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Best gifts for golf lovers

Best gifts for golf lovers

What are the best gifts for golf lovers?  This is the question that struck me just the other day when I received a message invitating me to the birthday party of one of my closest golf buddies. Should I bring something fun? Should we all chip in and get something a little more serious?  My mind went a wandering…. Then so did my money….

Finally solving my problem got me thinking that maybe there are others who face the same conundrum. I tried to avoid items that a lover of golf would have already likely bought for themselves. Focusing on some items that would be a little more unique and memorable. Anyway, if it is a golf shirt you are looking for you are much more apt to know what color the person looks good in than I do.


Our 5 top picks

Our Choice
OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator  Float N’ Chip FlightScope Mevo Big Moss Commander  Net Return Pro Series V2










Gift Level Extravagent Moderate Expensive Expensive Very Expensive
Potential Occasion 50th Birthday Surprise Birthday Xmas Xmas
Type of Gift Interactive/Analyis Fun Golf Analysis Practice Practice
Key Point to Consider Do you have dedicated space in your home? Do you have a pool? Does the golfer like analytics? Do you have a large floor surface area to use? Does the golfer go to the golf range?
Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon

Our Choice

OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator – Golf in A Box 5 – Best gifts for golf lovers

Best gifts for golf lovers - OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator

 

What is included:

  • OptiShot2 Infrared Optical Swing Pad
  • Retractable Screen Enclosure
  • OptiShot2 Software (Download)
  • 15 Courses included
  • USB Cable (10 ft.)
  • Adjustable Rubber Tee’s
  • Two (2) Foam Practice Balls
  • Instructions
  • 1 Year Warranty – OptiShot2 Simulator
  • Free Software Updates
  • HDMI Cable
  • Mounting Bracket
  • Extension Cord
  • OptiShot Hitting Mat
  • Short Throw HD Projector
    •  

What it tracks:

  • Club Speed
  • Fath Angle
  • Path
  • Carry Distance
  • Tempo
  • Face Contact

We start off the best gifts for golf lovers with a bang. The OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator golf in A Box Series. Now depending on the level of spending and commitment you want to take it the costs will dramatically change. The starting point being around USD 400 for just the sensors to USD 5000 for the whole mega experience with projectors and screens to have your own golf course installed in your home.

I have played a round or two at a friend’s place and I can only rave about how much fun we had. OptiShot2 is more precise that ever with the sixteen new high-speed 48MHz infrared sensors. From striking the ball the OptiShot 2 gives you precise and instantaneous feedback so that you really do have the feeling of being out on the links while actually being in the comfort of your own home. 

I am not suggesting that this is a replacement to a golf membership but it might just keep an avid golfer around the home a little more often. It does have some real family benefits in that 4 players can play at the same time and it is a lot of fun for younger family members who are less inclined to follow to the golf course. 

The constraint is of course space. To really get the full experience you need to have a room with space in all directions, overhead lamps generally lose the battle to a driver. I would be installing one right now in my home if it were not for the low ceilings. When discussing the gifts for golf lovers’ rankings amongst our group it was a unanimous decision as far as what we would all love to have in our homes and this is why it sits at the top of our list.

So, what we can say without a doubt is, if you have the budget, the space and a golfer at home this is as sure of a bet as you are going come across to have the perfect gift for the golfer you love that loves golf.

OptiShot 2 – Golf in A Box 5’s key selling points:

Golf-In-A-Box 5 is easy to set up and does not require any special tools. OptiShot is an award-winning golf simulator system that is built for all types of golfers. With 15 world-renown courses included, a realistic 3D environment, and the ability to play up to 4 players, OptiShot is a leader in golf simulator technology. The Golf-In-A-Box 5 includes a Retractable Screen Enclosure from HomeCourse. Within seconds, you can turn virtually any space into an indoor golf course with OptiShot Golf-In-A-Box 5.

