New golf shirts: Best Christmas present ever?

Well, here we go again. Less than one week until Christmas, and I’ve only just now sold enough plasma to afford gifts. Needless to say, I’m way behind in my shopping (and pretty darn light-headed, too.)

For those of you looking for the perfect gift for the golfers on your list, here’s some advice: golf shirts.

Every golfer loves golf shirts, no matter how many he (or she) might already have. As any golfer knows, if you have a favorite shirt, it’s bound to get mustard or coffee on it. And once-beloved shirts from seasons past often grow tired, faded, and tight as fashions evolve, weather takes a toll, and hot dogs and beer at the turn settle on one’s gut.

The good news is that there is a renaissance in golf styles occurring right now, and even the once-mundane polo shirt has become a vibrant palate for designers. Here are a few of my recent favorite finds.

Antigua has become ubiquitous in pro shops around the globe over the past several years, but has continued to improve their stylings without losing any quality. The Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite lines are perhaps the best yet. Brighter colors and subtle yet distinctive patterns (Zealous and Pride are two of my favorites) highlight the men’s 2012 offerings. It seems like just about every shirt I reach for in my closet is an Antigua. Because they fit and wear so well, they last season after season.

Tommy Hilgifer has returned to the US golf apparel market after a six-year hiatus. The 90s fashion icon brings his trademark bold colors and rich fabrics to the links. The designs are some of the most eye-catching on the market, as one would expect of a company that partners with Ian Poulter. Unfortunately, the sizing seems to be aimed at a younger, slimmer demographic, too. But if you’re a middle-aged golfer like me, double-check the sizes – you might need to go up one size to get a comfortable fit.

AUR Golf makes the most fashion-forward and fabric-forward golf shirts on my radar this holiday season. AUR’s shirts aren’t only unique on the outside, with an abundance of atypical hues and asymmetrical patterns, but also on the inside. AUR blends polyester with fabrics woven from bamboo, coconut, volcanic minerals, and, most surprisingly, recycled coffee grounds (the S. Café line). All of these eco-friendly fabrics are also moisture-wicking and antibacterial.

And if the duffer on your gift list happens to be a woman, rest assured that all of these companies offer equally impressive women’s lines of shirts and other apparel.

OK. So much for my last-minute gifts. Now to look for some stocking stuffers. I grabbed a couple handfuls of those little sugar cookies they give you after plasma donation to keep you from passing out, but they won’t be enough….