Written by Jarrod Van Volkenburg & Brennan Hilgers.

With so many people being introduced to the game over the past year, I wanted to share some must-have items for the beginner golfer on your shopping list. From the absolute essentials someone needs to get started, to items that are nice to have, Golf Town is fully stocked with products geared toward those who are just starting out. Here are a few of our favourites to get the ball rolling across the green.

Wilson SGI Profile Complete Sets

Simplicity, affordability, and quality—that’s what you can expect from a Wilson SGI Profile complete set, available for both men and women. A turn-key solution to get the new golfer in your life out on the course in one fell swoop, this gift idea includes a complete set of clubs, headcovers, and a bag. But these sets are just convenient, they are also engineered to deliver optimal game improvement features for golfers who are just starting out, including oversized irons, graphite shafts, and deeply recessed cavity backs to help get the ball airborne. For equipment that can played year after year until their game advances to the next level, be sure to check out Wilson’s SGI Profile sets when shopping for that special someone this holiday season.

Golf Balls for Beginners

Round out your shopping with golf balls designed for beginners. Some golf balls are expensive and focus on elite players with fast swing speeds and consistent impact positions. These golf balls aren’t those. Made to help make the game a little bit easier, Callaway’s Warbird ball is an affordable, quality ball that performs best when struck by moderate to slower swing speeds. If you want to pair the ball with the aforementioned full set of clubs, try Wilson’s new 50 Elite ball, another ball that was made with the beginner top of mind. For those who want a ball that’s outside the box and adds a bit of pizazz to their round, try BOOM!, a company that makes colourful golf balls that highlight the brighter side of life.

Ignite Fasten8 Spikeless Golf Shoe

Which shoes do you choose? Well, if you’re Secret Santa is just starting out in the game, you’ll want to prioritize comfort and durability, which is why I recommend Puma’s Ignite Fasten 8. Not too dissimilar from a regular trainer you’d see at the gym, this shoe utilizes lightweight Ignite Foam and a waterproof upper mesh for peak performance in all conditions. The spikeless outsole also provides a familiar feel and instep that new golfers will appreciate when walking the course. For added convenience, Ignite Fasten8 has an integrated lacing system that secures your foot throughout the round and is easy to adjust when needed. If you’re buying someone their first pair of golf shoes, these are a great place to start.

Golf Gloves

New golfers haven’t had the opportunity to develop rugged calluses that form from playing hundreds of rounds, so it’s all the more important they get a golf glove that fits correctly. The reason behind wearing a glove is simple: they add another layer of comfort and performance, helping you hold onto the club throughout the swing and gain confidence when over the ball. Ultimately, they make the game easier and more comfortable, two things beginners can definitely benefit from. If you’re buying for someone who is new to the game, you want something that is durable but not too pricey, after all, gloves go missing like shanked golf balls. That’s why I’d recommend Wilson’s Grip Soft as their standard glove and FootJoy’s WinterSof glove for when they’re playing in inclement weather conditions. Remember, you can’t grip it and rip it if you don’t have the former under control.

Tees Please

The perfect stocking stuffer and something every golfer needs, a big bag of tees goes a long way in equipping someone for the course. Pride Golf’s combo tees come with two different tee lengths for when you’re either hitting driver or irons off the deck. Often an afterthought but forever a requirement to play, tees are not to be dismissed this holiday season.