Best gifts for golfers – experience days, training aids, clothing essentials and more

If you're looking for some gifting inspiration to treat the golfer in your life, our curated list of presents will help elevate their game from tee to green.

To build a shopping list to suit a range of budgets, we asked keen golfers at Which? to share the products they've loved giving or receiving. Our final list includes basic kit such as balls and tees, plus gadgets for those who enjoy analysing their game.

Keep scrolling for access to our first-hand recommendations, plus links to our expert product reviews that reveal the latest Which? Best Buys.

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Training aids

PuttOUT golf putting mat

What is it? A nylon putting mat with rubber backing.

We like: easy to set up, can store away when not in use

Watch out for: doesn't include a ball return system

With their own indoor putting mat, any golfer can practise their aim and accuracy away from the green. Over time, this means they'll approach game-winning putts with even more confidence.

This mat from PuttOUT comes in three different sizes – the version we're spotlighting measures 240 x 50 cm, but you can also try a slim mat (240cm x 25cm) or large mat (367 x 67cm). It has a rubber backing to prevent it from sliding and is designed to replicate a 'medium-to-fast green'.

Why we chose it

'This putting mat has been a game-changer for my practice routine. The materials feel premium and the alignment guides make it easy to focus on improving my consistency. It also rolls up neatly into the carry bag, so I can easily store it away when I'm done.'

Neil Caldicott

Golf grip training aid

What is it? A tool designed to improve shot accuracy.

We like: affordable, suitable for both newbies and experienced golfers

Watch out for: the person you're buying for might prefer a 1-on-1 lesson instead

A grip aid is an affordable gift that can improve any golfer's game by preventing bad habits from forming. This option from Longridge can be used on any club and is designed to promote muscle memory.

Graphics on the tool show you exactly where you need to position your thumb, so there's no second-guessing your positioning before each swing. Beginners will learn the basics, but seasoned players can also use the tool to enhance their technique.

Why we chose it

'I’ve been playing for a number of years, but this grip aid really helped me tighten up my hand positioning. It’s easy to attach to your clubs and I’ve already noticed more consistency in my shots.'

Neil Caldicott

Golf balls & tees

Titleist Pro V1 pack

What is it? A pack of 12 balls that the brand claims will 'increase drop-and-stop control'.

We like: always useful – they'll definitely get used

Watch out for: there are cheaper multipacks if you don't want to spend as much

It's always worth having some extra golf balls tucked away in your golf bag – especially if you're prone to the occasional wild slice.

This pack from Titleist aims to give you more speed off the tee and improved control with irons. If you're not willing to spend around £50 for golf balls, it's worth shopping for some cheaper multipacks.

Why we chose it

'These premium golf balls are considered by many to be some of the best.

'If you're looking for something affordable and perhaps a little more unique, the personalised golf set from Not On The High Street could be worth a look – you get a pair of golf balls with custom initials and six tees in the box.'

Alex Manners

Green Swing bamboo golf tees

What is it? A set of biodegradable tees that come in a range of sizes.

We like: sustainable option, always useful

Watch out for: might not be as durable as regular tees

A unique and practical gift idea that's always handy on the fairway. This affordable 30-pack includes a variety of tee sizes (25mm to 70mm), each crafted from bamboo. The brand claims that they are more flexible than traditional wooden golf tees.

Why we chose it

'Golf tees like these are a popular gift for obvious reasons – they're affordable, and you can't hit the course without them. Since these are made from bamboo, they're less harmful to the environment when lost or broken on the green.'

Alex Manners

Clothing & accessories

Callaway Dawn Patrol glove

What is it? A leather golfing glove with a stretch cuff.

We like: available in a range of sizes, breathable design

Watch out for: the person you're gifting to might already have a golfing glove

Callaway is one of the most recognisable names in golf, and the brand offers plenty of gear for gifting. This glove is available for both right-handed golfers (for left-handed use) and left-handed golfers (for right-handed use).

Why we chose it

'Gloves always wear out over time, especially with regular play, so a fresh pair is always a welcome addition to any golfer’s kit. Whether it’s for improved grip or simply having a backup on hand, a new glove is a practical gift for any golfer.'

