Gear & gifts, no infomercial

Most golfers own more gear than they use. We'd rather help you buy one thing you'll use every week than ten things for the garage. Here's what we'd look at by category, the stores we link to, and what you can safely skip.

Photo: Brian J. McDermott / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

#ad · Affiliate disclosure. Some links on this page are affiliate links, each labelled “Affiliate link”. If you buy through one, Crazy Golf Game (Marketing Apes LLC) may earn a commission. You pay the same price. We describe categories and what to check; we have not used every product these stores sell. Partners do not see or approve what we write.

Picks by category

Worth it if you'll use it

Gift Guide 2026

Putters lined up on an indoor carpet putting surface

Putting mat or home green

The most-used piece of practice gear for most golfers. Check length (longer allows lag practice), surface speed and whether you want a ball return. Measure your space first.

Good for: Anyone who wants to stop three-putting

Compare putting mats Affiliate link

A driver behind a teed-up ball on a misty morning

Launch monitor or home simulator

A big purchase that only makes sense with the space and the habit to use it. Check ceiling height and room depth against the maker's requirements, and whether full features need a subscription.

Good for: Regular golfers with a garage or spare room

Browse simulators and launch monitors Affiliate link

Golf balls

For casual golf, bright or matte coloured balls are easier to find. For your main game, pick one model and stick with it so every short-game shot reacts the same way.

Good for: Everyone; personalised sleeves make good gifts

See Vice Golf balls Affiliate link

Windmill hole at Royal Oak miniature golf, Royal Oak, Michigan (1986)

Backyard and kids' sets

Portable cups, flags and kids' clubs turn a lawn into a course. Look for an age range on the box and parts that pack away.

Good for: Families and party hosts

Browse backyard game sets Affiliate link

What you can skip

Gadgets that promise a new swing. A couple of alignment sticks do most of what they do.
Premium balls for practice and mini golf. A basic ball rolls fine on a short putt.
A full new set before you know you love the game. Rent, borrow or start with a half set.
Anything you would only use once a year.

How we choose stores

We link to retailers whose range matches what we write about and whose affiliate programme we've joined. A link never decides what goes in an article. If a category doesn't have a store we trust, we explain what to look for and leave it unlinked.

Gear guides

Gear

Gear for Casual Golfers: What Is Worth Owning for Fun Golf

A putter that fits, a few bright balls and a mat. What is worth owning and what to skip.

Photos show the category, not the specific products sold by the linked stores.