Father's Day Gift Guide

By: Joel Zuckerman

Father's Day is around the corner and, believe me, Dad wants another Repp tie about as much as he wants to get caught in a rip tide. This failsafe fashion gift is about as exciting as a bowl of room-temperature oatmeal. We'll shake it up just a bit with a fashion-centric and slightly fashion-forward gift guide, with a couple of neat accoutrements tossed in to keep things lively. Any and all might be a better choice for your clothes pony (clothes papa?) then another (yawn!) striped tie. Windsor knot? Try Windsor Not!

Mountain Khakis aren't particularly well known in the golf world, but this is an ultra high-quality and rugged clothing brand, both stylish and practical. Their "signature" item is their original Mountain Pant, perfect for cool weather golf, as well as camping, hiking or climbing. But with additions to the line like their poplin and twill pants, there are some wonderful lighter-weight options available that are ideal for springtime and summer on the course, not to mention post-round, relaxing in the grill room or the 19th hole. Besides the traditional fuller cut, all pants also come in what's known as the "Broadway Fit" for those preferring a slimmer profile. The company also has an extensive range of shorts, long-sleeve and short-sleeve button-downs, and an entire women's collection. Despite the wide range of styles, colors and patterns, every garment they produce is durable, and crafted with care. www.mountainkhakis.com

Despite the inroads they've made in the golf world in recent years, New Balance will likely always be better known as a running shoe company than a golf shoe company. But their golf product continues to impress, and improve year upon year. They are every bit the equal of industry behemoths like Foot-Joy and Ecco, and deserve wider acclaim. One of the most attention-getting shoes in their line is the 2002, an ultra-lightweight athletic model, which features a premium microfiber leather upper with a two-year limited waterproof warranty. They are good-looking, and comfortable right out of the box, which are always priority 1 and 1-A when it comes to golf shoes. www.newbalance.com

Not that I'm pining for the Good Ole Days, but I recall with some nostalgia when a golf shirt was just a shirt. It might have had a chest pocket, perhaps a zipper instead of buttons, there was even a short period when the standard collar gave way to much-maligned "mock neck" trend which has thankfully abated. But the Galvin Green Millard Polo has about as much in common with the shirts of yesteryear as does a Model T Ford with a modern-day Ferrari. Their "Ventil8" shirt (get it?) comes with body-mapping technology that increases ventilation in key areas to ensure players remain dry, cool and comfortable even in excessive heat. The Millard is constructed from fibers engineered with unique performance properties that will never wash or wear out. These draw moisture away from the body and disperse it over a large area to promote rapid evaporation. Additional characteristics include a UV protection rating of 20+ and permanent antibacterial features for exceptional odor control. If only it offered bogey control it would be the ultimate golf garment. www.galvingreen.com

Nobody wants to see their golf ball in water, but Bridgestone has determined that we might be better off with water in our golf balls. Specifically their new Hydro-Core Technology, which incorporates minute amounts of water within the ball's core to reduce spin and increase distance. Most of us are well served with their premium B330RX model, which is designed for swing speeds under 105 mph. www.bridgestonegolf.com

The Jaybird Bluebuds X are incredibly high-tech wireless headphones, worn discretely behind the head. Their packaging is almost as elegant as an Apple product, they are easy to charge, easy to use, and thanks to a variety of ear bud sizes in the package, fit snugly. They connect via Bluetooth to a phone or Ipod, and the surprisingly strong signal allows you to put your phone down in the weight room, yet hear every note when you go across the hall to the treadmill or elliptical machine. But for golfers, the true Nirvana is being able to walk down the fairway, with the phone either in the golf bag, pants pocket or pull cart, and be able to swing unencumbered - no wires interfering with either the backswing or downswing. Hallelujah! www.jaybirdsport.com

Over the years I've touted alligator belts, colored-leather belts, even belts without holes - they operate with a newfangled sliding ratchet system. But this is the first time I've recommended a belt that can actually improve the game of the estimated 40 percent of golfers who experience back pain. The Serola Sacroiliac Belt is designed to help alleviate back pain and increase golf performance by providing relief to the sacroiliac joints (SI joints), located in the lower back below the hip bones but above where the legs start. A common cause for those with lower-back pain is the SI joints. The Serola Sacroiliac Belt helps stabilize those joints and the muscles surrounding them, allowing better circulation and normal functionality of the muscles - providing greater power and reduced pain during the golf swing. www.serola.net

Golf has a handful of names that elicit universal respect and admiration. These include Nicklaus, Palmer, Hogan and Nelson. But it's safe to say there is no name more magical in the world of golf than Bobby Jones, and his eponymous clothing line, founded in 1989, is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary season. The great golf writer Herb Wind once said, "There was something about him - how he looked and spoke and acted, that communicated itself to non-golfers as well as golfers - to people in all walks of life." Same can be said for this wonderful and timeless collection of polos, sweaters, dress shirts, pants, shorts and outerwear. www.bobbyjones.com

Long-irons are going the way of Kilties on golf shoes, and pom-poms on head covers. Hybrids are becoming ubiquitous, replacing those harder-to-hit 3,4 and even 5 irons, and one of the leading lights in the field is Tour Edge. The XCG7 hybrid series features a more compact shape for a powerful, penetrating ball flight. The lightweight beta titanium crown only weighs 6 grams, which allows for additional precise weight positioning in the head to deliver Tour-caliber trajectory and versatility. Maximizing distance, the Power Grid positioned directly behind the sweet spot creates an accordion effect and increased spring-effect by flexing at impact. All a golfer needs to know is balls launch higher, land softer, and with more accuracy towards the target with these magic wands geared for game improvement. www.touredge.com

One of the groundbreaking shows currently airing on television is "Shark Tank" and one of the most innovative products introduced to the nation via the program was the Clean Bottle, an idea so simple it was revolutionary. It's a standard water bottle, the type used on bicycles everywhere, with one profound modification: The bottom screws off for easy cleaning, turning the bottle into a tube, so there's no buildup of grime, slime, "fuzz" mold or anything similarly nasty tainting your drink. The company has since branched out to offer bottles with more aesthetic appeal, like "the Square," which among other advantages, won't roll away if tipped over! www.cleanbottle.com

Joel Zuckerman, called "One of the Southeast's most respected and sought-after golf writers" by Golfer's Guide Magazine, is an award-winning travel writer based in Savannah, Ga. His seventh and latest book, entitled "Pro's Pros - Extraordinary Club Professionals Making Golf Great!" was released in June 2013. This is the first-ever golf book to shine the spotlight on the beating heart of golf - the unsung, yet hard-working club professional. Joel's course reviews, player profiles, essays and features have appeared in 110 publications, including Sports Illustrated, Golf, Continental Magazine and Delta's Sky Magazine. He has played more than 800 courses in 40-plus states and a dozen countries. For more about Joel, or to order this unique new book, visit www.vagabondgolfer.com.

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