Alex Manners

Under Armour ColdGear compression top

What is it? A shirt to keep golfers cool and dry without adding bulk.

We like: plenty of colours to choose from

Watch out for: check the returns window in case you buy the wrong size

These base layers from Under Armour are made with dual-layer fabric and feature stretch-mesh panels at the back and underarms to help keep you cool.

You'll have no trouble finding a good-fitting base layer as the brand offers sizes from XS all the way up to 4XL Tall.

Why we chose it

'I bought this Under Armour top for my partner to keep him warm and comfortable during the winter months. He wears it under his golf polo, and it provides a snug, insulating layer without feeling too bulky.'

Faith Strickland

Titleist ball marker cap

What is it? A performance cap from golfing brand Titleist.

We like: ball marker system, stretch design

Watch out for: handwash only

Any golfer planning on spending hours in the sun will need a cap to keep them comfortable and focused. This performance cap from Titleist has a stretchy fit and is designed to wick away sweat.

Why we chose it

'This cap will keep you cool and comfortable on the course. The built-in ball marker is handy as well, making it easy to mark your spot on the green without digging through your pockets.'

Faith Strickland

Golf tech

TecTecTec KLYR rangefinder

What is it? Tells you how far away a target is.

We like: pick the best-suited club for any shot

Watch out for: fairly expensive

Choosing the best club for a shot can be a challenge at times, and that's where this rangefinder comes in. You point the scope at a spot on the green, note the distance and then reach for the appropriate club.

The compact accessory features both a belt clip and a magnetic system so, in theory, you can attach it to your golf bag or trolley.

Why we chose it

'This rangefinder has completely changed how I approach tricky shots. I really like that it's compact and that it attaches to my cart, so I never have to worry about losing it.'

Alex Manners

Arccos Caddie Link Pro starter bundle

What is it? A tool that tracks your swings during a round.

Available from: American Golf

We like: learn more about your game and how to improve

Watch out for: might not suit golfers who aren't tech savvy

This tech kit features sensors that attach to your club to track your swings. Through the accompanying Caddie smartphone app, you'll see a visual representation of your shots and details on distance travelled.

In the box you get 13 sensors, a P3 putter sensor (for use with putter only), Link Pro tracker and iOS and Android tracking software.

Why we chose it

'This is a must-have for golfing nerds who love analysing their game. It uses sensors in your clubs to track shot data, and you can review your stats right from your phone.

'It’s like having a personal caddie with you, offering data-driven advice as you play.'

Brad Young

Garmin Venu 3

What is it? A high-end smartwatch for fitness tracking enthusiasts.

We like: tracks golf but many other sports as well

Watch out for: somewhat limited smart features (see our review for the details)

This smartwatch has a thin 35mm-diameter AMOLED colour screen and an optional ‘always-on’ mode. It has 5ATM water and splash resistance, so it should survive a rainy day on the course.

You can use the wearable to track your golf, as well as other activities like running, walking and cycling.

Why we chose it

'You can check in with our Garmin Venu 3 review to see how it fares for ease of use, screen quality, battery life and health tracking. Alternatively, the Garmin Venu 3s might be worth considering for those who have a thinner wrist or want a lightweight wearable.

'If you want to track golf using this smartwatch, you'll first need to download the Garmin Golf app. It works with both iOS and Android devices.'

Amy Axworthy, Which? smartwatch expert

Experiences

Experience days for golfers

What it is? Choose from a selection of golf-themed days for a solo gift or a joint experience.

Available from: Virgin Experience Days

We like: experiences across the UK

Watch out for: before booking, make sure to check your recipient's availability

Visit the Virgin Experience Days site to explore a selection of day-long experiences, including 18-hole rounds of golf, private lessons, or both. At the time of writing, the list of options includes:

• 60-minute golf lesson with a PGA professional – one-to-one expert advice available at a choice of locations, including some of the best golf courses in the UK.
• Play 18 holes with a PGA professional golfer at St Andrews – this could be a treat for both novices and seasoned golfers.
• Play 18 holes and enjoy a lunch for two at Delta Hotels – enjoy the views of the countryside and treat yourself to some food right after.