The first two installments of Styled to a Tee’s Favorite Things — 2008 can be seenhereandhere. Now, looking back, I’m miffed I didn’t start with the first item below. That’s because any golfer who is deserving of a golf gift this season should start with knowing the rules.
11.Golf Rules Quick Reference 2008-2011: Kudos to anyone who carries the official USGA rule book in his golf bag like I do. I take — and respect others who do — the rules of golf seriously. The problem is, anytime I come across a ruling I’m not intimately familiar with, instead of taking the time to look it up, I often settle for an educated guess, erring on the side of caution. The truth is the official rule book is written in a complex style and often uses arcane verbiage. The most complicated thing about the "quick" rules book featured here is its cumbersome name. This handy, plastic-coated flip guide answers every rules question at a glance. It is written in an easy-to-undestand language but more importantly comes with illustrations that give you a visual explanation of the procedures discussed.
The user-friendly pocket-sized booklet is organized into eight sections like "Tee" or "Water Hazard" so it is easy to find what you need clarified. Plus, it includes an overview chart on the last page which is said to answers about 80 percent of golfers’ questions. The Golf Rules Quick Referencecomes in 20 languages and costs $9.95. golfrulesmadeeasy.com
12. Peter Millar’s Reversible Belseta-to-Cashmere Vest: Peter Millar strikes the right tone this holiday season by promising "comfort and joy." The vehicle of this pleasure, their reversible quilted Belseta-to-cashmere vest. Loaded with functionality and style, this vest is what to wear now for the chillier months. On course, it provides warmth while leaving your arms free for an unencumbered swing. Off the course, it provides fashion-forward style that catches the eye of passersby — at least that’s been my experience! Belseta offers an exclusive high-performance microfiber fabric that features a supple hand, and protects against rain while allowing perspiration to evaporate, which makes sportswear created from these fabrics extremely comfortable to wear. Couple that with 100-percent pure cashmere on the inside or outside — whichever way you prefer — and the vest makes for the ultimate outerwear piece for golfers and non-golfers alike. $495 atpetermillar.com
13. Ogio – Three-in-one golf bag: When I read Ogio’s press release I had to laugh at the unintended consequence of it all. That’s because Ogio pitches its new Devolver three-in-one golf bag as its contribution to the current economic crisis. Given the ingenuity, versatility and good looks of the Devolver golf bag, it must have been in the design works for well over a year. Certainly before the economy got really dicey. The Devolver’s three-in-one functionality describes its ability to transform from a competition-level cart bag, to a lightweight caddy bag, and a super-light carry bag.
In its full form, the Devolver offers a 10-inch Uniter 15-club top, as well as a custom, ergonomic three-point carry handle. Its removable, over-sized accessory pocket wraps around the bag to provide ample storage, but magnetically converts into an ultra lightweight carry bag when separated from its main compartment. As a stand-alone carry bag, an extending flap hidden in its base unzips to reveal grip protection, while conversion is completed with the attachment of the base bag’s carry strap. Personally, I tend to skimp when it comes to spending on golf bags — not to be confused with travel bags, where I have plunked down some hefty sums. But given the functionality, $320 seems like a bargain. ogio.com
14. Glimpse Skin Care: This last item may surprise you but Glimpse is the new skincare line brought to you by Xango, the Utah-based company that has already made a big name for itself with its Mangosteen Juice. Mangosteenis a fruit rich in antioxidants that comes from a tropical evergreen tree believed to be native to the Sunda Islands and Moluccas.
By harnessing the nutrient-rich gifts from the mangosteen, Glimpse Skin Care is said to work "intuitively" — with self-adjusting formulations to address your skin’s changing needs. It’s BioActive X3Complex™ is supposed to calm inflammation, promote natural collagen production and protect the skin against the oxidizing effects of free radicals. The result is firm, supple, radiant and healthy-looking skin. I’m no chemists but besides the rave reviews I’ve gotten from people who use the product (my personal use has been limited) one concept that makes sense "intuitively" is that the product contains no toxins and employs "green" chemistry. So now that I’ve described the Glimpse Skin Care line you may ask, "What does any of this have to do with golf?"
Well, the simple answer is nothing directly, but as much time as golfers spend in the sun and other elements you need to be constantly aware of the effects on your skin. Just look at some of the older players on the Champions and LPGA tours. Proper sun protection is a prerequisite to healthier skin. Glimpse is the natural safe way to care for skin. Glimpse Skin Care is available for both men and women and comes in a four-step process of Cleanser, Toner, Serum and Moisturizer at $200 (less through their distributor network.)XanGo.com
15. Elevee Custom Belt Buckles: If you’re looking to bring the bling, there are only so many ways you can do it and still be within the bounds of reasonable good taste on a golf course. An oversized crystal-encrusted belt with your own initials became way more acceptable, if not quite fashionable, as Anthony Kim ("AK") wore won repeatedly on his way to the winner’s circle.
Garish? Sure. Gaudy? You bet. But an indication that you’ve got game? Absolutely. The belt buckle,as we’ve pointed out on Styled to a Tee,is prime real estate, courtesy of Kim and Camilo Villegas. If you show up with a Swarovski crystal-encrusted edition, be sure to bring your A Game. Elevee, a California-based custom clothier,offers a number of buckles, the most popular being a fleur de lis. Like the Swarovski crystal belt, it retails for $395 and can be order by e-mailingcustomerservice@eleveegolf.comor calling Ricky Lamitie at 929.726.2327.