Necessities

New grips can make a huge difference in your game. They give you more control and comfort for a better feel and swing. New shoes may also be a necessity. Some well-known companies offer shoes with excellent breathability, cushioned comfort, prolonged durability and outstanding support. If you don't want to part with your shoes just yet, you could take one step at a time and replace your softspikes to improve your balance and stability. You also may need to replace your glove or golf bag.

If your gear is in great condition, maybe it's your game that needs revitalizing. Don't be embarrassed to hint to your family and friends that you need a training aid to help you eliminate your flaws. They've figured out by now that you're not perfect and they still love you, so rest easy. Training aids are available for every flaw imaginable at a wide variety of prices. A good place to find the one that suits you is at www.4golftraining.com. It offers aids for problems with the wrist, ankle, elbow, knee and even your tempo, at a price range of $19.95 to $59.95. There are also videotapes and books to help you with your game.

The best way to polish your skills is to take private lessons. Renowned golf academies such as Ken Venturi, America's Favorite Golf Schools and Ben Sutton, to name a few, employ experienced instructors who will work with you one-on-one and give you the kind of results only a professional can give. Your gift-giver can choose to reserve anywhere from a half-day to a five-day workshop at a city nearby or across the country, depending on his or her budget.