It's June and, in just a few weeks, the U.S. Open golf championship will be contested at Bethpage State Park's Black Course in New York, a phenomenal municipal layout in the suburbs of Long Island.
Which reminds us: The Sunday of the U.S. Open is not only well known for crowning golf champions, it's also Father's Day. For those of you who have been a little late to the tee, there's still plenty of time to snare that special gift for that special guy. Numerous websites and other retail locations are promising delivery within days, and certainly in time for the holiday.
So, the question becomes: What should we get? The selection of golf-related gift items has never been greater, from clubs and balls, to apparel and artwork, videogames, instruction books and myriad unique accessories. There are quite a few 2009 U.S. Open items available too.
Just take a tour through the golf segment at CBSSportsStore.com and you are sure to come away with a bagful of possibilities for that special father, grandfather, brother, uncle or just plain golf guy.
One of the categories that now presents a varied selection is apparel. In the past, the choices might be limited to a golf shirt or sweater, but nowadays you'll find high-tech training wear, high-tech on-course performance apparel, more traditional on-course golf apparel, plus on- and off-course golf and leisure apparel.
Not including clubs and balls, which we highlight year-round, here's a select shopping list of interesting gift ideas at various price levels to help you choose just the right item. Most online orders ship within several days.
Under $25
Desktop chipping game: The DeskTop Sports Chip Shotz Golfer game can be played almost anywhere. It's a great stress reliever for the desk, conference table or any table top. Magnets enable impossible chip shots, holes-in-one and more. Built-in hazards include trees, a pond and a sand trap to improve your skills. You control the swing power with a handle on the back of the golfer and the ball really flies! $16.99; golfgifts.com
NCAA towel: Tri-fold design, swivel clip. Officially licensed colors and logos from dozens of colleges and universities available. Support Dad's alma mater, or his favorite rooting interest. $19.99; cbssportsstore.com
Backyard Turf Tee: The Club Champ Turf Tee is a heavy-duty mat measuring 12 inches by 24 inches. The mat is durable enough to take full iron and wood shots; help improve your game without ruining your lawn (best used with golf net). Adjustable height tee holder for use with wooden tees; includes standard rubber "driver height" tee. $24.99; cbssportsstore.com
Bucket of Gifts: Golf Bucket of Gifts from Golf Gifts & Gallery contains an assortment of golf necessities including a golf towel, 2.75-inch tees, golf balls, a divot tool, a ball marker and an accessory bag all placed in a metal range bucket. $24.99; cbssportsstore.com
Under $50
Rocco Mediate book: Are You Kidding Me? (The Story of Rocco Mediate's Extraordinary Battle With Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open), by Rocco Mediate & John Feinstein. Story of head-to-head battle with Tiger Woods in the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Through one of the most dramatic showdowns in golf history, Mediate emerged as a highly likeable, open and fascinating personality. Mediate relives the event. $26.99; golfsmart.com
Personalized NFL towel: Large, 16 x 24, jacquard woven 2-ply Egyptian cotton yarn. Bright colors, logos for NFL teams. Top strip for personalization (Dad's name, company or other designation). $29.99; cbssportsstore.com
U.S. Open belt: Ribbon belt by YRI, commemorates 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. Constructed from 100 percent genuine leather on a navy web and has an antique brass buckle. Webbing 100 percent cotton, ribbon 100 percent polyester. When ordering a belt it is common to go one size larger than your trouser size. Even sizes 30-48. Color: Navy. $45; usgacatalog.com
Levitating golf ball: It seems like magic, but the AntiGravi-Tee levitating golf ball actually demonstrates the principal of electro-magnetic levitation. Magnets concealed in the basswood base and the polished metal support arm keep the ball levitating in the mid-air over the tee. High-tech instrument uses a micro-processor to sense the magnetic field and make adjustments to its strength to keep the ball suspended. Comes with A.C. adapter. $46.95; levitatingball.com
Under $100
Tiger Woods videogame: Let Dad be the first in his neighborhood to obtain "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10," an EA Sports videogame just releasing now. Compatible with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii and PSP. Most advanced, challenging, comprehensive in this series. Includes Rules of Golf, online hookup, tournament element. New courses include Bethpage Black, Pinehurst No. 2, Torrey Pines, Oakmont. $29.99-59.99; eastore.ea.com
Under Armour windshirt: Designed specifically for golf, the Under Armour men's AllSeasonGear wind shirt delivers ultra-lightweight protection from the elements. The micro-denier body fabric is wind- and rain-resistant to block out the elements, yet breathable to help maintain core temperature. Raglan sleeve construction allows for greater range of motion, minimizing interference with your swing. Black/black, midnight navy; sizes M-XXL. $74.99;cbssportstore.com
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| Adidas training jacket |
Greg Norman fleece: Unique full-zip fleece jacket from the Greg Norman Collection, made from 100 percent moisture wicking recycled polyester. Looks great on- and off-course. Colors include black, dawson, forest wood, navy; sizes M-XXL. $85; shopatshark.com
More than $100
U.S. Open outerwear jacket: Designed specifically for the 2009 U.S. Open, this jacket will keep you safe from the elements and protects against UV rays. One-of-a-kind full-back embroidery celebrates the upcoming Open in a fashionable manner. Features include a caped back, two-button adjustable cuffs and a partial-elastic waistband. 100 percent polyester shell and lining. Khaki or gray; sizes L-XXL. $123; usgacatalog.com
Hanging golf lamp: Tiffany-style, hanging golf lamp. Looks great in den, over dad's desk, on the porch. Golf motif. 18-inch diameter. $149.99; cbssportsstore.com
GPS measuring devices: The state of the art in distance measuring devices is that there is a range of quality units to choose from, made by the likes of Bushnell, Izzo, SkyCaddie, Sonocaddie. Most offer downloadable info for thousands of courses, yardages to hazards, greens; accessories available. Price plans vary for the courses. Devices range $179 to $349; cbssportsstore.com
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| Framed Bethpage photo |
U.S. Open money clip: Limited edition money clip by Malcolm DeMille. Handcrafted, two inches high. This special edition money clip is crafted from sterling silver and highlights the official logo. Nickel-plated clip. $460; usgacatalog.com
