You did it again. You forgot. Forgot Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and your golfing friends and family and you don’t know what to get them. A box of balls? Might as well tell them to their faces that you forgot about them. Some kitchy thing that appeared on Amazon’s first page when you typed in “Golf Gifts”? Please.
No more plungers with a golf grip handles on them and just because the can opener you found on Etsy has dimples on it doesn’t make it the perfect gift for the golfer in your life.
Let me help you. Below is a list of not just great golf gifts, but small businesses that you can help. It’s a win-win. There’s even a good chance that the golfer in your life hasn’t yet heard of these businesses and that will make them feel all the more treasured and considered. If you are the golfer in your life, then these are just great things for you to buy yourself regardless of the season.
(Full disclosure: Literally none of these businesses have given me any incentive in exchange for this promotion. I just like their stuff. Cart Path Only did send me a hoodie many months ago, but that had absolutely nothing to do with this. These are just my unbiased opinions.)
Cart Path Only
https://www.cart-path-only.com/
Of all the brands you may not have heard of, this one may be my favorite. Super comfortable clothes, cool designs, and they never break the bank. Their “Biggie” hoodie is an absolute staple for me. It’s about as comfortable and stretchy as you can get. In fact, it’s so wonderful to wear that I actively root for cooler weather wherever I go just so I can have an excuse to wear it. On top of that, they also donate a portion of all profits to St. Jude. They have a special running now through the end of the year that I plan to take advantage of: 3 hoodies for $99. Great cause Great clothes. Sold.
Course Maps
It’s going to be so hard not to fanboy out on this one. You will not find a more organically grown brand than Course Maps. To borrow a popular X term, the owner is a true “knower of ball”. I’m not just talking about T-100s though. I’m talking about the salt of the earth courses that you and your buddies make memories at every weekend. He loves the game in one of the purest ways I’ve come across and that love comes through in his work. While Course Maps may already be featured in the pro shop of your favorite course, you can always reach out to them for customized prints as well. These prints have a timeless and classic feel to them that are never out of date or out of place.
Want to know what a “man of the people” the owner is? Even though it’s past the deadline for custom orders to arrive before Christmas, he will give you a gift letter to present to your loved one to keep you out of the dog house. Like I said, this guy just gets it. Follow him here on Instagram and be sure to look out for special drops (like his New York Golf Sickos Hat) and limited edition collabs (like the golf balls he created with Vice).
(Damn it, I fanboy-ed)
Links and Legends
Links and Legends started as a sign making business during COVID by a husband and wife. Since then, it has matured into a golf-focused enterprise determined to capture and preserve your fondest golf memories. The owner works hard on his business and on the amateur golf circuit. He knows what you like and what makes you tick because he’s not just a golfer, but a true lover of the game as well.
Whether it be hole-in-ones, golf trips, or just the course you love, Links and Legends laser-cut wooden signs will be a welcome addition to any home, office, or man cave.
Charlie Golf Co.
I remember being scared that once I started having kids, I would have to play way less golf and my handicap would shoot up. I was right. If I had to estimate, I would say my handicap has increased roughly 1 stroke for every kid I’ve had. However, one of the best ways I have found to claw back my golf time (and my game) is to get my kids into the game and bring them with me. Charlie Golf Co. makes the bags that do just that. Thoughtful and stylish, Charlie Golf Co. bags have been growing in popularity. Follow their founder on Instagram here and it will be easy to see why. They are currently running a 10% off sale with the code HOLIDAY10.
Sam Van Galder Art
https://www.samvangalderart.com/
Isn’t it the worst when scratch golfers are also good at other things? Well, Sam Van Galder is one such golfer. A former school teacher currently chasing his passion, Sam began posting time-lapse videos of his scorecard art back in 2024 on Instagram and TikTok and hasn’t looked back. You can see Sam’s understanding of course architecture through the strong contours he chooses to emphasize and his passion for the game through the vibrant colors he likes to use.
People have commissioned Sam to capture their most cherished moments: hole-in-ones, reaching scratch, favorite holes or views, and even a couple getting engaged on the 18th fairway at Hilton Head. The combination of raw artwork with each course’s unique scorecard design gives every piece its own character. I think his scorecard work would pair quite nicely with something from Course Maps or Links and Legends.
I would also like to highlight Sam’s canvas work. Given the additional space to work with, Sam does a truly remarkable job of bringing courses to life. His work is something I hope to have in my office or mancave when I eventually have one.
Look for his work to be featured in a clubhouse near you this year!
Athena Rose Golf Art
If there’s one thing we love it’s a good caddie. Someone who understands the game, the course, and the beauty and intertwines them. Working as a caddie for Brambles Golf Club, Athena has taken the time to appreciate the nuances of the land around her and he art truly shows it. Take a moment to peruse her website and get a feel for her style. Her prints of Brambles and Cypress Point will help give you a peek into the artistic quality you can expect when you work with her. Until 12/31/2025 Athena Rose Art is running a 25% off sale on all posters and cards with the code Holiday25.
(I also highly recommend following her on Instagram here to get a behind the scenes look at her process)
35 X 70
35X70 Golf Co. was started two years ago by husband and wife Dan and Katy Winters. With over two decades in the golf industry, they decided it was high time for them to create the clothing brand they always wished existed. Their collection of polos, outerwear, and headwear range from loud to subdued and everywhere in-between. X reviews of their products have been regularly positive and if you’ve ever spent 30 seconds on X, you know what an accomplishment that is. Worth noting is that their prices won’t break your bank.
For $68 you can get a polo that will look good, fit well, and stand up to every hazard in which your ball finds itself. While it’s not Costco’s 3 for $40 polo deal, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than most of your other high-end polo companies and by all accounts seems to perform just as well.
Photo Cred Note: All photos were found on the respective websites of the various businesses featured in this post
