In 1552, John Hamilton, Archbishop of St Andrews, issued a charter reserving the town's links for golf and other games. The National Library of Scotland calls it the earliest written evidence of golf in St Andrews, while noting the game was probably already popular there. Scotland's written record reaches further back: James II's Parliament banned golf in 1457. I like this as the opening for golf gifts for dad, a sport with a real sense of place before the first tee comes into view.

 

The modern game stretches beyond the course, too. The National Golf Foundation counts 48.1 million Americans age six and up who played on-course or off-course in 2025. I would think about his version of golf before picking, the early Saturday tee time, a simulator night, or the layers for the drive out. A gift can fit around his routine rather than asking him to adopt a new one.

 

For a cool morning, Bad Birdie's Velocity Performance Quarter Zip is black with stretch fabric, while Rhone's Founders Golf Quarter Zip brings vintage-indigo color and raglan sleeves. Eastside Golf Signature Quarter Zip Pullover adds its Swingman chest mark to an opal-gray stand collar. If he prefers a polo, Peter Millar's Gingham Check Performance Jersey Polo has a pink check and spread collar; Bonobos Performance Golf Polo goes green and white. Vuori Ace Polo has a chest pocket, and Nike's Par Men's Dri-FIT Golf Polo and Velocity Men's Dri-FIT Chest Logo Golf Polo keep to familiar button plackets. I would check whether he likes a zip neck or collar, then stay near the colors he already reaches for.

An outing is a long day for footwear, so I would decide first whether he prefers a sneaker shape or a more traditional oxford. adidas MC70 FB Spikeless Golf Shoes have a black profile with white stripes and a gum-toned sole; the S2G 26 Leather Spikeless Golf Shoes take a quieter white leather direction. Nike Pegasus 1 G Golf Shoes bring a running-inspired shape with gray, green and black accents, while Air Max 90 G Golf Shoes keep the layered silhouette in sea-glass tones.

 

At a more tailored end, G/FORE G.112 has navy heel tabs and perforated panels. Johnston & Murphy Upton GL1 Waterproof Golf Shoe reads as a white leather oxford with blue patterned lugs. OluKai Wai'Alae Waterproof Leather Golf Shoe is gray with tan details, and Mephisto Match Golf Shoe keeps a white leather upper with navy accents. The range is useful: a sneaker looks at home with casual clothes, while an oxford can feel more dressed.

 

Before buying, I would check what he reaches for after the round and compare each maker's size guidance. Consider whether he wants the waterproof build, rather than assuming the same shoe suits every outing. What I would skip: a bright color if he pairs everything with familiar neutrals. White leather can be a lovely choice, but only if he likes caring for it.

Some golf gifts earn their place by keeping the bag in order. Malbon Golf was founded in 2017 by Stephen and Erica Malbon, who describe it as a lifestyle brand inspired by golf and built around stories and community. I like that point of view for a gift: the game is equipment, but it is also a ritual.

 

Malbon Insignia Walking Bag has padded shoulder straps and compact storage, while the Department of Game Blade Cover comes in olive cotton canvas. For shoes, adidas Golf Shoe Bag has a wide two-way zip and orange lining; Golf Premium Backpack includes a laptop holder, useful for a commute-to-course day. Nike Tour Golf Blade Putter Headcover and Tour Golf Driver Headcover share pale-green golf graphics and padded lining. Good Art Hlywd Sterling Golf Tee & Ball Marker Set is the small keepsake, with a sterling tee, magnetic marker, hat clip and wooden tees. TUMI Golf Pouch with Tees adds seven wooden tees and a carabiner.

 

Before choosing, think about what needs its own place, clubs, spare tees or shoes, and match the carry to his routine. What I would skip: adding a backpack when he already has a bag he likes carrying.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews began on 14 May 1754 with a challenge for the Silver Club. There is a long tradition of turning golf into a small ritual, and these are the details I would choose for someone who enjoys the game beyond the score.

 

adidas S Structure Golf Snapback Cap has contrast piping, a Trefoil patch and an adjustable strap; Eastside Golf Pro Series Snapback Hat adds rope trim and an embroidered medallion. Nike Golf Cap stays unstructured and white, while Vuori Signal Snapback Golf Hat has tonal embroidery and a curved visor. The gloves need a little more attention than the hats: Nike Tour Classic 4 Men's Golf Glove is left regular in fir green, while adidas Originals Golf Leather Glove is white sheepskin with blue stripes.

 

FORE ALL Buoy Set of 12 Golf Balls comes in a cream gift box, with multicolor logos and putting lines. Titleist Pro V1X Golf Balls, 12-Pack offers a dozen in a black box. I would check which hand he wears his glove on and whether he likes a curved or flat brim. What I would skip: a glove without checking his handedness and size, or colored balls if he prefers plain white.

Off-course golf belongs in the picture, too: NGF counted 19 million Americans who played only away from a course in 2025. For a simulator night, a chilly drive or a weekend round, a gift can follow him from home to the first tee.

 

Polo Ralph Lauren Golf Quarter-Zip Mesh Sweatshirt uses light-green mesh jersey with faux-suede trim and side zip pockets. Peter Millar Galway Performance Quarter Zip Vest layers over a polo, while MALBON GOLF Field Cotton Two Way Zip Golf Jacket adds storm flaps and a two-way zipper. Nike Men's Repel Golf Jacket is the insulated pick, with stretch-woven sleeves described for a full golf swing.

 

Travel changes the brief. adidas Golf Convertible Garment Duffel Bag doubles as a garment carrier; TUMI Golf Duffel Bag has tuck-away backpack straps and a water-resistant shoe pocket. Samsonite Expandable Golf Trunk Organizer separates shoes and accessories in the trunk, and STITCH Golf Day Traveler 2.0 Backpack has separate compartments and a padded laptop sleeve. I would check what he packs before choosing. One extra layer and a full overnight bag are different gifts, even if both carry the game.

I would choose in this order: his everyday golf clothes, then his shoe shape, then the small accessories he can use without changing his routine. A quarter zip in a color he already wears is the straightforward route; a bag or headcover makes sense when you know the clubs and carry he owns.

 

Then I would add one detail with a story, perhaps the Malbon blade cover or the sterling tee and marker set. The St Andrews charter began as a record of people using the links for golf and other games. That feels right for a gift he can take out the door, with a little history tucked into the next round.

 

If you are still shopping, I would also look at Useful Gifts for Dad, Gifts for Dad From Daughter, Gifts for Dad Who Has Everything and Golf Stocking Stuffers.