Every year, more and more women are taking up the game and sticking with it. In support of their new hobby (read: addiction), women require ample equipment, apparel and even golf getaways in which to test their newly found golf chops.

But let’s face it; one can’t bestow mom with cool golf gear and decadent vacations while dad wallows in pain at receiving yet another diagonal stripped tie. No worries, as a full slate of his and her golf gifts are there for the taking during this season of parental praise.

GEAR AND GOODS

Lija by Linda Hipp
www.lijastyle.com
604.270.6060
The latest offering from Vancouver, Canada-based designer Linda Hipp, Lija (pronounced lee-zha) is golf’s most fashion-forward, upscale women’s apparel line. For the past seven years, Hipp has designed uniquely universal wear made for all aspects of an active woman’s lifestyle, especially golf. Using the highest quality materials, Lija allows creative, independent women to look feminine and feel comfortable on- and off-course. The fastest growing brand in women’s golf, Lija’s Spring 2005 Collection features 160 fun, attractive and trend-setting pieces and is found in more than 750 discerning retailers in North America, including Marshall Fields and Nordstrom.
He likes: Scoring big points with a purchase from Lija.
She likes: The entire line, which looks as good on the course as off it.

PeakVision Sports Performance Eyewear
www.PeakVisionSports.com
888.856.3419
Future is so bright, you’ve gotta check out PeakVison Sports new line of eyewear for golfers. The company’s patented “Dual-Zone” technology enhances course contours and green undulations and can lead to marked game-improvement. All PeakVison Sport specs are made with revolutionary NXT materials that eliminate the distortion caused by typical polycarbonate-constructed lenses. Worn by PGA TOUR pros Scott McCarron, Billy Andrade and by rebel golf commentator David Feherty.
He likes: The game improvement potential and wearing what the pros wear.
She likes: The stylish frames and industry-leading durability.

Heavy Putter
www.heavyputter.com
888.PUTTER4
Heavy, as in twice the weight of a conventional putter (around two pounds). The Heavy Putter sports a scientifically engineered weighting system, a la Taylor Made’s R7 series driver, and features a 250-gram weight in the shaft. The result? Less hands and truer rolling putts. Heavy Putter recently tested as the most accurate flat stick on the market in independent tests with a putting robot.
He likes: Heavy, manly feel and masculine look.
She likes: The diverse, six-model line with plenty-o-putter to choose from.

ECCO Golf Shoes
www.eccousa.com
800.886.3226
By far and away the hottest shoe on the market, ECCO’s 2005 golf collection furthers the company’s evolution as maker of the most comfortable, technologically-advanced and fashionable shoes. ECCO is endorsed by PGA Tour young gun Aaron Baddeley, European Tour legend Colin Montgomerie, and LPGA Hall of Famer Juli Inkster.
He likes: Eleven models in 31 color combinations designed and engineered for men.
She likes: Eight models in 33 color combinations that are on the cutting-edge of women’s fashion.

Proderma Products
www.prodermaproducts.com
800.447.3035
For every 12 rounds of golf played, an unfortunate duffer somewhere contracts a form of skin disease, oftentimes in the form of skin cancer. Proderma Products – purveyors of sun and skin care products formulated specifically for golfers – recently introduced its SPF 30+ Prism Sunscreen. Prism goes on smooth, dries in less than 30 seconds, and lasts up to eight hours with one application. Proderma’s 13-line product line also includes facial moisturizers, SPF 30 lip balm, and windsdreen. Thirty-six holes, anyone?
He likes: Prism Sunscreen, which now dries in under 10 seconds and has an odorless, greaseless formula.
She likes: Moonscreen, which restores skin while she sleeps.

SofTrak Synthetic Putting Greens
www.versasport.com
877.694.7336
A high-performance, low-maintenance synthetic putting green brand offered exclusively by Wichita, Kansas-based Versa Sport International, SofTrak greens hold shots from as far out as 125 yards and are virtually maintenance free. So realistic, you can find SofTrak greens in the back yards of Tour players Fred Couples, Steve Flesch, Rich Beem, Donna Andrews and Bruce Lietzke. There are more than 55 SofTrak dealers nationwide who are certified to design and construct SofTrak greens for residences and businesses. Costs average about $15 per square foot, depending on the size of green. New this season is the “Play with a PGA TOUR Pro Giveaway.” Golfers can win an expenses-paid trip to Texas for a day of golf with Bruce Lietzke, who owns a SofTrak green, along with other prizes by registering for the contest at www.versasport.com
He likes: Sticking wedge shots from 125 yards out, 24/7 access to his own practice facility.
She likes: Non-intimidating, private venue to work on her game.

