As I watched the World Challenge Golf Tournament today and I realized how much I really missed playing golf.  Only four and a half months to go then I am back on the links.  I can hardly wait!

As each commercial played, I was struck by the number of gadgets, new clubs, bags, balls, etc, etc, etc for sale right before Christmas.  For years my loving family would get me one or two unique things as a stocking-stuffers until finally I asked them to stop.  I never used any of them.  Regardless of the gadget it never produced the results it claimed.

Now, I am very specific on what I would like in my stocking.  It seems boring to my family, but they have come to realize that I will actually use their loving gift.

Image from Golftown.com

Having said all this, I have received several gifts that I truly love and use.  The first is neoprene iron covers.  I carry my clubs quite a bit and they cut down on the clanking noise of the club heads banging together.  It does not seem like much, but it makes a significant difference to me.  Additionally, I find I have less nicks on my irons by using these unique covers.

The second gift I really like is golf balls.  I usually ask for a dozen Pro V1 golf balls.  Again, not a thrilling gift for most, but I really like receiving a golf gift that I know I will use.

So, what about you?  What gifts have your received that you would recommend to others as useful golf gifts at Christmas?