A gift card.
Buying people stuff for hobbies you know they’re into sounds great, but the thing with gear of something you’re an enthusiast in is that you know your needs and preferences, and other people don’t. Unless she’s told you “this is my dream putter” or something, there’s a good chance you’ll get something she doesn’t really want and might feel obligated to use.
Exceptions are things like lessons if you know they want them, books on the subject, maybe, or a well researched starter kit for a hobby you know they haven’t actually started but want to explore. But most other stuff, they have their own preferences on. Either talk details, or think about doing something different, IMO.
This sounds like the pro answer
I don’t know a lot about golf specifically, but it’s an answer I’ve seen elsewhere on similar discussions, and it’s rung true every time I’ve been on the receiving end for hobbies I am more engaged with.
It’s a great sentiment, and shows you know them, and all of that, and it’s appreciated from that perspective. But it’s usually hard to find a use for stuff someone less interested picked out.
Agree. “never deny a woodworker the joy of picking out their own tools”
I’d say the other exception I probably missed is when you’re the expert way ahead of the recipient. That’s a case where you have the knowledge to give them something they wouldn’t buy themselves but can benefit from.
A DVD copy of George Carlin’s special “Jammin’ in New York”
Golfers can always use a pack of new balls. If it’s a surprise gift, ask about what the balls are made of and then which she thinks is the best. Buy accordingly.
OK, this is another decent way to go with hobbies generally. Figure out what consumable things they use/like and go through at a decent rate, and get exactly that.
As a shit golfer - yes, a sleeve of golfballs is always welcome. I’ll lose them soon enough and always need more.
Go on Facebook Marketplace and buy a few hundred seconds for some change, then go to town.
I’ll second the people who say you shouldn’t be making gear decisions for someone who’s into their hobby. That said, there are things you can do beyond simple gift cards.
Sleeves of balls. If you don’t want to risk a surprise, go check what she’s already got. I haven’t played a round of golf in almost twenty years, but they’re effectively consumables, so even if you don’t get her the dream ball she’s after, they’ll get used up on casual rounds or drops after going into a water hazard, that sort of thing.
Personalized ball marker for putting greens. This can be done really cheap if you have access to a laser cutter or 3D printer, and could go really well as a “sweetener” to personalize a gift card style purchase. Even if it doesn’t become her main marker, it’ll likely live in her bag and make her smile without taking up much space.
Same for tees, though you’re more likely to have to get thought from elsewhere. Just take a quick peek in her bag again to see the length and material (wood or plastic) she prefers. These are also consumable, but the initial drive from the tee is a more controlled shot so she’s more likely to want her preferred style.
Experiences: time at a Top Golf style place or traditional driving range, pre-paid greens fees for some nice course nearby or one of her favorites, lessons (if and only if she’s mentioned it!). Does she have a favorite golfer or is she into internet culture surrounding golf? If so, you might find a Cameo from a minor celebrity is a surprisingly memorable purchase.
Time: Has she implied that she’d like to share this hobby with you? If so, volunteer to go with her and treat her like the expert she is. Has she not asked, but you are a person in her life who can make demands on her time? If so, then explicitly give her more time, including some that you would normally claim.
Another vote for gift cards/cash.
They know pretty specifically what they want.
Think about gifting in a broader sense, like consider the whole of the person rather than just their hobbies. They might like golfing, but has there been any “I could use this” talk about something else? Do they even like receiving gifts? Like for example, I’m a computer nerd; you could never go wrong with a new mouse or a sbc. However, most people don’t get me gifts. Instead they give me their time, because I don’t really like gifts. The greatest gift anyone can give me is an unexpected call to spend some time together
Go golfing with them and find time to make a picnic.
She wee!
Maybe don’t refer to her as a “female golfer”, and just refer to her as a golfer.
That would be a nice gift, and it would cost you nothing.
Its not about sexism, there’s literally books about golfing by women for women that are relevant and appreciated. She has everything she could typicly need , I’d like to get her something more thoughtful and targeted towards that crowd that she might benefit from or enjoy
I appreciate the concern but this will be all I comment on the identity stuff. Just want ideas golfers in your life who are women have enjoyed and appreciated
Considering women can and do use vastly different equipment on average (I think it’s toxic masculinity that makes it so guys struggle with the “don’t kill the ball” idea and often need more rigid shafts on their clubs), I think you’re right to clarify and female golfer sounds a thousand times better than woman golfer.
That said, if you aren’t going the gift card route, mix golf and something else and get her a golf towel (has a little ring to attach it to your bag) with some character she likes or something
I think he’s just giving more info. Maybe there are things women specifically would appreciate in golfing? I know in cycling there is a decent amount of gender specific gear, from bike parts to brands of kit that you wouldn’t think to ask about if you didn’t know it existed.
Haha yeah the same thing you’d get a male golfer.
Well I’m dating a female golfer but she gets equipment and all. Maybe shoes?
Adding to all the good ideas in hope I haven’t over read it -
There’s sleeves for woods and other taller clubs, you can have it embroidered with custom designs, like names or something.
My dad had one that looked like a turtle, maybe there’s something nice for her. I like that you can customize it.
Dildo. I ignored the golf bit.
This is only a good idea if they’re friends with Grace Charis
You don’t think it would be awkward 😳
Idk, is she a relative?
This is the way.
Qr code to the nongolfers subreddit, or the lemmy community if there is one, so she can see the error in her golfing ways
A better hobby, preferably one that doesn’t waste tons of water like a golf course does.
