With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting everyone in the United States and around the world, we knew it would be a long, tough winter. Was it ever! Snow blanketed much of the Northeast and the Midwest, and storms ravaged Texas and parts of the South. But finally, spring is officially here, warmer temperatures are being enjoyed and the Masters is just days away. Hallelujah and pass the pimento cheese!
Last season saw people come back to golf in droves, both new players looking for an outlet during the pandemic and folks who had forgotten how great the game could be. Golf proved to be a safe way to get outside, enjoy friends and have fun.
While golfers in the Southwest, Florida and California have had a chance to keep playing all winter, it’s time to get back into the swing for the rest of us. If you are looking to rekindle your love for golf, here are nine cool things that help.
Garmin Approach S42 GPS watch, $299.99
Garmin S42 GPS watches (Garmin)
On the course, this smartwatch delivers all the features a golfer needs to make better shot choices. It comes preloaded with 42,000 courses, and its 1.2-inch color touchscreen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The Approach S42 provides the distance to the front, middle and back of the green as well as bunkers and hazards. It also can pair with Garmin’s Approach CT 10 club tags to let you track your shots and collect on-course stats. Away from the course, the Approach S42 tracks your heart rate, sleep patterns and steps, and it connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth to display texts, calendar notifications and incoming calls.
Highcamp’s Firelight Flask, $129
Highcamp’s Firelight Flask (Highcamp)
Let’s be clear, there is nothing wrong with taking a swig of a cold drink right from the bottle on a hot day, but there are times when you want to up your game. With a magnetic system that secures two cups, the Firelight Flask holds 750 milliliters of your favorite beverage in vacuum-insulated 18/8 surgical stainless steel. That’s enough to fit an entire fifth of your favorite spirit or a full bottle of wine, so you can share some good cheer with the rest of your foursome. Hot beverages remain hot and cold beverages keep cold for 24 hours.
PuttOut Premium Pressure Trainer, $39.99
PuttOut Premium Pressure Trainer (PuttOut)
Last spring, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced golf lovers to find ways to enjoy the game in their homes, PuttOut’s original Pressure Trainer became one of the most popular ways to improve putting. The new Premium Pressure Trainer, which can be used indoors or on a practice green, is a more-refined and colorful version, but it is still addictive (in a good way). Putts that roll up and back down the ramp toward you would have gone in the hole. Putts that roll off the sides or that flip over the top would have missed. When the micro-target is pressed and a small hole is created in the ramp, the perfect putt will stay in it. A hole in the top is designed to hold alignment sticks, which many golfers like to use when they practice, while the three small dots provide another back-of-the-cup set of targets.
Ralph Lauren RLX Tech Terry vest, $168
Ralph Lauren RLX Tech Terry vest (Ralph Lauren)
A vest can be a perfect addition as winter transitions into the warmer months, great for layering without interfering with your swing. The Tech Terry Vest features a water-resistant terry polyester designed to wick moisture, block wind and provide plenty of stretch.
Sansoleil SolCool Print Mock Dry Martini 1/4 zip, $98
Sansoleil SolCool Print Mock Dry Martini 1/4 zip (Sansoleil)
Sansoleil, a family-owned business founded in 2009, has been one of the top women’s golf apparel companies over the last decade. Sansoleil means “without sun,” and this SolCool Mock Neck 1/4 Zip features a light fabric made of a polyester-Spandex blend that blocks the sun and helps reduce skin temperature.
The Second Cut “The Class” rangefinder case, $100
The Second Cut laser rangefinder case (The Second Cut)
Sure, the laser rangefinder you bought came with a case, but this hand-made, hand-stitched leather case will bring some serious style to your bag. Measures 3.5 inches by 4.5 inches, closed. With use, the leather will age and look even better.
Sun Moutain Boom Cart Bag, $329.99
Sun Mountain Book Bag (Sun Mountain)
Available in a five-divider or 14-divider version, the Boom bags also have 13 pockets, including a ventilated cooler pocket, apparel pocket and multiple accessory pockets that provide plenty of storage, but it’s their media pocket and built-in speakers that are game-changers. Smartphones fit in the media pocket, which has a see-through vinyl window, allowing you to control the music or broadcasts easily.
SuperStroke Traxion 1.0PT grip, $29.99
SuperStroke Traxion 1.0PT grip (SuperStroke)
Nothing makes an old putter feel new again like a fresh grip. This SuperStroke model is popular with PGA Tour pros, including Justin Thomas. Measuring 10.5-inches in length, it has a pistol-style curve in the top that encourages stability and a tacky polyurethane outer layer designed to provide more feedback on impact. The Traxion 1.0PT is also made to get your hands in the same position every time.
Weatherman Umbrella, $79
Weatherman Golf Umbrella (Weatherman)
No one wants to spend money on a golf umbrella because no one wants to use it, but as soon as it rains, you’ll be happy you have this 62-inch cover available (a 68-inch version is also available). The vented canopy can withstand winds of up to 55 mph, and the umbrella weighs just 2 pounds. When it is not raining, the Weatherman provides a cooling, SPF 50+ barrier to protect you from the sun.
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