but still show what they mean to you, a high-end golf ball is a great gift."
Even if you're looking to add personal touch, there are plenty of ways to personalize golf balls as well if desired.
Titleist Pro V1x 2025 Special Play Number Golf Balls
A great, all-around ball that's great for speed, spin and feel.
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TaylorMade TP5x 2026 Golf Balls
Delivers low spin and unparalleled distance on the course.
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8. Golf headcovers
Regardless of their skill level, headcovers are a fun way to add a golfer's personal touch to their clubs.
"There's headcovers for everything now," Stavas said. "If someone's a big Marvel fan, there's a headcover for every Marvel character. Stuff that will make the bag look cooler. That's stuff that has nothing to do with the golfer's skill, it has nothing to do with their clothing size or style, it's just something that they would love to add to their bag."
Chewbacca Star Wars golf headcover
Add personal flare to your golf game with this fun Chewbacca headcover.
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9. Golf gloves
Golf gloves are a necessity to ensure your hands can sustain 18 holes. They're also a great gift as they tend to run on the inexpensive side, regardless of brand.
"Every brand of golf glove fits different and everyone's hand is different size," Stavas began. "But, if you know what size they wear, if you can kinda sneak a peak of whatever golf glove they have, then that's a great gift. Anyone who plays golf a lot is going through at least four or five golf gloves a season."
Titleist Players Golf Glove
Features a soft, comfortable feel that's made from Tanned Ethiopian Cabretta Leather.
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10. Golf quarter-zips
If you know your loved one's style, golf quarter-zips are an easy way to knock Christmas out of the park. With various styles and colors to choose from, there's sure to be one that fits their needs.
Raynor Merino 1/4 Zip Sweater
Made from premium merino wool for all-day comfort. Available in 10 different colors.
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Peter Millar Perth Mélange Performance Quarter-Zip
Made from the brand's signature loop terry fabric, the performance quarter-zip features four-way stretch and moisture wicking technology. Available in eight different colors.
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What should I avoid with golf gift buying?
The top item to avoid when golf gifting are individual clubs. Long story short, there's endless options and customization with clubs that makes it near impossible to buy a random club and for it to be the perfect fit for someone's game.
"Our equipment editor David Dusek would back me up on this... I would say never buy a golf club as a gift," Stavas said. "If you do, it has to be a really good deal or it has to be one that maybe the person you're buying for has had their eye on it for months now and they haven't pulled the trigger.
"Golf clubs have so many different moving parts. If you're gifting someone a driver, you have to make sure the club head fits their game, the shaft fits their game, make sure it's the grip they want. A lot of times people don't even really know what they want/need, because that's why professional fitters exist.
"People go and get fitted for golf clubs because there's so many different options and there's so many little tweaks that you'll make to a golf club that impact your game."
However, as far as stock clubs that you may be able to purchase without having to worry as much includes wedges and putters. But, it's best to avoid unless you know your loved one's preferences to a tee.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The best gifts for golfers in 2026, according to a golf expert
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
