Recently, I went to New Jersey to play golf with my friend Rog and his son (JR) at some legendary courses. Upon arriving, I learned some good news and some horrifying news. The good news is that neither had sun sleeves, iron covers, or putted with a glove on (phew!). The bad news is they both had stock headcovers — a faux pas for which there is simply no excuse.

In fact, stock headcovers, in my opinion, are the new pandemic and deserve our attention. Immediately. Luckily, as with my friends, I am here to help.

The Big Dog

If you’re like junior, an ex-frat boy, when you enter the market you’re gonna want something that screams “bombs away.” This is fine if you bomb it.

I personally use a Dormie Work Shop (supporting my fellow Nova Scotians) Tampa Bay Lightening head cover. Made of real leather, and made to order, the thing is MONEY, plus demonstrates I am also a hockey savant (cost $110).

My cousin Connor, a bomber ex-college baseball player with ball speed in the 170s who never does any corporate golf, keeps things lite on his driver choosing to rep “Straight Outta Bounds” by U Suck at Golf. Lucky he rips it, or those White Claws he drinks would be embarrassing.

Then there is my buddy Brandon. In January he showed in Florida with more stock headcovers than good shots. Three days later, 81 (best round ever), and this setup:

Fairway woods / hybrids

The fairway wood and hybrid present opportunities to either rep your home course or maybe a recent course you’ve visited on a golf trip. I personally use a cover from The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts (a stunning gem). However anything from Cabot Links to Stream Song is sure to impress.

If you’re unsure, a ton of courses stock Am&E. Usually at a fair price ($30-50), they are a great value and my experience is they have top notch craftsmanship.

Putter Cover

Here is the one place you don’t want to cheap out. A top notch putter cover is key. In this department you should expect to spend at least $40 and be willing to settle around $100.

Some of the hottest on the market right now is the recent Bettinardi “Monopoly” release. They sold for approximately $150 retail. All covers are made in house from different types of leather and during the Monopoly release.

More of Bettinardi’s covers, below.

Of course, it goes without saying that the gold standard is still Scotty Cameron. A Circle T (tour only) may run upwards of $500. A fancier, non Circle T goes for around $150.

You might also check out Cayce Golf. I’m a fan of their Chubbs and Major Menu. Although you cannot go wrong if you’re an awful putter with the dumpster fire or Sh*t/F@ck cover.

Tell me GolfWRXers: What’s your setup?