It's going to take more than a shirt to have your old man looking like Adam Scott, but hey, you gotta start somewhere. The Japanese clothing manufacturer Uniqlohappened to sign Scott just before the Masters, then had the great fortune of seeing the Australian slip a green jacket over one of its shirts that Sunday evening. The shirts somehow manage both a retro and modern feel, and at just $19.90 on their website, are very well priced.
A clubfitting
Your dad deserves a lot better than those circa 1987 irons he's been swinging, and there's no better way to get him up to date quickly than a clubfitting. Many outlets will do a driver fitting for less than $100, but it will cost a little more to get him the exact specs for everything in his bag. Check our list of America's 100 Best Clubfitters for an option near you.
Photo By: Courtesy of Club Champion
GPS Rangefinder Watches
This is a growing segment in the rangefinder category given its ease of use and the fact it is worn on the wrist. Each of the four watches mentioned come pre-loaded with at least 25,000 courses, have automatic course recognition and hole advancement, and offers yardages to the front, middle and back of greens, as well as other features. SkyCaddie, (pictured) offers ground-verified course maps, but requires an annual membership fee. The Bushnell, Garminand ESNwatches offer yardages to hazards, while the Garmin has a touchscreen for the purpose of manually moving the pin to the day's location to get more accurate yardages.
Headcovers
Those interested in replacing the manufacturers' headcovers with more interesting ones, two options are Stitch Golf'shand-made leather headcovers (pictured) and Seamus Golf's woolen tartan headcovers. Stitch's headcovers, which are made in the USA, use a "special finishing [that] ensures they won't fade and are water and stain resistant." Seamus Golf, a Portland concern, uses woolen fabrics milled by Northwest companies. Both companies' headcovers use elastic in the lining to prevent them from falling off. ($45-$65)
TaylorMade R1
TaylorMade, the company that made white golf clubs a new norm, recently introduced an all-black version of its R1 driver. It features the same technology found in the original white R1, most notably the 168 possible adjustment settings, the 12-way adjustable hosel, and a sole plate that facilitates seven face angle adjustments. Even though TaylorMade still believes in the technological advantages of white, the company realizes that some golfers will always refuse to try it. The black R1 will cost the same as the original R1, $399, and is expected to be in stores by June 10th, but in more limited quantities than the original.
Laser Rangefinders
There are three types of golfers: Those who prefer laser rangefinders; those who rely on GPS devices; and those who "feel" how far they are form the hole. If your dad is that third type, tell him to snap out of it. If he chooses laser technology over GPS, two new devices might make his day. Bushnell's Tour V3($300) vibrates when a golfer zeroes in on the right target, leaving all uncertainty behind, and the device uses the company's reliable PinSeeker technology, which is accurate to within one yard. Leupold's Gx-4i rangefinder ($500) will hit the target from as far as 300 yards away and, along with offering actual yardage measurements, can factor altitude to offer effective measurements. It can even suggest which club a golfer should use, and it has a "fog mode" that ensures it works in nasty weather conditions.
A Golf Trip
Instead of that usual round with dad at the local muny, how about taking him on a trip? There are plenty of great summer deals out there like the one at Myrtle Beach's Barefoot Resort & Golf. Through Labor Day weekend, you can stay and play there for $457 per person. That includes three nights and a round at each of their four courses designed by Pete Dye (above), Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and Davis Love III. Want a higher-end option? Try historic Pinehurst, which is offering a similar deal starting at $878 (playing Pinehurst No. 2 is a $185 surcharge).
Photo By: Courtesy of Barefoot Resort & Golf
Nike TW 14 Shoes
What's it like to be the world's best golfer? Have your dad take a walk in his shoes -- literally. The Nike TW '14, which Tiger Woods first wore on his way to victory at the Players, is now available. Not feeling Woods' signature black and red Sunday look? The shoes designed for comfort with help from Woods himself can also be customized. ($179 - $225)
Kinetic Golf By Nick Bradley
Nick Bradley has been touted as one of the most innovative instructors in the game and has worked with the likes of Justin Rose and Kevin Chappell. His new book, Kinetic Golf, signed copies of which are available through his website for $30, uses powerful and unique computed animated images -- like the one of Bradley with half of the Incredible Hulk's body -- to illustrate the correct positions in the golf swing, making it the perfect present for teenage Fathers Day present-hunters.
SkyPro from SkyGolf
Perhaps the perfect golf-themed addition to the iPad or iPhone Dad got during the holiday season. The SkyPro, $199.95 (Father's Day Special Price $179.95), which weighs less than an ounce and was a Golf Digest Editor's Pick from this year's PGA Show, attaches to the club's shaft and records thousands of data points throughout the swing: swing speed, for example, or face angle into impact. It also produces a 3D image of your golf swing, which is then easily uploadable to any of your portable devices.
Swing jacket tour pro small
It may look pretty intense, but the newer, smaller version of the swing jacket($149.95) is used by PGA Tour players and could make for a useful Fathers Day present. The smaller jacket is designed for those with a chest size between 26" and 40", and forces players to keep their arms and torso connected throughout the swing -- a key move amongst most good ball strikers.
Scotch & Bourbon
Trying to choose a scotch or whiskey for someone else can be daunting. Similar to wine, without knowing the person's preferences in advance you leave yourself open to disappointment. But for even the most discerning palate, some safe bets include Bulleit Bourbon($25), Oban 14 Year($72.99) and Macallan Scotch 18 Year ($179.99).
Wireless Speaker
A can't-miss gift for any dad who spends a majority of his time on the computer or listens to a ton of music. While your choices are many, the Jawbone Jambox($299) fits just about any lifestyle. It's compact, making it easy to take with you, and the sound quality is consistently ranked among the best in its size. With both Bluetooth and 1/8" connections, you can listen to just about any device and even use it as a speaker for your phone calls.
Custom-ground wedges
If your dad gets more excited about wedge grinds, stampings and finishes than about electric drills and toolkits, Titleist's new service called Wedge Works Hand Groundwill pique his interest. Beginning June 19, wedge models, grinds, shafts, grips and other customization previously offered only for tour pros will be available to everyone. What's more, Bob Vokey or one of his craftsmen will hand grind and polish each wedge, engraving their initials in the club they craft. Lofts are limited to 58 and 60 degrees, and the price tag for this uber-customization is $350.