OptiShot 2 Simulator

With OptiShot you can get your game on anytime – rain or shine, day or night with our advanced home golf simulators. Why should great golf simulators only be accessible to the pros? Our team of designers and engineers are leaders in the world of golf analytics. OptiShot comes pre-loaded with 15 standard courses. Through continuous research and development, the award-winning OptiShot2 home golf simulator has a swing and ball shot accuracy that is just like playing real golf. OptiShot2 has sixteen precisely-tuned, high-speed 48MHz infrared sensors giving you precise and instantaneous feedback on every shot.

OptiShot Golf Mat

OptiShot Golf MatOptiShot’s high-grade golf hitting mat is specifically designed to fit the OptiShot2 Simulator directly into the mat. The OptiShot mat allows for flush mounting of the OptiShot2 simulator providing a perfect fit to get the full experience. The high-density foam and high-quality turf delivers the lifelike golf experience right in your home.

OptiShot Retractable Screen Enclosure
  • The system offers a ballistic-grade projection screen designed to withstand the impact of real golf balls and is surrounded by pro-arm and sky netting enclosures for safety.
  • The sky netting and pro-arms create an enclosure to help contain errant shots protecting you, your space, and everyone in it. (Pro-arm extender tool included)
  • Descends and retracts in less than 30 seconds.
  • The motor runs on a lithium-ion battery that operates for months between charges. To operate the motor, use the included wireless remote.
  • Mount it on your ceiling or wall.
  • The Homecourse screen must be mounted a minimum of 8′ 3″ from the floor (251.5 cm). The screen offers a projectable viewing screen of 7’5″ x 7′ ( 226. 2 cm x 213.4 cm). The pro arms extend 3′ (1m) forward and outward to give a total width of 10′ 6″ (320 cm).
Short Throw HD Projector

Our Short-throw projector brings projection flexibility to your golf room. Its razor-sharp short throw projection lens delivers bright, crystal clear XGA resolution images ranging in size from 39.3” to196.7” diagonal. Whether your application calls for wall mounted installation or desktop projection, the projector will win your attention with its vibrant, color-rich 3000 lumens bright image and 18,000:1 contrast ratio.


Our Runner Up – Best gifts for golf lovers

The next recommendation on our best gifts for golf lovers’ lists is Low Country Pastimes’ Float N’ Chip 4′ x 6′ Floating Golf Green. Compared to our top gift idea it is for sure a different level of commitment both in space and budget. The Float N’ Chip does not require significant dedicated space in your home to but in this case the starting point is that you have a swimming pool.

If the pool logistics are not a problem the Float N’ Chip is great fun for the whole family and friends for endless hours of poolside entertainment. While the supplied golf balls are by no means ProV1’s they do simulate real golf balls enough for a golfer’s chipping to profit by working on his feel and short game stroke. 

The non-golfers in the family will equally enjoy the Float N’ Chip as a departure from the everyday pool games and a challenge that can be played amongst friends and family alike. The 24 foam balls that are included float on the water for easy collection and are soft enough to prevent any injuries for bystanders or swimmers not participating in the fun.

The Float N’ Chip Floating Golf Green has been a popular item as of late so if you do manage to get the opportunity to get ahold of one we recommend you act quickly.

Float N’ Chip Floating Golf Green 

Best gifts for golf lovers -Float N' Chip 4' x 6' Floating Golf Green

  •  4′ x 6′ Floating Green
  • 12″ x 12″ Tee Mat
  • American Flag
  • 6 Foam balls (2 colors for competitive matches)
  •  Premium, metal, rust proof hole
  • Two 60″ velcro straps for easy storage
  • mesh bag to hold your accessories

Float N’ Chip Floating Golf Green ‘s key selling points:

No assembly required. Green arrives ready to go out of the box. Use it on the water or anywhere in the backyard, tailgate, or on the beach. Weighing less than 20 lbs, and coming with two re-usable Velcro straps, Float N’ Chip is easy to store and easy to transport. Foam balls are window safe and allow golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the game. High-quality foam, turf, and raised edges prevent water from overtaking your mat and ensure an endless amount of fun. Nominal Dimensions are 45” x 65”

  • The premier backyard golf game on the market! It’s not just for pool owners- golf enthusiast everywhere can play golf in their backyard
  • Comes with everything you need! (Minus the wedge) Floating Mat, Tee Mat, Flag, Cup, 6 Foam Golf Balls, and mesh bag for accessories
  •  Arrives fully assembled and ready for action!! The highest quality floating golf green available today.
  • Improve your short game while hanging out by the pool or in the backyard!!!
  • The perfect holiday present!


