Some say that the origins of Father’s Day can be traced to a young woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd who came up with the idea while listening to a Mother’s Day service in Spokane, Washington in 1909. Raised by her widowed father, a Civil War veteran who lost his wife after the birth of their sixth child, Sonora thought that her father should be honored in the same way that mothers were on Mother’s Day.
Toward that end, a Father’s Day observance was held there on June 19, 1910. Although that celebration was a local affair, the idea of Father’s Day picked up steam when it was supported by President Coolidge in 1924, but it would be another thirty years before Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress.
In 1966, the first Presidential Proclamation honoring fathers was issued by President Johnson, who designated the third Sunday in June of each year as Father’s Day. So what does this have to do with golf? A LOT if we’re talking about Father’s Day golf gifts, from books, apparel and accessories to golf lessons and fine wine and spirits! Consider these gift ideas:
Golfing with Dad: The Game’s Greatest Players Reflect on Their Fathers and the Game They Love—a heartwarming collection of some of the game’s greatest players favorite memories with their dads and how they shaped them as people and players. Many top players have been deeply influenced by their dads and contributed to this special book, including Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. A thoughtful gift, Golfing with Dad offers a rare, inside glimpse into the private family lives of some of the game’s greatest players.
Play It As It Lies: A Journey through Fatherhood and Golf — as a game so often shared between fathers and families, golf is a game that many of us can’t separate from memories of playing with our dads. Matthew Filner’s Play It As It Lies is a moving testament to why those memories are the greatest gifts golf can give us. Whether you’re a father, daughter, son or grandfather, there is a story that reminds us that golfing with dad (and mom!) is as good as golf gets. Tom Coyne, author of A Course Called Scotland.
Golf Apparel—Stylish, comfortable, and versatile apparel including shirts, pants, shorts, hats, shoes, and custom novelty socks are great gifts for golf-loving dads. Look for high quality materials and top cool brands that meet his fashion style, preferences, and taste. The possibilities are almost endless!
Golf Accessories—Looking for some quick, fun little gifts? How about a box of his favorite golf balls, sunglasses, glove, bag, custom tees, rangefinder, putting cups, caddie cooler, portable speaker, launch monitor, or cool club headcovers! These fun little gifts can help enhance his game and add convenience on the course.
Golf Lessons—How about a gift certificate for a golf lesson that can help improve his game and enjoy his performance on the course even more.
Fine Wine and Spirits: For added fun, relaxation and great times, how about a bottle of his favorite wine or tequila, vodka, whiskey or rum. Ahoy, Mateys! Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Just remind him to always drink responsibly both on and off the course!
Enjoy your walk and drink responsibly,
Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D.