Graphite Design International Golf Club Shafts
www.gdintl.com
888.707.6132
Graphite Design's popular, high-performance, graphite and multi-material golf club shafts are widely used on the PGA TOUR and were in the bags of 39 Tour winners worldwide in 2004, including the Masters and PGA Championship victors. GDI's focus is to achieve optimal distance and accuracy for players of all skill levels. In addition to TOUR professionals, everyday golfers using GDI shafts experience game improvement in the form of superior accuracy, distance, balance, control, trajectory and impact feedback. For 2005, GDI has introduced its revolutionary Tour AD shaft line – the most popular shaft on the Japan PGA TOUR for over two years -- in the U.S., and recently unveiled its new-look, high-performance YS+ line.
He likes: The extra distance and accuracy GDI shafts provide off the tee.
She likes: GDI’s new TOUR AD Hybrid Series shafts – perfect for her new set up hybrid woods and irons.

DANDY DESTINATIONS

Ben Sutton Golf Schools near Tampa, FL
www.golfschool.com
800.225.6923
Always dreamed of getting serious about your game and getting seriously better? Ben Sutton Golf Schools is your chance, thanks to the tough-but-fun, call-it-like-they-see-it instruction that has proven effective for tens of thousands of golfers the past 35 years. Recognized as the longest-running and only true destination golf school in the U.S. , golfers from around the world have studied the game under the school’s real-game simulated conditions. Male and female students of all ages and abilities “learn golf where they play golf” at the school’s own 50-acre, configure-it-as-you-like-it practice facility. Support instruction areas include a short game center and 12,000-square-foot putting and chipping green.
He likes: Golf boot camp mentality that takes instruction seriously.
She likes: Unique “For Women Only” programs that feature only female instructors and students for a comfortable, non-in tim idating learning environment.

Camp Creek Golf Club, Panama City Beach, FL
850.231.7600
www.stjoegolf.com
WaterColor Inn & Spa, Seagrove Beach, FL
866.426.2656
www.watercolorinn.com
A true gem of Florida’s Great Northwest, this Tom Fazio-designed masterpiece features a unique “dunescape” appearance, contoured fairways, large landing areas and spectacular vistas. Ranked as the number one new course in all of Florida by Travel and Leisure Golf (December 2004), Camp Creek is conveniently located just off Scenic Highway 30-A west of Panama City Beach. Minutes away, the delightful and internationally acclaimed WaterColor Inn is the perfect reward for golfers seeking the ultimate in chic comfort. Amenities at WaterColor include a new spa, beach club and the heralded Fish Out Of Water restaurant.
He likes: Muscular, stunning Camp Creek Golf Club.
She likes: Luxurious digs and relaxing spa treatments at the WaterColor Inn & Spa.

Circling Raven Golf Club and Coeur d'Alene Casino & Resort Hotel, Worley, ID
www.cdacasino.com
800.523.2464
Easily accessible, yet just far enough from civilization, Circling Raven has already been awarded best-of status by GOLF, Golf Digest, Golfweek, Zagat Survey, and Men’s Health, in just its first full year of operation. A member of the brand-new Idaho Golf Trail and owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, this 7,189-yard Gene Bates-designed layout takes full advantage of its stunning setting, where pine-draped mountains, forested meadows and protected wetlands surround and the occasional elk or moose may ask to play through. The adjacent Coeur d'Alene Casino and its hotel offer top-notch entertainment, dining and gaming. Adjacent to the course and of which the course is part, the resort includes 202 hotel rooms, casino, events center, buffet, and restaurant, off-track betting and conference/convention facilities.
He likes: Stunning scenery and spine-tingling challenge of Bates designed golf course.
She likes: Playing 18 holes in the morning and hitting the gaming floor by night.

Gulf Shores (AL) Golf Association
www.golfgulfshores.com
With 10 superb public courses and a host of other attractions – from deep-sea charter boat fishing to 32 miles of sugar white sand beaches and mouth-watering seafood – Gulf Shores has rapidly become one of the best new golf destinations in the U.S. Kiva Dunes Golf and Beach Resort has the crown jewel of golf courses (designed by U.S. Open winner Jerry Pate) with first-class accommodations at Kiva Lodge.
He likes: A steady diet of 36 holes a day capped by fresh seafood dinners at night.
She likes: Mile after mile of sugar white sand beaches and lots of shopping options.

Nakoma Resort and Spa, Graeagle, CA
www.nakomaresort.com
800.368.7786
Located in the High Sierras of Northern California near Reno, this golf-and-spa resort residential property features the luxury villas of Gold Mountain, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Designed by Taliesin Architects, the extension of legendary Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture practice founded in 1898, the Villas of Gold Mountain cost $575 to $900 a night in which to stay and feature off-the-charts serenity and amenities, including the charming, soothing boutique spa. Rental and fractional ownership privileges can also be purchased at The Villas. Wright's brilliant organic architecture is evident everywhere at Gold Mountain, including the Nakoma clubhouse, a 24,000 original Wright design built authentically some 70-plus years after Wright conceptualized it. Also included is the Dragon Golf Course, a fire-breathing Robin Nelson design considered one of the most visually stunning and challenging layouts in the American West.
He likes: Testing his mettle against one of the toughest tracks west of the Pecos.
She likes: Sampling the Dragon, then soaking up the architectural and design nuances of the unique property and taking luxurious afternoon spa treatments.