Our other top picks – Best gifts for golf lovers

Ranked 3rd

The next gift idea in our best gifts for golf lovers is the Flightscope Mevo. We now are shifting from a fun in the sun gift idea to something a little more serious and focused on game improvement and understanding some of the analytics behind your golf swing. Analytics is everywhere in sport nowadays and golf is no different

Many of our reviews and recommendations about golf products are based on key characteristics of the golfers swing such as swing speed. Yet, surprisingly enough many golfers have no clue about their actual swing speed is, the Mevo cures that and actually measures 8 performances data parameters to help a golfer understand their swing better.

The great advantage of the Mevo is that it provides a very compact solution than can be easily carried and set up with virtually no effort. The Flightscope app software provides a seamless connection to your mobile device to be able to display your shot data instantly. It is also compatible with the Apple watch making things like the changing of clubs for data tracking and the live display of data not require you to be in constant interaction with your phone. 

Even without providing lateral data that some of the significantly more expensive options the Mevo provides an easy to use and portable option that the others can’t match. And the  data that Mevo does provide has been well documented as being extremely accurate and we have not been able to say anything to the contrary in our use. There is the big brother of the Mevo, the Mevo plus, that offers the next level in data analytics for golfers. It is an excellent product in itself but it is less mobile and takes a little more effort to setup.

So, if your golfer likes analytics or is interested in golf gadgets and technology and are looking to improve their golf game the Flightscope Mevo provides an inexpensive solution to help and this is why it has earned a spot on our gifts for golf lovers list.

Flightscope Mevo 

Best gifts for golf lovers - Flightscope Mevo

  •  Carry Distance
  • Clubhead Speed
  • Smash Factor
  • Apex Height
  •  Flight Time
  • Ball Speed
  • Spin Rate
  • Vertical Launch Angle


Flightscope Mevo’s key selling points:

Measure your numbers
  • Real-time performance data.
Evaluate your game
  • Save, upload and share practice sessions.
Visualize your improvement
  • Action video clips captured by phone with data overlay.
Optimize your performance
  • Automatic video clipping and storage.

Ranked 4th

In fourth spot in our gifts for golf lovers review is the Big Moss Commander, Patio Series Putting & Chipping Green. We would place this gift somewhere right in the middle of the fun vs game improvement meter. We have not come across a better putting mat that is able to equally withstand indoor and outdoor conditions so offering a much greater flexibility for those who don’t have indoor space to spare. If you include the 3-foot chipping extension the Big Moss Commander does require 15 feet in length so it you still will need to find a reasonable amount of space for installation.

I have personally used many other putting mats and have rarely felt that they provided remotely the same feel that one experiences on a golf green. Most in the end did not feel much more than a green piece of felt on the living room floor. Instead, the Big Moss Commander does roll true and will allow the golfer a way to actually practice keeping their putting stroke consistent and under control. 

As mentioned, the Commander is able to handle outdoor conditions so not to require special care and constant changing of locations. So, if it is in the basement, patio, living room or garage you need not worry. Even if it is designed to meet the expectations of golfers looking for a game improvement aid it still is equally enjoyable for all of the non-golfing family and friends to look to improve their mini golf skills. Since time on the golf course at times can be lengthy and sometimes golfers can be engulfed in the topic the Big Moss Commander does provide a common ground that everyone in the family can join in.

