Golf Gear Worth Swinging For, According to Molner

Picture yourself teeing off with these must-haves. 

fathers day golf

Graphic by Giovanna Chung/KCM

Molner here! It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a golf nut, and if you’re a fan like me, you already know we’re entering the golden season of golf. Early summer is the ideal time to hit the course, as the weather gets more consistent, and temperatures haven’t yet gotten too hot to play. I’m not one to wax poetic about golden light and crisp breezes, but for any golf skeptics out there, I challenge you not to enjoy a morning spent walking through a green oasis, hitting a few balls, and maybe having a drink or two. (I rest my case.) Golf gear also makes for a great Father’s Day gift, so if you know someone who loves the game as much as I do and need ideas, keep reading.

Spending time on the course is an ideal way for me to clear my mind, get a little exercise, and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also time I can spend with my buddies, catching up while we tee off. Whether you’re (or you’re shopping for) an avid golfer or a novice, I’ve assembled a list of some of my favorite golf gear for whenever I have the chance to hit the links. Treat one of my fellow golf nuts — or yourself — to this apparel, gear, or home practice equipment that can be used all year-round.

Adidas Codechaos Golf Shoes

adidas codechaos

Zappos

Soft spikes and spikeless golf shoes are all the rage right now, because of their versatility and comfort. I like being able to get to and from the course without worrying about bringing a second pair of shoes, so they’re perfect for me. These Adidas are comfortable right out of the box and are super-supportive, making it easy to walk 18 holes without any complaints. 

Kentwool Socks

kentwool socks

Amazon

There’s nothing worse than getting blisters from a long round of 18 holes. Treat your feet with a pair of Kentwool socks; this pair was designed specifically for golf — the cushioning and supportive knit will prevent soreness and blisters, and merino wool wicks moisture to keep you cool. 

Peter Millar Hales Performance Jersey Polo

Peter Millar

Peter Millar makes one of my favorite golf polos. It was designed to be worn on and off the course and features moisture-wicking, four-way-stretch material. It comes in a range of colors, but I have my eyes on this striped style. It even includes UPF 50+ sun protection for added coverage during your next round in the sun. 

$105 at Peter Millar

TaylorMade Tour Preferred Flex Glove

TaylorMade Tour Preferred Flex Glove

Amazon

These are, hands down, my favorite golf gloves (no pun intended): TaylorMade offers the ultimate flexibility to keep your swing smooth and steady. They also feature enhanced breathability to keep your hands from getting too sweaty. Pair it with these TaylorMade Tour Response balls and you’ll be ready to hit the links.

Peter Millar Alice Petal Hem Skort

Peter Millar

Katie loves this performance skort from Peter Millar. Like most of their clothing, it can be worn on the course, on the court, or just about anywhere around town. It also features its UPF 50+ sun protection, which offers additional coverage for your skin.

$125 at Peter Millar

S’well Water Bottle

swell water bottle

S’well

Am I obsessed with S’well? Maybe, but for good reason. The brand’s signature water bottle is made from stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation that will keep cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot until the very last sip. 

Barbour Mini Tartan Umbrella

barbour umbrella

Tuckernuck

It’s always smart to have an umbrella handy when out on the course. This compact one is as stylish as it is convenient. It tucks right into your bag, has a handle for easy hanging, and opens up to show off a tartan pattern for a little Scottish flair. Barbour is known for the unfailing quality of its outdoor gear and this umbrella is no exception.

Perfect Practice Perfect Putting Mat

perfect putting green

Amazon

Since one bad putt can ruin a series of great hits, it’s important to get your stroke down perfectly. The Perfect Practice putting mat has alignment lines and distance marking, so you can practice different putts anytime and anywhere. Set it up in your bedroom, living room, office, garage, or wherever you’re sure to annoy the most people.

Peter Millar Mercer Vest

Peter Millar

Like I said, I’m a big fan of the refreshing feel of a breeze, but when things get too breezy, it’s definitely helpful to have an extra layer with you, no matter the time of year. I’m a big proponent of vests since they allow for the best range of motion, and — you guessed it — my favorite is from Peter Millar. It’s lightweight and machine-washable, with maximum versatility.

$195 at Peter Millar

Swisswell Men’s Rain Suit

Amazon

Don’t let a little rain ruin your game. This rain gear set is lightweight, waterproof, and packs down to fit in your bag. The ventilation in the back will keep you cool, and the whole thing is roomy enough to fit over your other clothes. It comes in nine different colors and is the perfect layer for when the forecast is slightly off. 

$60 at Amazon

Sun Mountain Golf Bag

Amazon

I like driving golf carts as much as the next person, but I also like to combine my golf with my workout. Sun Mountain’s carry-specific bags are unbelievably lightweight — weighing in at just under 3 pounds — and are designed for easy carrying. The straps come on and off your shoulders easily, and it’s big enough for the essentials without tempting you to load up too much.

$110+ at Amazon

TaylorMade Microfiber Towel

TaylorMade Microfiber Towel

TaylorMade

Golf is all about precision: Your swing, the height of your tee, whether the ball is damp or dry, the wind speed, the current astrological season — they all play an important role in the distance and accuracy of your shots. A good golf towel is a necessary component in your golf bag, to ensure your clubs are free from any dirt or moisture that could impact your shot. Trust me when I say that getting a good one is worth it.