Opinion & Analysis
GolfWRX’s 2017 Father’s Day Gift Guide
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 18. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad. This year, we’re doing something a little different with the guide. Rather than breaking down gifts by price tier, we’re breaking them down by “dad.”
What the heck does that mean? Well, we’ve identified some basic dad types, like “The Purist” who loves classic golf architecture, hickory clubs, and the traditions of this game. There’s also “The Gearhead,” who in addition to living in the GolfWRX forums, can’t wait to get his hands on the latest and greatest in golf equipment.
But as we say every year: There’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Also, a GolfWRX pro tip: If you’re getting dad a gift that’s usable on the golf course, present it to him at the course: There’s nothing like whacking a new driver (that someone else paid for) off the first tee. But let’s get to the gifts.
The Purist
A Life Well Played by Arnold Palmer $13.29
With his passing last fall, it’s a great time for dad to brush up on Mr. Palmer and his distinguished legacy by reading this anthology of anecdotes and life lessons from the King. Buy it.
Lee Wybranski print (or painting): Varies
While dad may not know artist Lee Wybranski by name, he’s certainly familiar with Wybranskis. The official U.S. Open poster painter/designer, among other things, Wybranski has a bounty of works for sale on his website.
Louisville Golf Hickory Intro Set: $825
If dad’s considered getting into hickory golf, there are two routes he can go: assemble a set of vintage weapons from eBay, or buy a new set of hickories from Louisville Golf. Consider the latter if he’s just getting started. Learn more.
The Gearhead
All equipment recommendations were/are the leading vote getters in our 2017 GolfWRX Members Choice: Best Golf Equipment polls.
Callaway Epic GBB Sub Zero Driver: $499.99
The GolfWRX Members Choice for Best Driver in 2017, pops will be primed to launch bombs with the Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero in his bag. Buy it.
Mizuno JPX-900 Tour Irons: $1199.99
Mizuno’s JPX-900 Tour irons were the leading vote getters for GolfWRX Members Choice: Best Players Irons in 2017. If dad’s a player, these are the sticks he needs. Buy them.
Callaway Apex CF ’16 Irons: $1199.99
If dad’s a little higher handicap or is looking for more distance/forgiveness, consider buying him Callaway Apex CF ’16 irons. They were voted the Best Game-Improvement Irons of 2017 by GolfWRX Members. Buy them.
Ping G Irons: $110-125 per club
While voting hasn’t yet wrapped up in our GolfWRX Members Choice: Best Super Game-Improvement Irons of 2017 Poll, the Ping G is the current leader. If dad’s a higher handicapper, these clubs will make a difference in his game. Learn more.
The Techie
Arccos 360: $249.99
Arccos continues to push the envelope in golf technology. If your dad’s a techie, he’ll love playing around with this combination performance tracker/virtual caddie. Buy it.
Bushnell Pro X2: $449.99
The standard in rangefinders. If your dad doesn’t have a rangefinder, he needs one. And this easy-to-use model will impress everyone in his Tuesday morning foursome. Buy it.
SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor: $1995
Expensive? Yes. But if you have a couple of brothers and sisters, consider splitting the cost for this game-changer in personal launch monitor technology. Better yet, SkyTrak is running a Father’s Day special. And if you’re on the fence about pulling the trigger, or resident tech nut, our Kane Cochran has a detailed review. Buy it.
If you’re looking for a more affordable rangefinder (or maybe even a more premium model, who knows), check out our list of the Hottest Launch Monitors of 2017.
The Clotheshorse
Bradley Allan Contrast Stripe Polo: $89
Straddling the line between traditional and modern, we like what Bradley Allan are doing. This contrast polo hits all the notes and won’t get lost in his closet with his 17th solid blue polo shirt. Learn more.
Ecco Cage Pro Boa: $229
The Ecco Cage Pro Boa are supremely functional and comfortable golf shoes. Dad probably doesn’t want to be wearing screw-in spikes at his age, and if he’s s bit of a fashion plate, he’ll love these shoes with their bold orange sole and distinct upper. No laces is a nice touch, too. Buy them.
Holderness & Bourne Byers Duffel Bag in Nantucket Red: $225
For the weekend or the gym, Holderness & Bourne’s Nantucket Red duffel takes an iconic color and uses it in this versatile and classy looking bag. Learn more.
The Instruction Fanatic
The Anatomy of Greatness by Brandel Chamblee: $17.40
Love him or hate him, Brandel Chamblee’s book is the hottest golf instruction book on the market right now. Whether dad ends up agreeing with the Golf Channel analyst or thinking he’s a behind-the-times blowhard, he’ll want to read this book. Buy it.
Tathata Golf In-Home Training Program: $179.95
Tathata Golf’s in-home training program is steadily growing in popularity. On-demand, in-home instruction with a unique, martial arts-based foundation, Tathata is resonating with golfers and instructors. Dad can see what it’s all about for less than three bucks a day. Learn more.
FocusBand: $500
If dad’s an instruction enthusiast, he’ll be interested in this product. The FocusBand professes to be able to measure when an individual is “in the zone” based on a number of measurable quantities (eye movement, etc). At the very least, it’ll help dad, who might tend toward paralysis by analysis, to quiet his mind on the course. Learn more.
Opinion & Analysis
AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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G
Jun 11, 2017 at 9:13 pm
another pos trying to impersonate Obs
G
Jun 11, 2017 at 9:12 pm
you are a sick gearhead trying to impersonate Obs
Old Putter
Jun 11, 2017 at 7:01 pm
THE WALKS THE COURSE
62″ Miami Dolphins double canopy umbrella…
That’s what’s up
Tazz2293
Jun 9, 2017 at 12:35 pm
A pink duffle bag. Just what every dad wants
BRI
Jun 10, 2017 at 12:35 am
Uhhh… Dad…. It’s, uh, NANTUCKET RED. yea.
dr bloor
Jun 9, 2017 at 9:16 am
Wanted to check out the canvas bag a bit more, but the Holderness site won’t let you browse without coughing up your email address.
Tazz2293
Jun 9, 2017 at 12:37 pm
I went to the site. When I clicked on Fabric & Trim email request popped up, I closed that and have no problems browsing the site