Big Moss Commander  – Putting & Chipping Green  

Big Moss Commander  - Patio Series Putting & Chipping Green - Best gifts for golf lovers

  •  3′ x 12′ putting surface is
  • 3′ x 3′ chipping apron extension
  • Stadium style backstop
  • Spring loaded flag stick
  • White cup sleeve
  •  Break pads
  • Stimpmeter rating of 11
  • 15 year outdoor rated putting turf
  • Surface rolls pure and true

Big Moss Commander ‘s key selling points:

This green is manufactured from the finest materials available to us and was designed with input from The PGA’s top teaching professionals and tour players in order to create the most realistic at home practice experience. Big Moss Putting Greens are the only portable putting mats that have holes deep enough to see the ball drop in just like it does on the golf course.

We spared no expense when creating this fun, realistic, safe, & portable putting mat that will stand up against all of Mother Nature’s elements. You can leave it out year round. The Commander will provide hours of practice and entertainment for you and your family in an outdoor setting without the high expense of installing and maintaining a permanent green in your yard. 

This green will easily last longer than 10 years and hold up to abuse better than any surface on the market.


Ranked 5th

The last suggestion we will throw your way in our best gift for golf lovers review is the Net Return Pro Series V2 golf net. Forget about golf gadgets this net is purely constructed as a high-end training aid that is able to handle all of your golfers practice needs and then some.

Rated to handle 225 mph ball speeds there is no worries that a ball will penetrate this US made and hand tested net. This is of course extremely important when set up indoors and precious possessions and people would otherwise be in harms way. The Pro Series V2 also features a lightweight, powder-coated, rust-resistant 1.5” tubular aluminum frame. So, when outdoor use is preferred, you can be sure that it will also handle the weather.

The new itself is made of a commercial grade; UV treated polyester netting material. And if there was any doubt about its durability it come with a 250K shot guarantee.

The biggest claim to fame for the Net Return Pro Series V2 is that it is the only golf net in the world that automatically returns the ball to the golfer. While we have no reason to doubt it, we still cannot validate that statement in today’s ever changing golf word. But what we can say without a doubt is that it does exactly what is says it does. Instead of needing to use bags of balls or constantly have to dig your ball from the netting the The Net Return Pro Series V2 rolls the golf ball back to its sender in a controlled way not leaving you chasing the ball across the room or waiting for it to trickle to your feet.

So, if the golfer you have in mind is making trips to the golf range to work on their swing the Net Return Pro Series V2 would make an ideal gift to save some money while being able to work on their golf game at their convenience within the confines of their own home.

Net Return Pro Series V2 

Net Return Pro Series V2 - best gifts for golf lovers

  •  Handles ball speeds of 225 MPH
  • 250,000 shot guarantee
  • One Person 5 Minutes Assembly
  • No Tools Required
  • Large, Stainless Steel Push Buttons
  • Rugged, Black Duffle Bag
  • Practice Anytime, Anywhere…
  • One Net for Multi-Sport Use
  • Height: 7′ 6″ 
  • Width: 8′ 
  • Depth: 3′ 6″ 
  • Weight: 29 lbs.

The Net Return Pro Series V2 ‘s key selling points:

PREMIUM, QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

Lightweight, rugged, 1.5” tubular aluminum frame that is rust resistant. Netting is polyster, UV treated & commercial grade. Large, stainless steel push buttons and comes with a rugged, black poly carry bag.

ONE PERSON, EASY SETUP

One person setup in under 5 minutes! Push button assembly with tools required with a Quick Color Connect System™. The net is sleeved — easy on and off. Stores and transports easily in convenient duffle bag (included).

MULTI-SPORT USE

The Net Return™ Pro Series is not just for Golf. It can be used for numerous sports such as Golf, Baseball, Softball, Soccer and Lacrosse. This is why we say that the Net Return™ Pro Series sport net is The Only Net You Need™.


This year I am tracking all the balls I find during my golf rounds to come up with this years winner of the OFF PIST GOLF BALL OF THE YEAR. If you would like to see if any of our recommendations strayed from the fairway come take a look.