It’s that time of year again. The time when internet golf media puts up all their Father’s Day Gift Guides to provide some good tips to people looking to buy Dad a golf gift he’ll actually appreciate and use. The gift guides are great, and are also a good opportunity for “us” to help highlight some of our favorite stuff from the partners that so generously work with us throughout the year. But as 2021 Father’s Day was drawing nearer, I felt like I didn’t want to post the same old gift guide and repeat a lot of stuff you’re likely to see with many other golf outlets. So, much like my 2021 Mother’s Day Gift Guide, I’m taking a different angle this year…
My plan was to convey what I really want to get out of Father’s Day as a whole. I had a couple of ideas for how I wanted to approach this, but it was my ole pal Kris McEwen that sealed the deal. We were discussing setting up some golf and I was reminded of his Father’s Day plans. See, last year, Kris and his three grown up kids got together and spent a few hours that day knocking it around the course. No one was out there looking to break any course records, but they all had a blast together and the experience meant a lot to him. I mean, I remember Kris GLOWING while talking about it on one of our shows together at the time. It was better than any box of golf balls or novelty tees he could have gotten, and it created lasting memories.
My 2021 Father’s Day
As much as I’d of course appreciate a fun golf gift from my kids, I’m really happy to just have a free excuse to enjoy some time with them and have fun. I usually just suggest to my wife to let them pick out some Legos and we’ll build them together. (Then ultimately become their toys to play with, naturally.) Well this year my 8 year-old daughter randomly came up to me and said, “Dad, I want to go play golf with you for Father’s Day.” Aside from driving range trips over the years, she’s never actually expressed interest in going out on the course to play, so I’m IN! Since her birthday happens to fall ON Father’s Day this year (she’ll be 9), I took the next day off, and we’re going to go play 9 holes somewhere. I’m sure it will be chaos, but I absolutely can’t wait!
So for a couple of hours, the two of us will get out and do something we wouldn’t normally do together. Hopefully we’ll both have fun doing it, and who knows, maybe it will turn into something we do more often. I mean, she’s not going to make the LPGA and have me as her swing coach if she doesn’t get on the course soon, right?
As far as my 4 year-old son, he said “I want to get Jet’s Pizza with you!” Jet’s Pizza it is!
Final Thoughts
Over this past year, I’ve personally gained a better perspective on enjoying experiences more than objects. The simple things in life, if you will. Don’t get me wrong, I’d of course love a sick new pair of TRUE linkswear shoes, but the experiences and adventures are what will stick with me the most. My kids are still young, but I’m learning that valuable lesson quickly. Our house is often so caught up in the commotion of school, dance, sports class, world-class golf media outlets, etc that we easily forget to experience life rather than “managing” it.
So if there’s anything to take away from this, don’t worry so much about the gift for your dad. If you want to give him a golf present, give him a couple Bridgestone balls or TRUE linkswear shoes (ok, I squeezed in a couple friendly plugs here, sue me) and tell him “this is for you to use when we go golfing today.” I’d bet Dad will be so happy he gets to do this with you, he’ll even spring for lunch and refreshments!
Happy early 2021 Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there this week. I hope everyone makes some great memories, or at least has some nice and relaxing fun! Enjoy yourselves and take a minute to soak it all in.
