Golf gifts with new twists

With the holidays a sand wedge away, it’s time to think of what to get for those golfers in your life. Forget hats, golf towels, tee and ball repair kits.Yes, you can always spring for a dozen balls, but how ’bout something different.

Under $10
Martini Tees: I just lost my last bright green Martini Tee. And that’s the only way you run out of them. They won’t break, but they will fly off into the weeds and you can only spend so much time looking for a tee or your pals will glare at you. They are neon-bright, tough, 3-1/4 inches long and have a deep enough “martini” cup so balls will not fall off no matter what cockeyed angle you use. They claim they’re the only martini that will improve your driving. Works for me. ($5 plus $2 shipping for package of 5) www.martinigolftees.com

Palm Springs Golf Ball Ice Cube Tray: Here’s a cool thing to do: Serve ice golf balls with your next drinks. Ten “ice golf balls” at a time are made in a two-part heavy-duty plastic tray and are the actual size and shape of a golf ball — they even have dimples. Put a tad of red food coloring in the water, and you’ll have pink ice balls. ($8.99) www.caddie-shack.com

Under $50
Putting on the Dawgs: Think Crocs on steroids. Well designed with arch support, soft spikes and Velcro straps, although super light, they support your feet extremely well. For a crazy-looking shoe, Dawgs Golf Spirit Shoes, which come in a range of colors, are remarkably comfortable and cost less than $50. Not only are they great to travel with in these days where every ounce counts — especially practical when you want to take more than one pair of shoes — if they get yucky, they can be rinsed off under a faucet. www.dawgsgolf.com

Under $100
Tour Edge’s JMAX Draw Iron-Wood: I have repeatedly tried to shift from my longer irons to hybrids, but they failed to perform as reliably as my 4,5 and 6 irons. On a recent golf trip, I put a #3 and #5 JMAX Draw Iron-Wood from Tour Edge into my bag. This high-tech club features weight cavities in the rear of the sole that lower the center of gravity and increases the MOI thereby helping to combat slicing. By the end of the week, I found I was reaching into my bag more and more for these clubs. They were easy to hit and I found the ball went more reliably straighter. As my new “go to” clubs, they are in my bag to stay. And what a price point! ($79.99) www.touredge.com

Under $200
Abacus, a Swedish company making the apparel the European Ladies Team will wear in next year’s Solheim Cup, is quickly becoming known here as a quality clothing supplier. Styling and quality along with subtle details are inspired like the Lanark, a 60s-meets-contemporary chic trench coat designed for everyday life as well as rainy, blustery conditions. The fabric is checked in a sulfur yellow with silver threads with features like inner Lycra cuffs, detachable hood, and reflective details. The tech fabric coat is waterproof with sealed seams, breathable and windproof. Check out their web site and you’ll understand. Available from online retailers. www.abacus-outdoor.com

I first saw SwingRite at a friend’s home in England. An avid golfer, he kept it in the corner of his living room and at various times of the day, would pick it up and give it a few swings. It’s a practice aid with a gismo which clicks at the bottom when you swing it correctly. I tried it and it works — helps with timing and proper release. It’s right up there with Wild Bill Mehlhorn’s “grass whip” when it comes to establishing proper muscle memory for your swing. ($149) www.SwingRite.com