Great Gift Ideas for Those Who Love Golf - For Him

Have you noticed each year, holiday paraphernalia appears earlier and earlier? Be it Halloween, Easter or Christmas, these days you can't go in a store without seeing some themed display. It's almost as bad as the modern day Presidential Campaign. We at Midwest Golfing Magazine are treading dangerously close to the retailers, but the way we look it at it is, it's never to early to come up with a fabulous gift idea for yourself and the golf fanatic in your life. So rip out the page, circle it with big arrows, add some highlighter and prominently display it in a location he's sure not to miss. Here are the top items on my Christmas list for 2007 and some outstanding ideas for him.

For Him

Srixon Driver & Fairway Woods

Reason enough to buy the product is because of the ultra-cool Srixon commercials featuring Jim Furyk and the Srixon Ball. Released in late July of 2007, the Srixon Z-RW Driver features the Starburst Power Face design. This revolutionary technology creates an enlarged hot area on the club face giving you more forgiveness and distance off the tee. The club comes with a Fujikara shaft available in either stiff, regular or A-flex and is offered in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 11.5 degrees. Complete the set with the matching Z-Steel fairway woods available in 3+, 3, and 5. To check out the commercials (or for more information on the equipment), go to their website at www.srixon.com.

Mizuno CLK FLI-HI- Hybrids

If your man is smart enough to put his ego aside and hit more greens from long range in the process, then have we got the club for you. He'll thank you for the gift of legalized cheating when you give him a matching set of Mizuno CLK FLI-HI 3 and 4 hybrid irons. They are so forgiving, so easy to get up in the air from any lie, and so pretty to look at, he may take you out to dinner as a thank you for lowering his scores. The Mizuno line comes in graphite or steel shafts and are available in lofts of 17, 20, 23, and 26 degrees. The Exsar shaft is Mizuno's stock shaft, but the custom fitting options that made Mizuno famous are always a viable option. For more information, log on to www.mizuno.com.

Powerbilt TRX

It's a fact that men like products that have a history of success. Since 1916, Powerbilt has been a staple of the golf industry, handcrafting high quality products for the game's best to amateurs alike. The brand had seen a huge rebirth in the past few years, thanks in large part to fan-favorite Fuzzy Zoeller joining their staff. The flagship Powerbilt line is the TRX series, which includes a full set of woods (1,3,5,7) to go along with a handsome set of combo irons (3,4 hybrids, 5-PW standard). Even though Powerbilt is steeped in tradition, they are very much aware of the latest trends in golf. Therefore this TRX irons feature wide soles, large cavity backs, while still providing a eye-pleasing top line. And the best part, a full set of clubs can be purchased for just over $600. For more information, visit their website at www.powerbilt.com.

Ashworth

For years Ashworth clothing has been able to strike the perfect balance between country club fashion setter and mainstream public consumption. The quality of their merchandise and their cutting edge craftsmanship crosses boundaries again within their Fall/Winter 2007 and Spring 2008 lines. Having one of the game's most recognizable figures, Fred Couples, promoting their wares doesn't hurt either. Technical fabrics are once again the cat's meow, and the Ashworth moisture wicking technology is one of the industry's finest. The 2008 line is vivid and functional, again the perfect mix of what has made Ashworth famous. Plus for the Spring of 2008, make sure to check out their Satellite Collection, 18 shirts that will surely make you the best dressed lad on the links. For more information, visit their website at www.ashworthinc.com.

Scotty Cameron Red X3 Putter

If you're looking to get the man in your life the Cadillac of putters this holiday season, look no further than the brand Tiger Woods has trusted his entire professional career. Of course, we are talking about the Scotty Cameron lineup of incomparable putters. The '07 selection is stunning from start to finish with our personal favorite being the Black Nickel Red X3. It's a beautifully designed continuation of the extremely popular X2 model that debuted in 2004. When you combine cutting edge milling technology with the timelessness of a Cameron design, your man will be noticed on the greens for sure. For more information, visit their website at www.scottycameron.com or log on to www.titleist.com.

Datrek AT Travel Bag

Home courses are one thing, but the true test of a golf junkie is how often they travel to play. Why bother playing on vacation when you leave strokes on the course because you've rented clubs at your destination. Give him the gift of golf travel this season with the new Datrek Armored Transport travel bag. The Xtreme model has four cinch straps to secure a large golf bag inside and a TSA combination lock to protect them once packed. A crash helmet ensures your clubs get there in one piece, provided the airline doesn't loose them. Internal structures were added to prevent lateral damage and ample padding surrounds your clubs. Complete with three external grips, handling them is just as easy as maneuvering it through the terminal on the Fat Boy wheels. For more information, visit their website at www.forefrontgolf.com or www.datrek.com.

Hi-Tec Shoes

Hi-Tec is currently the #2 footwear brand in the United Kingdom and is the fastest growing brand in Europe . 2007 British Open winner Padraig Harrington is the face of Hi-Tec, and a smiling, friendly one it is. Harrington believes Hi-Tec shoes contributed to his last two stellar seasons. 'Since I've been using the Hi-Tec shoes my average ball speed has increased from 166 mph to 173 mph,' said Harrington. This makes sense because the only part touching the earth is your feet! Hi-Tec's catalog touts the C2 Comfort as 'The World's Most Comfortable Classic Golf Shoe.' I guess the man in your life will just have to try them and find out for himself. The C2 line is available in four bold color schemes, including the ultra-sheik double brown combo. We suggest you throw some street spikes in theses and wear them as your everyday dress shoes. For more information, visit their website at www.hi-tec.com.