Golf gifts he'll actually use

Most golf gifts end up in a drawer. The ones below get used every round. There are no joke headcovers here, just things a golfer reaches for on every hole and is happy to look at while he does. They run from our favourite down, from small stocking fillers to the big present under the tree.

Our pick: Bettinardi Wordmark Black Ox Divot Tool

A good divot tool is the golf gift that lasts. Bettinardi’s single-prong tool has a dark Black Ox finish, a thumb contour and the Hex B logo, with the wordmark on the back. He uses it on every green, and it will outlast his putter.

On the green

A ball marker is the easy stocking filler. Seamus hand-forges each Anvil Steel Ball Marker on an anvil, so every one is different. The Mt. Hood Ball Marker from Jones Sports Co. is made by Matchstick Golf, and the Vessel Metal Ball Marker is the clean, simple option.

In the back pocket

A proper scorecard holder makes every round feel a bit more serious. Seamus’s Navy Harris Tweed Scorecard Holder is lined in toffee leather and now holds a pencil. Nexbelt’s Lizard Scorecard Holder is Italian calfskin made in the USA.

On the clubs

Headcovers are the gift he sees every time he opens the bag. Ghost Golf’s GG Stripe Knit is a classic knit with a long sock and a big pom. Malbon’s Department of Game Driver Cover is cotton canvas with an illustrated field print. For the full set, Sun Day Red x Vessel’s Venom XV covers the driver, fairway and utility in iridescent black.

Towels that work

Malbon’s Antilles Golf Towel is microfiber with a carabiner. Vessel’s Curry Brand Magnetic Golf Towel has a waffle texture that gets into the grooves, and it sticks to the club head.

The big present

The Seamus Shearling Sunday Bag is a carry bag made for walking golfers, refined through hundreds of updates. The Vessel Player VI Pro Stand is the brand’s most refined stand bag, with a magnetic ball pocket and a rangefinder pocket. Two gadgets round it out. The Stitch Link Single Strap puts a speaker and GPS into the bag strap. Bushnell’s Wingman HD is a GPS speaker with a colour touchscreen.

How to choose

• Small and personal beats big and generic. A forged marker or a leather scorecard holder is used every round.
• Check his clubs first. Putter covers come in blade and mallet shapes, so look before you buy.
• Match his style. Tweed and leather for the traditionalist, prints and colour for the golfer who likes to stand out.
• Walkers want light bags. If he carries, a Sunday bag or a light stand bag beats a big cart bag.