Saddle Creek Resort, Copperopolis, CA
www.saddlecreek.com
888.852.5787
One of the state’s top-10 courses (Golfweek, March 2005), Saddle Creek is the centerpiece of a 900-acre gated community in California’s “Gold Rush” foothills 2 ½ hours from San Francisco. The Carter Moorish design features more than 100 white-sand bunkers, bordering scrub oak trees, serene streams and a dramatic landscape. Amenities include superb cuisine, distinctive homes, course-side bungalows, fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, tennis, bocce ball, nearby historical sites and boutique shopping.
He likes: Dodging bunkers and streams while going low on at one of California’s highest ranked courses.
She likes: Miles of hiking, biking and walking trails and a good night’s sleep in the Lodge Bungalows.

SouthWood Golf Club, Tallahassee, FL
www.stjoegolf.com
(850) 942.4653
Located at the heart of Tallahassee’s SouthWood Community, this Fred Couples/Gene Bates design has quickly become one of the nation’s most heralded new courses. Gracefully capturing the charm of the Old South, SouthWood was the only club in Florida to be ranked as one of “America’s Best New Courses” by Golf Digest (January 2004). Meandering through low country, high country, secluded woods and open land, the layout is dotted by ancient, Spanish Moss-draped oak trees and provides an unforgettable golf experience for players of all skill levels.
He likes: Eighteen holes in the morning, catching a Florida State Seminoles game in the afternoon.
She likes: Woman-friendly course design and quaint SouthWood cottages.

State of Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail
www.audubongolftrail.com
The trail features Louisiana at its finest with great golf, exquisite seafood and its inimitable Cajun culture. Ten courses dot the environmentally-sensitive trail. They include the TPC of Louisiana (the brand-new Pete Dye design near New Orleans, which made its debut hosting the PGA TOUR’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans this May), Carter Plantation (Louisiana native David Toms’ award-winning design near Baton Rogue), Hal Sutton's Olde Oaks (Shreveport), and the critically-acclaimed Gray Plantation (Lake Charles).
He likes: Playing where the pros play at the TPC of Louisiana, followed by some of Chef Dwight Sherman’s mouth-watering seafood gumbo.
She likes: A night on the town in New Orleans, steeped in the tastes and smells of the local cuisine and soaked in the sounds of jazz and blues.

State of Mississippi: Great Golf and Much More
http://www.visitmississippi.org/ , www.magnoliagolftrail.com
If golf and gaming is your cup of tea, Mississippi is hard to beat. From Gulfport-Biloxi on the Gulf Coast to Tunica and Tupelo in Northern Mississippi near Memphis, Mississippi features five distinct regions with five distinct golf destinations and experiences. Regions include the Delta, Coastal, Pines, Hills, and Capital-River, with no two offering the same local culture and all offering different golf terrain and course types. Courses are designed by the likes of Fazio-Pate (Dancing Rabbit, rated the No. 34 best course in the U.S. by Golf Magazine), Nicklaus (Grand Bear), Palmer (The Bridges), Davis Love III (Shell Landing), with a $33 million sensation coming on board later this year near Biloxi by Fazio (Fallen Oak). Mississippi is also home to the value-laden Magnolia Golf Trail. With 14 courses clustered around the state providing high-quality fun during the day, a smorgasbord of Southern hospitality and sparkling ne! w resort casinos covering the nightlife, the Magnolia Trail is an unsung standout.
He likes: Golf course variety coupled with brand spanking new casinos.
She likes: Playability of courses and superb beaches of Gulfport/Biloxi.

Victoria Hills Golf Club, DeLand, FL
www.stjoegolf.com
386.738.6000
Recently named the No. 7 course you can play in all of Florida by Golfweek, Victoria Hills is tucked away in the historic college town of DeLand, just north of Orlando. Designed by Florida native Ron Garl, this majestic layout boasts more than 50 feet of elevation change, taking advantage of the area’s natural rolling hills, foliage and wetlands. Tall pines and hearty oaks frame the course while sandy waste areas and pristine lakes make for inspiring sight lines. Other accolades for Victoria Hills include being named to GOLF Magazine’s prestigious list of the “Top 10 You Can Play,” selection as the “No. 2 Florida Public Course of the New Millennium” by T+L Golf and receiving a 4-1/2 star ranking from Golf Digest.
He likes: Visually stunning Ron Garl design that ranks as one of Sunshine State’s best.
She likes: State-of-the-art practice facility with double-sided range and unlimited balls where she can work on her game.