I’M GETTING CROCHETY as I advance toward middle age.
This year, more than any other in my recent memory, I noticed Christmas creeping in before Thanksgiving had even been celebrated.
I don’t like it.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for Christmas, the lights, the smell of a “real” tree and the gifts and treats that go along with the holiday season help jazz up what is literally the darkest time of the year.
Just pump the brakes and let me have my turkey and football in peace.
Once the pumpkin pie is served post Thanksgiving dinner, it’s game-on in my estimation, so with that momentous occasion in our collective rear-view mirror, let’s look at some holiday gifts for the golfers amongst us.
First, after going through a swing fitting and finally finding a driver that is dialed in to my swing specifications, I can’t endorse giving golf clubs as gifts.
Most folks won’t fit perfectly in an off-the-rack suit, so what would lead people to think the same would be true for set of golf clubs?
A driver or putter looks mighty conspicuous under the tree dressed up in Christmas wrapping paper as well. No chance at a surprise, there.
My first choice would be to give the gift of golf by purchasing gift certificates for rounds at any of our seven North Olympic Peninsula golf courses.
We are blessed to have courses that all offer a different experience, ranging from forested tracks at Port Ludlow and Discovery Bay, links-style at SkyRidge, the walkable layouts at Cedars at Dungeness and SunLand and the sea-to-sky views at Peninsula Golf Club in Port Angeles and Port Townsend Golf Club.
Target practice
The Rukket Range Marker & Chipping Target is a solid choice for players who can’t get enough practice on the range and want to take things to the backyard.
Players can use the range marker to test distance or use the chipping side to practice accuracy.
Chipping angles are adjustable using the nylon strap on the back.
The first dual function backyard chipping target/ range marker ever created.
This markets for $44 at www.rukket.com.
Personalized Titleist’s
Titleist is offering free personalization through Dec. 31 on all custom orders of Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, as well as Titleist NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity and DT Solo models.
Personalization includes up to three lines of block text (17 characters per line) imprinted on each golf ball in black, blue, green, red or pink ink.
Popular choices include names, nicknames, initials and special messages, as well as social media usernames.
The minimum order for free personalization is one dozen.
Orders placed by Dec. 10 are guaranteed to arrive by Dec. 24.
To order, visit www.titleist.com.
Variety, the spice of life
For those who enjoy giving the gift of variety, BirdieBox brings a ‘discovery retail’ subscription platform to the golf market.
Every month a surprise package of golf-related lifestyle goods is delivered for $45, with retail value of items always exceeding $100.
This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, month after month.
For more, visit
www.BirdieBox.com.
Etiquette refresher
For players who are always puzzled about the rules of play, the Golf Etiquette Quick Reference: A Golfer’s Guide to Correct Conduct is the answer.
This new guide is a unique quick reference booklet that can not only improve your golf game but your demeanor on the course as well.
The 48-page, spiral-bound and plastic-coated book is available at
www.golfrulesmadeeasy.com for $12.95.
Get a grip
Producers of the most popular spikes on the PGA Tour, CHAMP has ventured into the grip market with five new products for 2014.
This includes the top-of-the-line C8 , a premium offering infused with Kevlar, the same stuff they make bulletproof vests out of, for incredible wear resistance.
Beyond its enhanced durability, the C8 incorporates an anti-shock wrap to absorb unwanted vibrations and a tacky compound to help in all weather conditions.
The new offering is available in multiple colors.
Throw 13 of these in your golfer’s stocking and they will be good to go for the next season.
To order, visit www.champgrips.com.
Pre-Christmas 18
SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim will present the Pre-Christmas 18 Hole Golf Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 13.
The event has a triple-six format, all from the green tees, with the first six holes a scramble format, the second six holes better ball and the last six of aggregate.
A 9:30 a.m. shotgun start is planned, barring frost or a return of snow.
Only 28 two-person teams are available to sign up.
Cost is $60 per team and the price includes golf, range balls and a meal.
An optional $30 honey pot per team also is available and power carts are $15 per seat.
Handicaps are determined by taking 10 percent of the total for scramble, then strokes where they fall for better ball and aggregate.
To sign up, phone 360-683-3673
Disco Bay pot luck
Discovery Bay Golf Course near Port Townsend will present a Holiday Pot Luck and White Elephant exchange hosted by the course’s Ladies’ and Men’s Clubs at 4 p.m. Saturday.
All are invited to the bring-your-own-beverages event.
With near perfect weather this summer surely you have some great golf shots to re-live with good friends, if not how about some good old holiday cheer.
The White Elephant exchange is optional.
Call the Clubhouse for more information – 385-0704.
For the Pot Luck, guests should bring an appetizer, main dish, salad, side dish, or dessert.
The club also is collecting donations for the local food bank. Please bring your donations by the club house.
Discovery Bay golf pro Dan Swindler is offering a holiday discount lesson package of four lessons for $100, a $20 savings.
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Golf columnist Michael Carman can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or pdngolf@gmail.com.
