Golfing moms deserve something special this Mother's Day

As I was putting together this list of golf-related Mother’s Day baubles, doo-dads, and gizmos, my wife said to me, “Why are you doing this so late? Any decent child or husband would be done shopping by now.”

All I could say was, “Of course, Dear, you’re absolutely right. But not all folks are as conscientious and organized as I am.”

It was at that point when she knew that I had not yet done even a tiny bit of planning for Mother’s Day. Just when I was patting myself on the back for remembering that the Big Day was right around a week away, an icy-cold stare reminded that remembering is far less than half the battle.

Sigh …

Well, anyway, for those of you who might be, like me, scrambling to avoid once again looking like the callous lout you really are, here are a few gift ideas.

Madcapz

Madcapz offers a line of baseball caps and visors for women, which come in bright, bold, somewhat quirky patterns and colors. We’re talking animal prints, floral patterns, and some colors so loud that will ensure that Mom will be spotted by passing planes should she get stranded on a desert island. Seriously, though, these are some fun caps ($20-$25).

Crocs Golf Shoes

We know that for regular shoes, style often trumps comfort. But golf shoes should be different. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin a round, even if you’re riding in a cart. Crocs Golf Shoes combine the renowned comfort of Crocs with styling that, to be honest, looks a lot better than you would expect from the company that gave us dishwasher-friendly footwear. The wide “toebox” keeps toes from getting smushed, and grippy “nubs” on the soles provide traction that, in a pinch, could be worn off the course as well ($99).

Ang Tak: When East Meets West

If Mom likes to read about golf as well as play it, this new novel by Helen Yeomans is arguably one of the most unique golf-themed works of fiction to come out in the past couple of years. The story follows a female professional caddie who normally carries the bag of a veteran PGA Tour fan favorite. But at this year’s Masters, he can’t play, so she gets on the bag of the hot-headed British Amateur champion from Nepal. Despite having one of the worst titles of any golf book ever (how would you know it’s even about golf?), the story is unique and many-layered, exploring death and loss, internal struggles, and the globalization of golf.

Personalized golf lessons on SwingFix.com

Sadly, women often still find golf courses less than welcoming, and lessons can be even more intimidating, especially if Mom is a novice. The Golf Channel’s new partner, SwingFix.com, brings together the world’s best instructors online. Mom can pick out an instructor and send videos of her swing to receive input and personalized drills and tips. After practicing, she can record another couple of swings swing and send them back to the same instructor for further evaluation, analysis, and instruction. This is possibly the most convenient and cost-effective way to take lessons. Mom will love it!

Make her a tee time

And if Mom just wants to get away from it all and have a day to herself with her friends (or family) out on the links, make her a tee time. Maybe she’ll thank you for it by spotting you a few strokes.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. The game of golf owes a lot to you, because without mothers, there would be no golfers at all.